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Unreal!
This is an alternate cover edition for ISBN: 0140319654
Did you know that if you read for eight hours a day and tried to get through all the copies of Unreal! ever printed you would be more than a hundred years old before you finished?
And you wouldn't be any crazier than most of the characters in this spooky, funny and surprising book.
If you lose your copy, try looking:
* for the most dog-eared book in the house
* in the loo
* next to your parents' bed
Why does Unreal! go missing so ofter? There are eight reasons and you'll find them all between its covers.
Did you know that if you read for eight hours a day and tried to get through all the copies of Unreal! ever printed you would be more than a hundred years old before you finished?
And you wouldn't be any crazier than most of the characters in this spooky, funny and surprising book.
If you lose your copy, try looking:
* for the most dog-eared book in the house
* in the loo
* next to your parents' bed
Why does Unreal! go missing so ofter? There are eight reasons and you'll find them all between its covers.
107 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
66 people are currently reading
1067 people want to read
About the author
Paul Jennings
276 books360 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Paul Jennings was born in Heston near London, and at the age of 6 emigrated to Melbourne, Australia on a boat. He was on the boat for 5 weeks with his family. He attended Bentleigh West Primary School and Caulfield Grammar School.
After graduating from school, he went to Frankston Teachers College (now part of Monash University) and became a teacher. He taught students at Frankston State School, Kangaroo Flat State School, the Turana Youth Training Centre, and the Royal Children's Hospital State School in Mount Eliza. He later went on to study at the Lincoln Institute of Health Science (now part of LaTrobe University) and became a speech pathologist, then worked as a Lecturer in Special Education at Burwood State College (now part of Deakin University). In 1979 he became Senior Lecturer in Language and Literature at Warrnambool Institute of Advanced Education (now part of Deakin University).
In 1985, Jennings' first book of short stories, Unreal! was published, during which he worked as a lecturer and wrote part-time; in 1989, he made the decision to devote his full time to writing. Many of his short stories, published between 1985 and 1991, were also adapted into the first and second series of the popular Australian television show Round the Twist.
Winner of the Dromkeen Medal (2000).
Paul Jennings was born in Heston near London, and at the age of 6 emigrated to Melbourne, Australia on a boat. He was on the boat for 5 weeks with his family. He attended Bentleigh West Primary School and Caulfield Grammar School.
After graduating from school, he went to Frankston Teachers College (now part of Monash University) and became a teacher. He taught students at Frankston State School, Kangaroo Flat State School, the Turana Youth Training Centre, and the Royal Children's Hospital State School in Mount Eliza. He later went on to study at the Lincoln Institute of Health Science (now part of LaTrobe University) and became a speech pathologist, then worked as a Lecturer in Special Education at Burwood State College (now part of Deakin University). In 1979 he became Senior Lecturer in Language and Literature at Warrnambool Institute of Advanced Education (now part of Deakin University).
In 1985, Jennings' first book of short stories, Unreal! was published, during which he worked as a lecturer and wrote part-time; in 1989, he made the decision to devote his full time to writing. Many of his short stories, published between 1985 and 1991, were also adapted into the first and second series of the popular Australian television show Round the Twist.
Winner of the Dromkeen Medal (2000).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
October 22, 2024
When I was a kid, we had some quality shows for kids on TV here in Belgium like Kulderzipken (an ordinary peasant boy and a princess fall in love, but the king gives the boy some impossible missions in the hopes of breaking them up) and Postbus X (think the A-Team but for kids). But there weren’t a lot of them in our native language. Most of them were actually imported shows, usually in English with subtitles. Which is probably one of the reasons why my English wasn’t so bad even when I was a kid.
I had a lot of fun watching those imported shows. Like the colorized version of the 1957 classic Zorro for example, The Animals of Farthing Wood, and some creative Australian shows that I treasured, like Spellbinder and Round the Twist. It’s the latter series that I found out was based on the short stories of Paul Jennings, which is why I decided to pick up this book.
Without a Shirt - 5/5
Brian is a boy who can’t help but say "without a shirt" each time he finishes a sentence. This is very frustrating for him and this gets him bullied in class. But one day, his dog digs up some bones that could be the cure to this predicament.
Very strong premise, will probably appeal even more to people who have or know someone who has some kind of speech disorder. And the ending is very creative and satisfying.
The Strap-Box Flyer – 4,5/5
Giffen sells a glue that he calls the greatest glue in the world. It will stick to anything. A lot of people buy it when they see the strength of the glue in action. But Giffen is always quick to leave after selling his glue because, unbeknownst to his customers, the glue only works for four hours.
What goes around, comes around. Strong but simple premise with a nice creative touch.
Skeleton on the Dunny - 4/5
Bob is a young boy who is scared of going to the toilet at his aunt’s house. Because his aunt has an outdoor toilet. And it’s haunted by a ghost.
A funny little paranormal mystery story. It’s also worth noting that despite all these being short stories, the characters are actually pretty well developed and likeable.
Lucky Lips – 5/5
A sixteen year old boy named Marcus is a bit sad that he has never been kissed before. He then gets a magical kind of lipstick from a witch that will make any female want to kiss him. Though it will only work once.
Again, funny and creative. It’s a very relatable concept for a sixteen year old to want to get kissed. And the twist is so good.
Cow Dung Custard – 2,5/5
A kid explains that his father grows prizewinning vegetables with the help of animal poo. But someone has to collect all that poo, which of course stinks quite a bit and attracts a lot of flies. You’ve guessed it, the kid is his father’s unlucky assistant. Which is why he has been nicknamed The Cow Dung Kid.
Quite sad to see a dad emotionally manipulating his son to do his literal dirty work for him, thus alienating his son from everyone around him. It’s a strong concept with a good twist, but I would have preferred a different ending.
Lighthouse Blues – 4,5/5
A boy helps out an old lighthouse keeper on an island. Every Friday night, the boy can hear music playing. And considering the lighthouse keeper’s ancestors all played a musical instrument, the boy suspects it’s their ghosts that are making that music. But why would they do that?
Interesting little story about ghosts. It’s about a boy who wants to help the ghosts, but who doesn’t know if he has it in him to do so.
Smart Ice-Cream - 4/5
An ice cream vendor sells special kinds of ice cream, like an ice cream that makes you smarter. And a smart boy in school who never gets any ice cream becomes jealous of his classmates.
The shortest story of the bunch but it packs a punch and deals with a few important themes. Simple premise but again with a creative twist to it.
Wunderpants – 3,5/5
A mischievous boy has to wear pink underwear with fairies on them. But even though he feels like his bullies will make fun of them, he puts them on because they’re all he’s got. And when he does, he realizes they give him superhuman strength.
Good way to make the best out of a bad situation. A solid story about accepting yourself for who you are and standing up to your bullies.
These are the kind of weird, fun, and very creative stories I remember from watching Round the Twist as a kid. Perfect reading choice for kids and kids at heart like me. Definitely recommended.
I had a lot of fun watching those imported shows. Like the colorized version of the 1957 classic Zorro for example, The Animals of Farthing Wood, and some creative Australian shows that I treasured, like Spellbinder and Round the Twist. It’s the latter series that I found out was based on the short stories of Paul Jennings, which is why I decided to pick up this book.
Without a Shirt - 5/5
Brian is a boy who can’t help but say "without a shirt" each time he finishes a sentence. This is very frustrating for him and this gets him bullied in class. But one day, his dog digs up some bones that could be the cure to this predicament.
Very strong premise, will probably appeal even more to people who have or know someone who has some kind of speech disorder. And the ending is very creative and satisfying.
The Strap-Box Flyer – 4,5/5
Giffen sells a glue that he calls the greatest glue in the world. It will stick to anything. A lot of people buy it when they see the strength of the glue in action. But Giffen is always quick to leave after selling his glue because, unbeknownst to his customers, the glue only works for four hours.
What goes around, comes around. Strong but simple premise with a nice creative touch.
Skeleton on the Dunny - 4/5
Bob is a young boy who is scared of going to the toilet at his aunt’s house. Because his aunt has an outdoor toilet. And it’s haunted by a ghost.
A funny little paranormal mystery story. It’s also worth noting that despite all these being short stories, the characters are actually pretty well developed and likeable.
Lucky Lips – 5/5
A sixteen year old boy named Marcus is a bit sad that he has never been kissed before. He then gets a magical kind of lipstick from a witch that will make any female want to kiss him. Though it will only work once.
Again, funny and creative. It’s a very relatable concept for a sixteen year old to want to get kissed. And the twist is so good.
Cow Dung Custard – 2,5/5
A kid explains that his father grows prizewinning vegetables with the help of animal poo. But someone has to collect all that poo, which of course stinks quite a bit and attracts a lot of flies. You’ve guessed it, the kid is his father’s unlucky assistant. Which is why he has been nicknamed The Cow Dung Kid.
Quite sad to see a dad emotionally manipulating his son to do his literal dirty work for him, thus alienating his son from everyone around him. It’s a strong concept with a good twist, but I would have preferred a different ending.
Lighthouse Blues – 4,5/5
A boy helps out an old lighthouse keeper on an island. Every Friday night, the boy can hear music playing. And considering the lighthouse keeper’s ancestors all played a musical instrument, the boy suspects it’s their ghosts that are making that music. But why would they do that?
Interesting little story about ghosts. It’s about a boy who wants to help the ghosts, but who doesn’t know if he has it in him to do so.
Smart Ice-Cream - 4/5
An ice cream vendor sells special kinds of ice cream, like an ice cream that makes you smarter. And a smart boy in school who never gets any ice cream becomes jealous of his classmates.
The shortest story of the bunch but it packs a punch and deals with a few important themes. Simple premise but again with a creative twist to it.
Wunderpants – 3,5/5
A mischievous boy has to wear pink underwear with fairies on them. But even though he feels like his bullies will make fun of them, he puts them on because they’re all he’s got. And when he does, he realizes they give him superhuman strength.
Good way to make the best out of a bad situation. A solid story about accepting yourself for who you are and standing up to your bullies.
These are the kind of weird, fun, and very creative stories I remember from watching Round the Twist as a kid. Perfect reading choice for kids and kids at heart like me. Definitely recommended.
March 22, 2025
I decided to start reading more Paul Jennings.
The story I read was about a guy who decided to start selling faulty glue. He was a bad person. I decided I didn't like the way the author wrote.
I didn't like the way he decided to start tossing whatever story he thought of into the books. It felt like he seemed to decide to start writing whatever it took to fill a book. It felt like quantity over quality.
I decided to start writing this review. But it wasn't a good review. It was a bad review.
The story I read was about a guy who decided to start selling faulty glue. He was a bad person. I decided I didn't like the way the author wrote.
I didn't like the way he decided to start tossing whatever story he thought of into the books. It felt like he seemed to decide to start writing whatever it took to fill a book. It felt like quantity over quality.
I decided to start writing this review. But it wasn't a good review. It was a bad review.
November 16, 2024
A great collection of short stories. I think I like short stories more than I realized. These were funny and interesting. I read them in an entire sitting.
September 7, 2021
i actually love paul jennings, and im not ashamed to admit that i still reread his books for lols, i feel like im still 7 years old inside
December 19, 2009
Use a little caution when reading this book...
I had to give it 4 stars because I was so impressed with how well it captured my sons attention. This book consists of 8 short stories that are divided up into little chapters, so it's ideal for kids with a short attention span.
I would definetly recommend 4 of the short stories, there are some possible problems with the other short stories I will talk about.
Each short story with my review is as follows.
Without a shirt-involves a skeleton so could be a little scary. My son read, and loved this one, though.
Skeleton on the Dunny-I thought this was a bit too scary, so I asked my son not to read it, but it is also quite funny. My favorite is when the main character has to go fish out his "plate" (a fake tooth) from the local water treatment plant.
Lighthouse blues-I also asked my son not to read this one because it was about ghosts...I just think maybe it's a little too scary. Although, my son doesn't seem to lose sleep like some of my siblings, and even my daughter, too, seems easily frightened. Maybe I'm worrying about him too much.
The strap box flyer- A very clever story that my son and I both enjoyed, although it's a little on the
Cow Dung Custard-This story is so perfect for boys my sons age. They just love this sort of thing, and it's parent approved, not too obnoxious.
Wonderpants-Not my favorite story, but there's nothing scary about it. My husband would hate how much they talk about underwear, and it's a little strange that the boy wears pink underwear with fairies on it, but it was reasonably entertaining.
Lucky Lips-This too was pretty funny, but lots of kissing going on. Nothing I found that was of any concern though.
