We’re getting silly in this week’s blog post! While BC’s authors and publishers are known for their heartfelt memoirs, moving fiction, and illuminating histories, there are many comedic writers publishing right here in BC! We’ve curated a selection of some of the funniest forthcoming books and new releases for you to enjoy this spring.
Comedy for Kids
I’m the Boss! by Elise Gravel, translated by Charles Simard (Orca Book Publishers)
Written by the Governor General Award-winning author of La clé à molette, I’m the Boss will have kids and grownups alike laughing out loud. The author, Elise Gravel, is known for her quirky humour and whimsical illustrations, which have been captured perfectly by translator Charles Simard.
The Museum of Odd Body Leftovers: A Tour of Your Useless Parts, Flaws, and Other Weird Bits by Rachel Poliquin, illustrated by Clayton Hanmer (Greystone Kids)
Laugh and learn with this fantastic new STEM resource. This illustrated science book takes readers on a tour through the human body, exploring all the funny things that happen to us everyday—like hiccups and goosebumps! Perfect for readers aged 7-11.
Available for pre-order. Releasing Fall 2022!
Give Me a Snickle! by Alisha Sevigny (Orca Book Publishers)
Using photos of laughing babies from across the world, this book celebrates the loving bond between caregivers and kids. The funny, read-aloud board book uses quirky language and feel-good images that will be sure to leave readers and families delighted by the silly fun.
In the Key of Dale by Benjamin Lefebvre (Arsenal Pulp Press)
This YA novel was described by Melanie J. Fishbane—author of Maud: A Novel Inspired by the Life of L.M. Montgomery—as “an ode to queer teens—and artists!” In The Key of Dale mixes equal parts comedy and tragedy to create an affecting coming-of-age story about fitting in and growing up.
Available for pre-order. Releasing Fall 2022!
Comedy for Adults
Return to Solitude: More Desolation Sound Adventures with the Cougar Lady, Russell the Hermit, the Spaghetti Bandit and Others by Grant Lawrence (Harbour Publishing)
Broadcaster and musician Grant Lawrence has penned a follow up to his acclaimed memoir, Adventures in Solitude. In this new installment, Lawrence reflects on the history of the Desolation Sound and paints a portrait of life on the West Coast. Filled with eclectic characters, brought to life by Lawrence’s signature wit.
Mennonite Valley Girl: A Wayward Coming of Age by Carla Funk (Greystone Books)
A hilarious coming-of-age story about a clever and angsty young girl looking for independence in an isolated Mennonite community. The book includes witty musings on Mennonite culture and family values, and offers readers a nostalgic romp through the 1980s.
Safety in Bear Country by Heather Paul (Now Or Never Publishing)
A funny fiction debut by Heather Paul. The novel follows recent art school graduate, Serena, through small-town Ontario, Australia, northern British Columbia and Miami as she explores spirituality, activism and psychedelics while trying to find her place in the world.
Wildlife for Idiots by Adrian Raeside (Harbour Publishing)
Adrian Raeside is known as the creator of the popular The Other Coast comic strip, which appears in over two hundred newspapers. Wildlife for Idiots includes some of the cartoonist’s most popular strips that will have you laughing out loud.
Available for pre-order. Releasing Fall 2022!