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That's Not Funny!
Alfie likes to laugh―mostly at other people's misfortune. But Alfie's grandpa isn't always amused by the same things Alfie is. When Grandpa takes him to the circus, Alfie finds lots of people to laugh at along the way. But wait until Alfie learns that the last laugh is on him . Adrian Johnson's witty, retro illustrations add to the fun in this hilarious look at schadenfreude ―the delight in others' misfortune.
- GenresPicture BooksFiction
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2005
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 7, 2023
I found this book by searching for empathy, but it is actually a lesson in the joys of schadenfreude!
September 4, 2016
I spotted this little picture book at Library #3 and decided to read it as I couldn't take more books with me (already had the max amount of 12).
And I am quite glad that I didn't pick this book to come with me. A character like that, an ending like this. I was hoping for a lesson to be learned, I was hoping for the MC to see the light, but I guess that just wasn't in the planning.
Everyone of us has laughed once or more times at other people's misery, or mishaps, but we are not like this main character who laughs at EVERYTHING and ANYTHING at ANY TIME. Yes, he enjoys it. Yes, he loves other people's misery. Yes, he looks forward to it even. It was just a bit too creepy and a bit too much for me.
The ending was sudden, and it felt like something was missing. I wasn't even laughing at what happened to the main character, and then that happens. Yeah, no. It felt a bit like a page or more were missing from my book.
All in all, it wasn't that good, and that was a shame. It looked so much fun. The art looked interesting (and luckily still was that throughout the book), but there is much missing, and then I am not even talking about the MC. :| But in a way the title resonated with me in the end, because yes, that's not funny. 1.5 stars, mostly for the art.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
And I am quite glad that I didn't pick this book to come with me. A character like that, an ending like this. I was hoping for a lesson to be learned, I was hoping for the MC to see the light, but I guess that just wasn't in the planning.
Everyone of us has laughed once or more times at other people's misery, or mishaps, but we are not like this main character who laughs at EVERYTHING and ANYTHING at ANY TIME. Yes, he enjoys it. Yes, he loves other people's misery. Yes, he looks forward to it even. It was just a bit too creepy and a bit too much for me.
The ending was sudden, and it felt like something was missing. I wasn't even laughing at what happened to the main character, and then that happens. Yeah, no. It felt a bit like a page or more were missing from my book.
All in all, it wasn't that good, and that was a shame. It looked so much fun. The art looked interesting (and luckily still was that throughout the book), but there is much missing, and then I am not even talking about the MC. :| But in a way the title resonated with me in the end, because yes, that's not funny. 1.5 stars, mostly for the art.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
July 22, 2025
this book is amazing! i love it so much, i read it when i was younger and i remember it to this day. taught me the word schadenfreude <3
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September 20, 2016Alfie is kind of a jerk, but just when you think he's going to learn not to laugh at other people's misery - instead the reader is encouraged to laugh at Alfie's misery? Lovely art, but not great in the end.
May 10, 2010
I was not very impressed with this book. I suppose it's for an older child, as some of the so-called humor is beyond the toddlers and preschoolers. I wasn't a fan of the illustration style. And I guess I knew there was going to be some kind of moral coming, but the ending was a bit of an "uhhh..." that I wasn't sure if the moral was supposed to come off facetiously or seriously. Not a book for my tastes, but I'm sure there are others who will love it.
July 20, 2008
Again another children's books in which i really enjoyed the illustrations.
The basic outline of the story is a little boy who finds humour in bad things happening to other people and in the end gets his comuppance. My boys enjoyed it and hey a book that teaches them the word, schandefreude is a-ok to me.
The basic outline of the story is a little boy who finds humour in bad things happening to other people and in the end gets his comuppance. My boys enjoyed it and hey a book that teaches them the word, schandefreude is a-ok to me.
September 27, 2015
Just didn't feel like much of a story. I like the moral...about not laughing at other's misfortunes, but it didn't feel executed well at all. And I don't think kids will get it, but it can open the door for a child and adult to discuss this situation.
April 27, 2016
A bit confusing of a social story, but this book shows students how it feels to be laughed at. Some students struggle with empathy. This book is not appropriate for all students, but for some who are confused, this book may clarify.
Weird and short story line, but gets the point across.
Weird and short story line, but gets the point across.
June 17, 2010
It seems to be a common condition in little one's around 5 (mine included)- though I doubt many of them know the word Schadenfreude...this book could change that!
June 26, 2012
A great book!
March 27, 2014
Schadenfreude! In a children's book!
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January 28, 2015A somewhat awkward lesson in Schadenfreude. I liked the illustrations.
August 26, 2016
Empathy.
October 15, 2012
Great little moral tale about empathy and schadenfreude.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews