Awful Library Books

  • Magically shaped food

    Magically shaped food

    Hostess Magic Recipes for Great Entertaining May 1984 I actually thought this book was much older than 1984, given the black and white photos and the squared off kebob on the cover. (Personal bias: I like food to actually look like food, not a demo of solid geometry.) Aside from the…

  • Secrets about Fonzie

    Secrets about Fonzie

    The Truth About Fonzie Herz 1976 From the Happy Days Files, here is the definitive work about the Fonz. Happy Days was a family favorite back when I was a teenager. I am sure if you are my age or older you probably did invoke the phrase “sit on it”…

  • A Mime Two-fer

    A Mime Two-fer

    Be a Mime Stolzenberg 2001 Submitter: I have another mime book that I found at my local library. Although the print date is 2001, the photos look like the 1970’s. Unlike Mary, I am not disturbed by clowns and mimes. However this book gave me a case of the shakes.…

  • Bang Bang You’re Dead

    Bang Bang You’re Dead

    Bang Bang You’re Dead Fitzhugh and Scoppettone 1969. Submitter: Target audience on cover flap: K-3.  In today’s climate, kids shooting guns, kids aiming guns at one another – heck, guns in general! – in a children’s book are tough to explain. Some of the text, such as “‘I got you…

  • Be Courageous and meet John Stamos

    Be Courageous and meet John Stamos

    Yes, I Can! Sanford 1992 Long time readers will automatically recognize the creepy style of illustrations. (Newbies to our site probably should warm up with the our category of Doris Hall of Infamy.) Today’s story features Stacy and her cerebral palsy. She is just like you, but evidently people treat…

  • Fun and Fancy Fashion!

    Fun and Fancy Fashion!

    Fun and Fancy Jackets and Vests Folk Art Using No-Sew Applique 1995 Tired of the cardigan? Try a snazzy vest to jazz up the library! These are FUN and FANCY! How can you not love it? No Sew applique is a craft/sewing skill that does deserve a space on the…