I have read two books by Tom Angleberger, The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, and Horton Halfpott or The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor or The Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's Corset. Both are comic children's or YA novels, but are quite different from each other.
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is a casebook of anecdotes from the adventures of Origami Yoda. Dwight has created Yoda, but Yoda's advice is too wise, too apt, and too perfect to have come from the socially inept Dwight. Because yes, while the advice's wisdom may not always be immediately evident, Yoda is always right. Tommy, who is the casebook author seeks an explanation for Yoda's wisdom as he asks gathers the stories of Yoda's triumphs over evil as evidence of his powers. I am sooooo looking forward to Darth Paper Strikes Back.
Horton Halfpott, as should be obvious from its extensive title is a wonderful romp around Smugwick Manor, where the family are horrors and the servants are heroes (except perhaps for the evil cook, Miss Neversly, who wields a dangerous spoon.) This is a great way to introduce children to the grand tradition of the English farce. Angleberger is a master of witty word-play, some of which will go over the heads of young readers who will still find much to chuckle about. As the narrator describes M'Lady Luggertuck's perfume he claims, "The thick stone walls of Smugwick Manor once, long ago, held up against an assault by Belgian Crusaders, but they were no match for 'Eau d'Peccary,' which stormed the old castle like a berserker." This would really be a great book for parent and child to read together so the parent can explain why he is convulsed in laughter once a page.
