THE CHUCKLE WOBBLES

In this children’s book, McDonell creates a fantastical world where unusual creatures spread joy and happiness to other, sadder planets.

Chuckle Wobbles are clever beings who hail from a world called Mirth, and they’re the custodians of Portals to Other Planets, a magical book that was found by a Chuckle Wobble named Hilarity many years ago. It’s now watched over by two other Chuckle Wobbles, Giggle and Cackle. One day, it opens to the page about Mopus and the Doldrums, a group that “are grumpy, grouchy and full of gloom.” They fear Mirth’s residents: “They creep up on us, casting happy spells. Doldrums like being miserable. It’s just who we are.” The Chuckle Wobbles use the book to travel to Mopus, where they find heartbreaking sadness. As they try to figure out how to bring joy to this planet once again, they eat local food that makes them feel cranky (“Cranky Chocolate Cake”) and jittery (“Jittery Junket”). They also meet a helpful Doldrum named Blubber, who’s initially unaware that they’re Chuckle Wobbles. Together, they find the magical “Bamboozle Woods,” a mysterious “Red Door,” and a being called the Watcher, who proves to be a key figure in their journey. Overall, McDonell’s story is delightful: It effectively gets across the transformative power of happiness in a quest narrative with mystery and puzzle-solving elements. It’s a detailed tale that is likely to keep younger independent readers engaged throughout, as in a scene in which the Watcher helps the Chuckle Wobbles solve a riddle that lets them save Mopus and the Doldrums. The story is supported by whimsical, full-color, painterly illustrations by Kantor, featuring lovable creatures that will keep the young audience turning pages.

A well-illustrated story of space aliens spreading happiness wherever they go.