Barnett and John’s 'Funny Business' is like a love letter to classic kid-lit mischief, but with a modern twist. The plot revolves around Miles and Niles, two prank-loving kids whose world gets turned upside down when their strict principal suddenly quits, replaced by a guy who encourages their antics. At first, it’s a dream come true—until they start suspecting he’s using them for something bigger. The story’s pacing is perfect, with each chapter building on the last, leading to a climax where the boys have to outsmart the adults in a way that’s both clever and satisfying.
The book’s charm lies in its subversion of expectations. Normally, you’d think the kids would be the ones learning a lesson, but here, the adults are just as flawed (if not more so). The pranks are inventive, but what really sticks with me is how the authors weave in themes of trust and teamwork. It’s not just about laughs; it’s about figuring out who’s really on your side. Plus, the dialogue is so sharp—you can tell Barnett and John have a blast writing these characters. If you’re into books like 'Captain Underpants' or 'Big Nate,' this’ll be right up your alley.
I picked up 'Funny Business' on a whim, and wow, did it deliver! The story follows Miles and Niles, two prankster BFFs who thrive on chaos—until their school gets a new principal who’s oddly into their mischief. The plot takes a turn when they realize he might be manipulating them, and suddenly, their pranks become a tool for justice. The humor’s top-notch, but what got me was how the book handles the kids’ growing suspicion. It’s like a mini mystery wrapped in jokes, with a finale that’s both chaotic and heartwarming. The art’s playful, too, adding extra layers to the gags. Definitely a gem for anyone who loves stories where the underdogs outwit the system.
Oh, 'Funny Business' is this hilarious graphic novel by the Terrible Two duo, Mac Barnett and Jory John, with illustrations by Kevin Cornell! It follows two best friends, Miles and Niles, who are pranksters extraordinaire at their school. The story kicks off when their principal, who’s usually their nemesis, gets replaced by a new guy who’s… weirdly supportive of their pranks? It’s a total role reversal, and The Boys don’t know how to handle it. The plot thickens when they realize the new principal might have his own sneaky agenda, and suddenly, their pranks aren’t just for fun—they’re a way to uncover the truth.
What I love about this book is how it balances humor with heart. The pranks are creative (think fake UFO sightings and cafeteria chaos), but underneath, there’s a sweet message about friendship and figuring out when to break the rules—and when to play by them. The dynamic between Miles and Niles is pure gold, full of witty banter and loyalty. And the art? Cornell’s illustrations add so much personality, from exaggerated facial expressions to visual gags hidden in the background. It’s the kind of book that makes you snort-laugh but also leaves you rooting for the troublemakers.
2026-01-23 18:33:58
17
View All Answers
Scan code to download App
Related Books
He Made Me the Joke, So I Went Home to the Mafia
Heliotrope
9.8
42.8K
Every April Fools’ Day, Wilson Hale and Chloe Mercer turned our anniversary into a joke.
A fake proposal. A trick ring. A room full of laughter.
And every year, Wilson was sure I loved him too much to leave.
This year, cake cream slid down my face, my ring hit the marble floor, and he still smiled like I would forgive him by morning.
He forgot one thing.
I was not Vivian Gray, the lonely girl with nowhere to go.
I was Vivian Vescari, daughter of the most feared mafia family on the East Coast.
I had left that world because I wanted to be loved before anyone knew my name.
For six years, I thought Wilson was that man.
Then I learned even his first confession had been an April Fools’ bet.
So I stopped being the joke.
I went home.
Twenty-two years old, Aurora Torres suddenly disappeared when she learned that her father made an agreement that was against her will. She had a simple life away from her parents, but after two years of being separated from them, she was forced to return because her father needed her help.
Upon her return, she openly accepted the wedding arrangement of a stranger named, Damien Harrison.
Even before their marriage, they both agreed to make a rule— their marriage was only up to a piece of the paper.
Will Aurora and Damien's business marriage last for a lifetime? Or will they end up never falling in love with each other?
Meet Emily Collins, the devoted secretary with a knack for mismatched fashion, and Oliver Sterling, the brilliant but enigmatic CEO. Their worlds collide when Oliver, facing an unexpected ultimatum from his grandfather, turns to Emily for an unconventional solution. While Emily dreams of saving a million dollars and bidding goodbye to her corporate life, Oliver's goal is to introduce his secret actress girlfriend to his family.
Caught between family expectations and a reluctant girlfriend, Oliver proposes a daring deal to Emily: a six-month contract where she pretends to be his girlfriend. The offer comes with a tempting promise—enough money to fast-track Emily's savings goal. As the two plunge into their fake romance, cue the funny twist—Emily knows every quirk and detail about Oliver, right down to the size of his ring finger, but Oliver doesn't know a thing about Emily.
With the lines between reality and pretense blurring, the stage is set for a romantic collision where one is poised to fall in love, and the other is destined to fall even harder.
Gina was a fine statement of a woman. She was intelligent, beautiful, glamourous, and ran a free lifestyle. Her beauty and charm should've set her life for good, she could marry a rich man and be the trophy wife.
But she met The Boss, who introduced her to the world of business and professionalism, who brought up a side of her she didn't know existed. As she grew under his wings, she developed a strong feeling for him, but her romantic interest was unrequited, or so it seemed. It was a strange relationship she was not familiar with and was trying to grasp. One she had to deny until it came to clarity.
Then Rhonda, her best friend, who was almost as beautiful, and sexually provocative, came to the mix. Clarity never came and Gina had to learn a new kind of relationship. One that had no bounds to define, one that was so volatile. Between indulging in the interests of other fine males on her and her growing interest in her boss, Gina had to navigate her choice carefully.
Could a woman with all the worldly choices available to her risk them entirely and choose an unbeaten path to seek and experience a new kind of love?
So, do we have a deal?
Lexi's world is turned upside down when she strikes a business arrangement with the cold-hearted billionaire and notorious heartthrob, Brandon Wilson. Her sole objective is to save her sister, who desperately needs a kidney transplant. However, will this deal improve her life, or will it lead to consequences that are far worse than her initial situation?
Hero and Lyra are more than just friends...
In the morning, Lyra Semana is a very strict professor to Hero, her outspoken and handsome student in Business Law and Policy.
In the evenings, Hero Agpalza is a very demanding superior to Lyra, his smart and seductive "Business Consultant".
They never planned their relationship to be like this but it had to happen for both their sakes and sanity.
Lyra needs to help Hero stop a ruthless and unknown killer who intends to take over his family's business. Meanwhile, Hero needs to financially support the hospitalization of Lyra's parents and save her from a very dangerous and obsessive ex.
Will all these issues find a way to make them realize their love for each other or will they end up being alone and apart instead?
Or even worse... dead.
----------
Check out my interview with GoodNovel here: https://tinyurl.com/y23rvs6n
I absolutely adore 'Funny Business'—it's one of those books that feels like a warm hug with its quirky characters and hilarious situations. The story revolves around Jamie Kelly, the protagonist whose diary-style narration makes everything feel extra personal and relatable. Her best friend, Isabella, is this spunky, confident girl who balances Jamie's neurotic energy perfectly, and then there's Angeline, the 'perfect' girl who Jamie loves to hate (but secretly admires). The dynamic between these three is pure gold, full of middle-school drama, exaggerated misunderstandings, and heartwarming moments.
Then there's the supporting cast, like Jamie's goofy dad, her eternally patient mom, and her nemesis-turned-reluctant-friend, Mike Pillsbury. Even the smaller characters, like the eccentric teachers or the weird kid in class, add so much flavor to the story. What I love is how each character feels like someone you might’ve actually known in school—flaws, quirks, and all. It’s chaotic, nostalgic, and just a blast to read.