An early chapter book about a laughing hyena who yearns to be a stand-up comedian that will have kids rolling with laughter

When the spotted hyenas in Katrina’s clan laugh, it’s meant as a warning to alert the clan that danger is near. But that’s not why Katrina laughs. Katrina laughs because she thinks the world is just sooooo funny!

This causes great frustration with the other hyenas. Every single time Katrina starts laughing, they think she’s in danger and rush to help her. What if Gary the Lion is on the prowl?!

Katrina, whose dream is to be a stand-up comedian, thinks her stressed-out clan worries too much about Gary, so she decides to help them relax by putting on a comedy show.

This laugh-out-loud story will have readers developing their own jokes, and the hilarious illustrations will act as a helpful guide for emerging readers, who will devour chapter after chapter. The recurring theme of self-acceptance assures readers that it’s okay to be different, and that sometimes it’s our differences that make us special.

SOPHIE KOHN’s work has appeared in the The New Yorker, McSweeney’s, and Reader’s Digest. She teaches humor writing from her home in Nelson, British Columbia.

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Aparna Varma is a freelance illustrator, animator and owner of the stationary company Green Bean Studio. She is the illustrator of Anne and Her Tower of Giraffes, Champion Chompers, Super Stinkers and Other Poems by Extraordinary Animals and Pig's Big Feelings. Aparna divides her time between working at Nelvana Studio and illustrating children's books. Born and raised in India and Botswana, she now lives in Toronto, Ontario.

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"Silly jokes about animals and bodily functions will tickle young readers in this quirky story about embracing one's unique role within the community ... ideal for early chapter book readers."

Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database

"This snappily paced text is brimming with child appeal."

Kirkus Reviews

"A great book for beginner readers. The pace is brisk, and the narrative is full of groan-worthy jokes that kids are sure to love."

Canadian Review of Materials