I'm missing one story and I can't figure out which one it is. I do want to read more of Jennings' books, though. I think this is more along the lines of the type of book my son will be interested in reading, so I'll look for more of it.
It was not on the AR reading list, but I would say it is approximately a fifth grade level book.
I had to give it 4 stars because I was so impressed with how well it captured my sons attention. This book consists of 8 short stories that are divided up into little chapters, so it's ideal for kids with a short attention span.
I would definetly recommend 4 of the short stories, there are some possible problems with the other short stories I will talk about.
Each short story with my review is as follows.
Without a shirt-involves a skeleton so could be a little scary. My son read, and loved this one, though.
Skeleton on the Dunny-I thought this was a bit too scary, so I asked my son not to read it, but it is also quite funny. My favorite is when the main character has to go fish out his "plate" (a fake tooth) from the local water treatment plant.
Lighthouse blues-I also asked my son not to read this one because it was about ghosts...I just think maybe it's a little too scary. Although, my son doesn't seem to lose sleep like some of my siblings, and even my daughter, too, seems easily frightened. Maybe I'm worrying about him too much.
The strap box flyer- A very clever story that my son and I both enjoyed, although it's a little on the
Cow Dung Custard-This story is so perfect for boys my sons age. They just love this sort of thing, and it's parent approved, not too obnoxious.
Wonderpants-Not my favorite story, but there's nothing scary about it. My husband would hate how much they talk about underwear, and it's a little strange that the boy wears pink underwear with fairies on it, but it was reasonably entertaining.
Lucky Lips-This too was pretty funny, but lots of kissing going on. Nothing I found that was of any concern though.
I'm missing one story and I can't figure out which one it is. I do want to read more of Jennings' books, though. I think this is more along the lines of the type of book my son will be interested in reading, so I'll look for more of it.
It was not on the AR reading list, but I would say it is approximately a fifth grade level book.
March 13, 2011
Considering that I NEVER re read books and this is one I constantly re read says something about this story.
Recommended to anyone either with kids or just wanting light reading for a bit of fun or a laugh. The stories are nonsensical, a little whimsical, and humorous particularly without a shirt (though don't get your kids on them or this phrase you will hear repeated Ovre and over and over and over till you burn the book!). They're actually kind of intelligent though not in the sense of you'll learn anything from them.
This is also the only book I actually stole from our library at school. The same copy still sits proudly at the front of my bookshelf.
Recommended to anyone either with kids or just wanting light reading for a bit of fun or a laugh. The stories are nonsensical, a little whimsical, and humorous particularly without a shirt (though don't get your kids on them or this phrase you will hear repeated Ovre and over and over and over till you burn the book!). They're actually kind of intelligent though not in the sense of you'll learn anything from them.
This is also the only book I actually stole from our library at school. The same copy still sits proudly at the front of my bookshelf.
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May 1, 2020Paul Jennings is one of those writers that doesn't stick to the normal. He explores his work in such creative yet bizarre ways that it makes you have to read his stories twice! His short stories from his book 'Unreal!' are probably my favourite as they explore such unheard of situations that you can't help but laugh and cringe at the outcomes.
This book would be a perfect end of school read for year 6, the stories are short, but the action intense. The content of the stories are exactly what a year 6 pupil would be reading and would keep them interested and hungry for the next short story. If I were to use this book in an activity though, I would use it to focus the children and give them some time to think. Each child would be given a clean sheet of paper and would be required to pick a scene from the story to draw. This would require the concentration of the children's learning as well as the listening skills needed to comprehend the story. This would overall be a good book to use as the stories are so engaging that children want to hear more, they want to know what horrible yet funny things are going to happen in the next story, and the one after that.
Introducing these books to a class, and then having a collection of them on a book shelf would encourage the children to being to read independently, want to know what was next in the serious of events constructed by Paul Jennings.
This book would be a perfect end of school read for year 6, the stories are short, but the action intense. The content of the stories are exactly what a year 6 pupil would be reading and would keep them interested and hungry for the next short story. If I were to use this book in an activity though, I would use it to focus the children and give them some time to think. Each child would be given a clean sheet of paper and would be required to pick a scene from the story to draw. This would require the concentration of the children's learning as well as the listening skills needed to comprehend the story. This would overall be a good book to use as the stories are so engaging that children want to hear more, they want to know what horrible yet funny things are going to happen in the next story, and the one after that.
Introducing these books to a class, and then having a collection of them on a book shelf would encourage the children to being to read independently, want to know what was next in the serious of events constructed by Paul Jennings.
November 9, 2019
This is a collection of stories chosen by Paul Jennings over his past 30 years. The author uses a lot of short sentences and similes. The author also somehow always manages to get the main character(a kid) in trouble. The stories also have a lot of words on the main character's thoughts. Usually the stories have a common theme of death in them. Paul Jennings also addresses the reader in some of the stories. He also makes the reader cry at the end of every story. (Somehow the endings always end in a sad fashion).
November 6, 2020
Classic, took me right back to my childhood!
August 27, 2021
So I love a good re-read of books I read as a kid and its hard not to love these books. They're the weirdest stories, great for kids, there's stories about poop, skeletons, ghosts, undies, kissing, all the things kids find hilarious (in fact, I also found hilarious, being a kid at heart and all).
April 24, 2012
I re-read this as part of the 24-hour read-a-thon on Sunday. It was book #6 :)
One of the best by far of the un-books.
* Without a Shirt - it's "without my pants" in the TV series. Lots of fun! I love when the leg hops into the classroom and the teacher gives him a 10 on the speech :D
* The Strap Box Flyer - one of my absolute favourites. The ending is just so delicious! Oh but poor Mrs. Tibbs and her china horse always makes me want to cry :(
* Skeleton on the Dunny - I forgot that the reason he even has a plate is because of Old Ned! I just remembered it being lost down the toilet. Love this one too :D
* Lucky Lips - goodness the MC is so up-himself :D This one's crazy fun!
* Cow Dung Custard - totally gross, and of course another favourite.
* Lighthouse Blues - the weird thing is, I don't know if I've ever even read this one! I got up to it and my first thought was, oh this is the one I always skip. So what did I do? I skipped it. It just seems so much longer than the others!
* Smart Ice Cream - always loved the ending here :D
* Wunderpants - I think it was a frog in Round the Twist, not a mouse like here? Also totally love this one!
One of the best by far of the un-books.
* Without a Shirt - it's "without my pants" in the TV series. Lots of fun! I love when the leg hops into the classroom and the teacher gives him a 10 on the speech :D
* The Strap Box Flyer - one of my absolute favourites. The ending is just so delicious! Oh but poor Mrs. Tibbs and her china horse always makes me want to cry :(
* Skeleton on the Dunny - I forgot that the reason he even has a plate is because of Old Ned! I just remembered it being lost down the toilet. Love this one too :D
* Lucky Lips - goodness the MC is so up-himself :D This one's crazy fun!
* Cow Dung Custard - totally gross, and of course another favourite.
* Lighthouse Blues - the weird thing is, I don't know if I've ever even read this one! I got up to it and my first thought was, oh this is the one I always skip. So what did I do? I skipped it. It just seems so much longer than the others!
* Smart Ice Cream - always loved the ending here :D
* Wunderpants - I think it was a frog in Round the Twist, not a mouse like here? Also totally love this one!
March 27, 2016
Paul Jennings is definitely one of the very few authors who really stuck with me since my reading years in primary school. I remember heading straight to the J section every time we had reading classes. His writing style is just captivating in each short story (and I don't know how he does it in those few pages but your eye balls are just glued until the story is over) and the quirky twists and ending that make you squirm in your seat or laugh are just the cherry on the top. Definitely one of the authors I will make my kids in future read, so they don't get robbed of some awesome childhood experience haha.
February 26, 2016
This collection of short stories will be largely familiar to fans of the old Australian TV show Round The Twist. This collection of eight stories features five that were translated into episodes of the show; 'Without A Shirt' (changed in the show to 'Without My Pants'), 'Skeleton On The Dunny', 'Lucky Lips', 'Lighthouse Blues', and 'Wunderpants'. The other three stories are just as good, a particular favourite being 'The Strap-Box Flyer' which feels like Roald Dahl could have written it. This collection is highly recommended, especially for children who are soon to become teens.
May 6, 2012
I loved Paul Jennings when I was a kid! I remember reading a story from Unreal out at school assembly. I hated public speaking and it was horrible LOL but I was such a good reader that I got picked. All the other kids always read Roald Dahl stories but I preferred Jennings, because he was silly and weird. I still have my collection of his books.
July 26, 2011
Oh man, I love these stories! More childhood reading that I'd gladly pick up again. "Unreal" in particular has some of my favorite stories by Paul Jennings - Without a Shirt, Cow-dung Custard, and Smart Ice-Cream. He's the master of a plot twist and a great gross-out gag.
April 30, 2018
I could not find the book that I actually read, which had more stories than this version. Anyway, I found it a very interesting book, with excellent twists and endings that pull on heart-strings. It was much enjoyable, even though it was the third time that I had read it.
October 31, 2017
A humorous, clever and light-hearted read. This book proved very enjoyable, even though it was quite easy and fast to read.
January 4, 2021
This review is probably not worth reading in its entirety it’s just personal notes on each story.
I’m not gonna rate these books in proportion to their being kid’s books, but stack them up against adult books. This is a high 2/5.
Without a Shirt - classic Jennings. I remember the sad feeling of the piece coming across much stronger to a younger me. It’s fun and well thought out.
Strap Box Flyer - this was a tiny bit weaker. It ends suddenly, but for a little kid smartly. The last sentence of the first chapter was horrifically weak, even I don’t think I would’ve put something so obvious in one of my age 9 stories. I can remember the image of the china on that shelf, and that horse. Also the morbid feeling of the kid out in the middle of the ocean. Man I could feel when I was young.
Skeleton on the Dunny - what a great story. It taught me the slang word “dunny” when I was younger and made me laugh when I was older. The actual image of the inside of the toilet remains from my original readings but the eye in the hole was lost and seemed to be influenced more by the TV show. I thought the guy who worked at the sewerage plant was younger, and dirtier. Also wondered about a version where the guy made the main character put the plate in his mouth right there and then so he knew it was his.
Lucky Lips - that became a kid’s fantasy. The most memorable scene in the story is when he uses the lipstick to get the most popular girl in school in front of everyone. I think I would’ve liked to visit Ma Scritchett’s place back in the day, and still would now for sure. I can imagine an adult version where it’s like that scene in ‘The Vorrh’ with the photographer and the subject... but on whoever the hell. 🤧
Cow Dung Custard - I like the aura of this one. It has a clean narrative progression and is entertaining. Good Dr. Seuss/Roald Dahl imagery. A dirty kid pushing a wheelbarrow followed by jeering kids, and a long row of vegetables growing.
Lighthouse Blues - I feel like this has the equivalent epic feeling of the gum leaf war. Yo! I think I found a hair of mine from over a decade ago in this chapter! But I blew it off in instinct so I dunno where it went. Yo! It’s like a Paul Jennings story. As I read the next page another little hair stuck out at the same place it was last time. This is awesome. That story is easily the most emotionally impactful story, there was strength in what was going on, although the vibe of the scene with all the workers was a little lame. Best so far.
Smart Ice-Cream - short and sweet, kind of like my Paul Jennings inspired kid short story but with much more imagination. Now is this the same story that influenced that episode of the show ‘Round the Twist.’ Because it is a lot different. Although I read the voice of Peppi with an Italian accent so that improved it.
Wunderpants - a strong finish all round. I feel like TV show did it better but this rendition has heart and a twist ending done well!
I’m not gonna rate these books in proportion to their being kid’s books, but stack them up against adult books. This is a high 2/5.
Without a Shirt - classic Jennings. I remember the sad feeling of the piece coming across much stronger to a younger me. It’s fun and well thought out.
Strap Box Flyer - this was a tiny bit weaker. It ends suddenly, but for a little kid smartly. The last sentence of the first chapter was horrifically weak, even I don’t think I would’ve put something so obvious in one of my age 9 stories. I can remember the image of the china on that shelf, and that horse. Also the morbid feeling of the kid out in the middle of the ocean. Man I could feel when I was young.
Skeleton on the Dunny - what a great story. It taught me the slang word “dunny” when I was younger and made me laugh when I was older. The actual image of the inside of the toilet remains from my original readings but the eye in the hole was lost and seemed to be influenced more by the TV show. I thought the guy who worked at the sewerage plant was younger, and dirtier. Also wondered about a version where the guy made the main character put the plate in his mouth right there and then so he knew it was his.
