Non-Fiction Shortlist – The Laugh Out Loud Book Awards 2024

Cats: Understanding Your Whiskered Friend by Dr John Bradshaw and Clare Elsom

Learn about the secret life of cats from pet expert, Dr John Bradshaw.

Join Libby as she goes about her day outside on her own and at home with her family. Discover how Libby maps out her neighbourhood – using her amazing nose and memory, Libby learns where it is safe and where to avoid. Follow Libby as she tries to make friends with other cats. Understand what your cat means when she meows and purrs. Help your cat feel comfortable at home – teach her where’s ok to scratch, how to use her cat flap and pick up tips about how to play together.

After a day following Libby, you’ll understand all about your whiskered friend. Purr . . .!

Gross FACTopia! Follow the Trail of 400 Foul Facts by Paige Towler and Andy Smith

Did you know that sloths poo only once a week? Or that poo from crocodiles was sometimes used as make-up in ancient Rome? Or that ancient Romans sometimes purchased vials of gladiator sweat? Or that apes and monkeys sweat from their armpits just like humans do?

Welcome to Gross FACTopia!, a wonderland of fantastically foul facts, all of which are verified by Encyclopaedia Britannica! Every fact in this book is linked to the next in an ingenious trail of information, where you will slither from topic to topic in surprising and stomach-churning ways. Sometimes your path branches, and you can catapult forwards or creep backwards to a totally different (but still connected) part of the book. Follow your curiosity (and your nose) through this ridiculously revolting world of facts!

The Funny Life of Football by James Campbell and Rob Jones

Want to know why OCTOPUSES can’t play football? And how to play the game across multiple DIMENSIONS? How about learning the REAL RULES of how football is played, why Henry VIII banned it, plus where it came from and who the greatest players of ALL TIME are?

Whether you love a game of TABLE FOOTBALL, can’t get enough of BACK-GARDEN BALL, only enjoy the game from your SOFA or would sooner swim with sharks than play it, if you LOVE to LAUGH – then this is the book for you!

What Goes Up White and Comes Down Yellow? by Gyles Brandreth

When first I appear I seem mysterious, But when I am explained I am nothing serious.

What am I?

A RIDDLE!

Was that too easy? How about what goes ninety-nine BONK (a centipede with a wooden leg)? Or which famous book was written by Charles Chickens (Great EGGspectations, of course!).

In this book you’ll find a whole host of amazing riddles. Some will get you head scratching, some will make you laugh, and all are a lot of fun.