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Funnybones
Mystery Tour
Three skeletons take a mystery tour and uncover several mysteries by shining a light on some suspicious objects
32 pages, Library Binding
First published October 1, 1990
About the author
Allan Ahlberg
290 books177 followersAllan Ahlberg was one of the UK's most acclaimed and successful authors of children's books - including the best-selling Jolly Postman series. Born in Croydon in 1938, he was educated at Sunderland Technical College. Although he dreamed of becoming a writer since the age of twelve, his route to that goal was somewhat circuitous. Other jobs along the way included postman (not an especially jolly one, he recalls), gravedigger, plumber, and teacher.
Ahlberg wrote his first book when he was thirty-seven, after a decade of teaching - a profession that he maintains is "much harder" than being a writer. He says that if he hadn't become a writer, he would have loved to be a soccer player. He was married for many years to fellow children's author Janet Ahlberg, with whom he often worked. Their daughter, Jessica Ahlberg, is also a children's author.
Ahlberg wrote his first book when he was thirty-seven, after a decade of teaching - a profession that he maintains is "much harder" than being a writer. He says that if he hadn't become a writer, he would have loved to be a soccer player. He was married for many years to fellow children's author Janet Ahlberg, with whom he often worked. Their daughter, Jessica Ahlberg, is also a children's author.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 1, 2015
A wonderful read from my childhood, one I’d certainly suggest for other youngsters. Whilst it is not my all-time favourite childhood read I can still recall all the details of this one meaning it certainly left a lasting impression upon my young mind.
And isn’t that what we want with children’s books, for them to leave a positive lasting impression?
And isn’t that what we want with children’s books, for them to leave a positive lasting impression?
August 16, 2025
In a dark dark town,
down a dark dark street,
in a dark dark car,
at a red red traffic light...
Three skeletons are waiting.
We already have a few of the Funnybones series of children's books, which were a staple in my childhood. However, I have never come across this one before, so when we spotted it during our charity shop day trip I couldn't resist bringing it home.
It follows the usual pattern of being set in a dark dark town and following the much loved trio of skeletons. This time they are on a mystery tour of the neighbourhood trying to guess what the shadows are hiding.
A whole lot of fun with added sentiment given the recent passing of Allan Ahlberg. 4 1/4 stars.
down a dark dark street,
in a dark dark car,
at a red red traffic light...
Three skeletons are waiting.
We already have a few of the Funnybones series of children's books, which were a staple in my childhood. However, I have never come across this one before, so when we spotted it during our charity shop day trip I couldn't resist bringing it home.
It follows the usual pattern of being set in a dark dark town and following the much loved trio of skeletons. This time they are on a mystery tour of the neighbourhood trying to guess what the shadows are hiding.
A whole lot of fun with added sentiment given the recent passing of Allan Ahlberg. 4 1/4 stars.
June 29, 2024
One dark night, the skeletons go driving and solve 6 mysteries, but the last one is the most important and if they can't solve it, they can't get home!
A cute adventure, same feelings as prior books I've been reading today - just pure joy!
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy!
A cute adventure, same feelings as prior books I've been reading today - just pure joy!
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy!
August 2, 2019
Fantastic book loved it when I was wee and now my toddler loves it too
March 12, 2021
I don’t know, I didn’t find this too enjoyable.
August 22, 2013
This funnybones book is very colourful and eye catching. Words are repetitive and would be good as a class read as children would be able to remember sentences and possibly expect what will happen next.
This story is about a family of skeletons who attempt to solve six mysteries in one night. They tour around the town and at the end realise that the biggest mystery they need to solve before returning home is where they parked their car!
I rate this book 5 stars because it is funny and very well illustrated. I feel that this book is suitable for children aged 4-7. This book could be used to help with instruction writing and descriptive writing.
This story is about a family of skeletons who attempt to solve six mysteries in one night. They tour around the town and at the end realise that the biggest mystery they need to solve before returning home is where they parked their car!
I rate this book 5 stars because it is funny and very well illustrated. I feel that this book is suitable for children aged 4-7. This book could be used to help with instruction writing and descriptive writing.
March 28, 2018
I think this book is darling. Especially as I've always had a fascination and love of skeletons.
When I was little I used to read this a lot, and really go deep into the book; almost like I was in it! By the way I quite like the car, I don't think I've ever really noticed it before, I wish that I could have a car like that.
When I was little I used to read this a lot, and really go deep into the book; almost like I was in it! By the way I quite like the car, I don't think I've ever really noticed it before, I wish that I could have a car like that.
September 5, 2019
This would be great to read with a child as the clever mystery tour plot and illustrations create many talking points.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews