In Melbourne, it’s time for the annual Comedy Festival. We all need a laugh more than ever, and who doesn’t love to hear the sound of kids laughing? Our Aussie comedians are a prolific bunch, so it’s time to celebrate books written by Australian comedians…

Rockstar Detectives by Adam Hills

When a priceless painting goes missing, Charley - a 12-year-old viral singing sensation - and her best friend George - camera whizz and budding comedian - are shocked to discover they’re the prime suspects. Now Charley and George have to prove they’re not international criminals - all while nailing a stellar European tour and keeping up with their homework!

A fun read for ages 8 and up.

Frankie Fish and the Sonic Suitcase by Peter Helliar

Frankie Fish hates visiting his grandparents. Grandad Fish is cranky, and yells a lot, and has a creepy hook for a hand. But Grandad has been building a Time Machine, and has plans to get his missing hand back.

When Grandad goes back in time, he accidentally wipes out Frankie’s entire family, except for Frankie and Grandad! As the last Fish men standing, Frankie and Grandad must race back in time to undo this terrible mistake.

The first in a hilarious 6-book series for readers aged 8 and up.

Timmy the Ticked-Off Pony by Magda Szubanski

Timmy is rude. He’s lazy. He’s always cranky. And he’s also one of the most famous ponies in all the known world! Until one day when…POO HAPPENS.

Surely one little poo of excitement can’t ruin Timmy’s life. Can it? Yes, it can.

This is the first book in a 4-book series of books about Timmy, suitable for readers aged 7 and up.

Charlie and the War against the Grannies by Alan Brough

Charlie wants a paper round more than anything in the world, but his attempts to get one are met with mystery and bizarre, unexpected hostility from the elderly women in his Melbourne neighbourhood.

Plenty of funny tangents and gags give this book a very high giggle-per-page rating, especially for those who delight in gross stuff and fart jokes.

This first book in a duology is great fun for ages 8 and up.

The Carbon Neutral Adventures of the Indefatigable Enviroteens by First Dog on the Moon

The EnviroTeens are very, very angry. Single-use Plastic Brendan may have an evil plan to destroy all the world’s turtles with his dastardly tur-tele-pooter but, believe it or not, there is something even more sinister… Climate change!

The EnviroTeens will do anything to stop this impending disaster. But can three teenagers and a chicken save the whole world? A hilarious graphic novel about a group of teens who are determined to clean the planet and clear the air.

Suitable for ages 11 and up.