Lucky Lips - that became a kid’s fantasy. The most memorable scene in the story is when he uses the lipstick to get the most popular girl in school in front of everyone. I think I would’ve liked to visit Ma Scritchett’s place back in the day, and still would now for sure. I can imagine an adult version where it’s like that scene in ‘The Vorrh’ with the photographer and the subject... but on whoever the hell. 🤧
Cow Dung Custard - I like the aura of this one. It has a clean narrative progression and is entertaining. Good Dr. Seuss/Roald Dahl imagery. A dirty kid pushing a wheelbarrow followed by jeering kids, and a long row of vegetables growing.
Lighthouse Blues - I feel like this has the equivalent epic feeling of the gum leaf war. Yo! I think I found a hair of mine from over a decade ago in this chapter! But I blew it off in instinct so I dunno where it went. Yo! It’s like a Paul Jennings story. As I read the next page another little hair stuck out at the same place it was last time. This is awesome. That story is easily the most emotionally impactful story, there was strength in what was going on, although the vibe of the scene with all the workers was a little lame. Best so far.
Smart Ice-Cream - short and sweet, kind of like my Paul Jennings inspired kid short story but with much more imagination. Now is this the same story that influenced that episode of the show ‘Round the Twist.’ Because it is a lot different. Although I read the voice of Peppi with an Italian accent so that improved it.
Wunderpants - a strong finish all round. I feel like TV show did it better but this rendition has heart and a twist ending done well!
October 9, 2025
One of Jennings' best collections, I reckon.
Without a Shirt 4/5
Pirates, living skeletons, speech impediments! Another story where Jennings' makes an impairment sympathetic, though he does his usual thing of curing it at the end... heart is in the right place, though.
The Strap-Box Flyer 5/5
One of Jennings' darkest stories, and a great one. About a con gone wrong, this one stuck with me longer than that glue would!
Skeleton on the Dunny 3/5
About a peeping tom ghost and outdoor toilets. The latter is much scarier. The ending kind of bugged me because the protagonist didn't solve the mystery himself.
Lucky Lips 4/5
Incel dipshit who doesn't understand consent gets what he deserves! If anything, the ending should have been darker for him.
Cow Dung Custard 4/5
A nightmare of a story about trying to not be suffocated by a horde of flies. This is one crappy story! Because it's largely about manure, see.
Lighthouse Blues 4/5
A solid ghost story about defending historical architecture, something I can get down with.
Smart Ice-Cream 2/5
The weakest story in this collection by far, but at least it's very short. About magic ice cream and an egomaniac who gets wrecked.
Wunderpants 3/5
One of the few cases where the Round the Twist adaptation is far superior (thanks to added grossness by replacing the mice with frogs), but still a fun yarn about magical underpants and public nudity.
Without a Shirt 4/5
Pirates, living skeletons, speech impediments! Another story where Jennings' makes an impairment sympathetic, though he does his usual thing of curing it at the end... heart is in the right place, though.
The Strap-Box Flyer 5/5
One of Jennings' darkest stories, and a great one. About a con gone wrong, this one stuck with me longer than that glue would!
Skeleton on the Dunny 3/5
About a peeping tom ghost and outdoor toilets. The latter is much scarier. The ending kind of bugged me because the protagonist didn't solve the mystery himself.
Lucky Lips 4/5
Incel dipshit who doesn't understand consent gets what he deserves! If anything, the ending should have been darker for him.
Cow Dung Custard 4/5
A nightmare of a story about trying to not be suffocated by a horde of flies. This is one crappy story! Because it's largely about manure, see.
Lighthouse Blues 4/5
A solid ghost story about defending historical architecture, something I can get down with.
Smart Ice-Cream 2/5
The weakest story in this collection by far, but at least it's very short. About magic ice cream and an egomaniac who gets wrecked.
Wunderpants 3/5
One of the few cases where the Round the Twist adaptation is far superior (thanks to added grossness by replacing the mice with frogs), but still a fun yarn about magical underpants and public nudity.
April 13, 2019
Reviewing based on what I remember from reading this a kid. This collection isn't Jenning's best, but still good.
Stories in this book:
Stories in this book:
January 24, 2019
An oldie, but a goodie.
