Almost everyone loves a good laugh. Laughter plays an important role in child development. Happy children are healthy children. So, let’s look at some recent books that can add joy — some elicit a little chuckle and some bring tears of mirth.

Picture Books

The quasi-evil Ugly Fish by Kara LaReau and Scott Magoon is the baddest boy in the tank. His idea of relationships with his fellow fish may not appeal to all young readers. This problem causes him to realize that he is not having fun. When he tries to befriend a large newcomer, he soon finds out what it’s like to be a “small fry.”

Every parent has been put through a series of seemingly endless questions by their beloved child. In Why Do I Have to Eat Off the Floor? by Chris Hornsey and Gwyn Perkins, the inquiries come from the child’s dog, Murphy. Clear, simple illustrations add charm to this turn-about tale (tail?) in which life’s mysteries are solved by a strong declarative sentence.

The End by David LaRochelle and Richard Egielski is how this one-of-a-kind pseudo-fairytale begins. Adults and well-read children should appreciate the reverse technique of storytelling. The storyline itself is a humorous composite of classic character types. Bright, colorful, child-friendly illustrations add immensely to the enjoyment of this unusual presentation.

Easy Readers

Two bovine beauties seek to help their farm family, who are short a little cash, in Minnie and Moo: Wanted Dead or Alive by Denys Cazet. One cannot help but love these cows as they go about the business of unintentionally robbing a bank. This title is a recent installment in the hilarious Minnie and Moo series. It is a laugh-out-loud romp for young and old.

Three dragons try to plan something special for a friend in Happy Birthday, Good Knight by Shelley Moore Thomas. They work diligently on a cake, a card and a magic show. Each of their efforts results in a minor mistake and a major mess. The outcome is a story of caring, friendship and fun with three little dragons and one Good Knight.

Mrs. Teaberry and Mr. Putter are elderly neighbors who have a pet dog and cat, respectively. Feeling that he has not done enough for the kindly woman next door, Mr. Putter offers to serve afternoon tea for Mrs. Teaberry’s knitting circle. In Mr. Putter & Tabby Spin the Yarn by Cynthia Rylant, chaos breaks out when the dog and cat get a little too involved. This is a new adventure in the amusing Mr. Putter & Tabby series.

Chapter Books

Dossier 003 of The Stink Files: You Only Have Nine Lives by Holm & Hamel is preceded by two other titles involving feline agent James Edward Bristlefur, animal of international intrigue. On the way to being a “spokescat” for French gourmet cat food, he and his human family encounter Prince Furrdinand as well as villains Macavity and Ratsputin. Perhaps this is more of an adventure than they expect.

Chet Gecko, Private Eye, a student at Emerson Hicky Elementary School, gets involved in politics in one of the newer Chet Gecko mysteries. In The Possum Always Rings Twice by Bruce Hale, the reptilian amateur detective and his partner Natalie Attired, a mockingbird, go through humorous investigations in chapters whose names alone attract interest, such as “Every Frog Has His Day,” “Too Marvelous for Birds” and “Campaign and Caviar.”

With mystery and complexity, Two Hot Dogs with Everything by Paul Haven should draw in the sophisticated male reader. Eleven-year-old Danny Gurkin is a loyal fan, as in baseball fanatic. Folklore and superstitions abound in this intricate story, woven with curious sideplots in an action sports comedy.

Get a Clue @ the Silas Bronson Library

The Silas Bronson Library in Waterbury is participating in the national Summer Reading Collaborative for its programs in 2007. Every child who signs up to read — or to be read to — during the summer, beginning Monday, June 18, gets a valuable bag of coupons, vouchers and small gifts. As they progress in their summer reading, children receive incentives and are eligible for big gift basket raffles on Wednesday, August 22. The last few years have had record numbers of participants and record numbers of donations for prizes. Every child is invited to join.

Just before the summer programs, on the evening of Monday, June 11, The Mystery of Creating the Impossible with the Magic of Jim and Sandy Sisti will be featured in a Patio presentation. The following Monday evening, June 18, is the official launch of the Summer Reading Club, which begins with the incredible Taikoza on the Patio in The Mystery of Japanese Dance and Drumming. These two spectacular shows are free of charge and should not be missed. During July and August, the fun continues with additional mystery Summer Programs and special Family Information Nights.

The Silas Bronson Library is located at 267 Grand Street in Waterbury. For more information visit bronsonlibrary.org or call 203-574-8212 for free registration.

Paul J. Bisnette is head of Children’s Services at the Silas Bronson Library in Waterbury.