Funny Bones is a mammoth anthology (100 stories) that includes some of Australia’s bestselling authors and illustrators, as well as comedians, actors and television personalities. All have given their work to raise funds for War Child Australia: a charity which supports children in some of the most dangerous, war-torn places in the world. This is a great cause for any reader, or school, to get behind.

Some of the stories are in comic form. Some are illustrated jokes, ranging from one-liners to complicated puns. Some of the authors share funny things that happened to them when they were young. Some are complete works of fiction; aliens, a murder mystery (or is it?) and even a modern-day folk tale.

There are plenty of stories that rely on the obligatory boogers and farts, but there are also lots of others that rise above that level of humour. From funny poems, to cartoon characters; from tackling climate change to fitting in at school; there is something here for everyone.

Reviewed by Wendy Noble
Age Guide 8+