I’ve been pondering for weeks how to engage a group of year 9 boys in reading, and wanted to select a text that they wouldn’t figuratively (and probably literally) burn, and I think that this fine collection will definitely work.
The stories, even though small, build dynamic characters, and engaging stories that consistently maintain interest.
The bizarre approach that Jennings takes towards seemingly commonplace things brings something refreshing that I think I will be able to unpack hopefully inspire some readers in my class.
I think that the moral messages that are carefully underlaid throughout the stories make this collection of short stories special, as it goes beyond merely entertainment (which is done quite well) to aid youth in gaining some perspective on an increasing complex world that they’re often struggling to understand.
I’ve been pondering for weeks how to engage a group of year 9 boys in reading, and wanted to select a text that they wouldn’t figuratively (and probably literally) burn, and I think that this fine collection will definitely work.
The stories, even though small, build dynamic characters, and engaging stories that consistently maintain interest.
The bizarre approach that Jennings takes towards seemingly commonplace things brings something refreshing that I think I will be able to unpack hopefully inspire some readers in my class.
I think that the moral messages that are carefully underlaid throughout the stories make this collection of short stories special, as it goes beyond merely entertainment (which is done quite well) to aid youth in gaining some perspective on an increasing complex world that they’re often struggling to understand.
March 30, 2025
Have decided I'm going to revisit the books of Paul Jennings, the author i claimed my favourite alongside R.L. Stine when in primary school/early high school.
Rereading this reminded me just how much influence Jennings had on my own story writing techniques growing up, it felt like I was reading one of my own books [but with more structure].
Unreal was never a favourite in the UN series, but funnily enough one of the stories "Lighthouse Blues" which i disliked as a kid was actually one of the best in this collection. And "Without A Shirt" was not as good as I remember. I still loved "Smart Ice Cream" just because I love it when we see the POV being from an incredibly unlikeable character. "Skeleton on the Dunny" holds up too, a good fun story with some creepier aspects.
Rereading this reminded me just how much influence Jennings had on my own story writing techniques growing up, it felt like I was reading one of my own books [but with more structure].
Unreal was never a favourite in the UN series, but funnily enough one of the stories "Lighthouse Blues" which i disliked as a kid was actually one of the best in this collection. And "Without A Shirt" was not as good as I remember. I still loved "Smart Ice Cream" just because I love it when we see the POV being from an incredibly unlikeable character. "Skeleton on the Dunny" holds up too, a good fun story with some creepier aspects.
November 18, 2023
This is a hilarious collection of short stories.
Paul Jennings certainly delivers on the quirky characters, appealing to testosterone-filled kid's sense of humour.
The mean folk get their comeuppance. As in The Strap Box Flyer and Smart Ice Cream.
Lucky Lips is hilarious. The 'Love Potion' works on any females, any females at all.
Ghosts aren't so scary when they work together, in Lighthouse Blues.
Cow Dung Custard turns out to be a good news story when it starts as a nightmare.
It's no wonder this book catapulted Paul Jenning's career as a comic writer for children.
Paul Jennings certainly delivers on the quirky characters, appealing to testosterone-filled kid's sense of humour.
The mean folk get their comeuppance. As in The Strap Box Flyer and Smart Ice Cream.
Lucky Lips is hilarious. The 'Love Potion' works on any females, any females at all.
Ghosts aren't so scary when they work together, in Lighthouse Blues.
Cow Dung Custard turns out to be a good news story when it starts as a nightmare.
It's no wonder this book catapulted Paul Jenning's career as a comic writer for children.
November 7, 2023
More nostalgia reading! I remember all of these stories, especially the bloody manure one - those flies still haunt me. Also I forgot how sad some of them were? Anyway, gotta love childhood classics.
July 4, 2017
A collection of speculative short stories for teenagers. A little silly at times but still worth a read. They are Aussie and are the basis for the Round The Twist tv show I loved as a kid.
January 11, 2018
I think I would've liked this book more if I hadn't read it in class.
January 12, 2018
Jennings has inspired the imagination and creativity of multiple generations of Aussie kids. Legend.
January 16, 2018
A fun read!
It's great to go back and read old childhood books. It makes me wish I was a child again!
It's great to go back and read old childhood books. It makes me wish I was a child again!
June 4, 2018
Brilliant collection of bizarre stories
February 10, 2020
Weird and wonderful stories for kids.
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