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Uncollected
Unreal: The Ultimate Collection
The Paul Jennings phenomenon began with the publication of Unreal! in 1985. Thirty years and nine million books later, young readers all around the world continue to devour his stories. In this special volume, Paul has personally selected 30 tales from his entire collection to mark the occasion of the 30th anniversary of his first book. You'll find a girl made of ice, a dog who digs holes in the cemetery, a see-through boy, magic lipstick, a haunted toilet, a lie detector at school, two musical spirits who try to save a lighthouse - and lots, lots more. Unbelievable, unmentionable and uncanny, these classic stories will surprise you, leave you tongue-tied, spook you, make you cry and have you laughing out loud.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1985
About the author
Paul Jennings
275 books367 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 106 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.
October 8, 2021
ENGLISH: This collection contains thirty stories, selected from over one hundred stories in Jennings's previous collections. As I had read or reviewed twenty of these before, I'll comment here the other ten. These are the stories I liked best:
"For ever," about two lovable and loving brothers, one disabled and dying, the other mute and retarded, but who understands much more than his parents surmise.
"A mouthful," a quite normal but hilarious story (no ghosts, no weird elements) about a father who loves to subject his daughter's friends to practical jokes.
"The hat," about a boy who learns the importance of protecting the autochthonous Australian fauna, when after losing his divorced mother he goes to live with his father.
ESPAÑOL: Esta colección contiene treinta cuentos, seleccionados entre los más de cien de las colecciones anteriores de Jennings. Como ya había leído o comentado veinte de ellos, hablaré aquí sobre los otros diez. Estos son los que más me gustaron:
"Para siempre", sobre dos hermanos encantadores que se quieren muchísimo, uno discapacitado y en peligro de muerte, el otro mudo y retrasado mental, pero que comprende mucho más de lo que sus padres suponen.
"Un bocado", una historia bastante normal pero divertida (sin fantasmas o elementos extraños) sobre un padre al que le encanta someter a bromas pesadas a las amigas de su hija.
"El sombrero", sobre un niño que aprende la importancia de proteger la fauna autóctona australiana, cuando tras perder a su madre divorciada se va a vivir con su padre.
"For ever," about two lovable and loving brothers, one disabled and dying, the other mute and retarded, but who understands much more than his parents surmise.
"A mouthful," a quite normal but hilarious story (no ghosts, no weird elements) about a father who loves to subject his daughter's friends to practical jokes.
"The hat," about a boy who learns the importance of protecting the autochthonous Australian fauna, when after losing his divorced mother he goes to live with his father.
ESPAÑOL: Esta colección contiene treinta cuentos, seleccionados entre los más de cien de las colecciones anteriores de Jennings. Como ya había leído o comentado veinte de ellos, hablaré aquí sobre los otros diez. Estos son los que más me gustaron:
"Para siempre", sobre dos hermanos encantadores que se quieren muchísimo, uno discapacitado y en peligro de muerte, el otro mudo y retrasado mental, pero que comprende mucho más de lo que sus padres suponen.
"Un bocado", una historia bastante normal pero divertida (sin fantasmas o elementos extraños) sobre un padre al que le encanta someter a bromas pesadas a las amigas de su hija.
"El sombrero", sobre un niño que aprende la importancia de proteger la fauna autóctona australiana, cuando tras perder a su madre divorciada se va a vivir con su padre.
February 8, 2022
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.
January 18, 2026
I loved this book! It was filled with twists and turns and crazy plots! Every story was unexpected and hilarious. Cow dung custard and skeletons on an outside creepy toilet! I loved this book and all the stories in it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
February 17, 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.
January 11, 2021
I mean, man. Some of these stories are daaaaaaark. Reading as an adult gives whole new perspective while maintaining the warm nostalgia. Do recommend.
January 2, 2022
Although i’m a teenager this book has always had a close place to my heart as every short story had me refusing to put the book down with a mix of genres and twists, very big recommendation.
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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 29, 2009
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!
December 8, 2024
I know paul jennings inspired around the twist and although i love the show, i really feel that worked against my enjoyment of the short stories. I knew most of them, but vaguely as round the twist changed details (was cool to see some threads speckled across multiple stories- eg characters names, twins, lighthouse living, mean mayors wives ect, which are key parts of the show).
It seems Mr Jennings writes in two catergories:
1. maximum absurdity
2. the longest pun ever
not bad. couldve been better. dont understand pauls picks (busker is best of his five faves).
Fave short stories:
- smart ice cream (the second chapter is such a kicker)
-you be the judge (good level of absurdity)
- no is yes (WHAT)
-cow dung custard (cultural knowlegde is relevant)
blacklist
- a dozen bloomin roses (hits too close to home)
-the hat (wtf was that rat scene)
It seems Mr Jennings writes in two catergories:
1. maximum absurdity
2. the longest pun ever
not bad. couldve been better. dont understand pauls picks (busker is best of his five faves).
Fave short stories:
- smart ice cream (the second chapter is such a kicker)
-you be the judge (good level of absurdity)
- no is yes (WHAT)
-cow dung custard (cultural knowlegde is relevant)
blacklist
- a dozen bloomin roses (hits too close to home)
-the hat (wtf was that rat scene)
November 8, 2012
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 25, 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 25, 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 10, 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 23, 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.
August 24, 2018
Mine is a paperback version so don't know why I can't find it. ISBN: 9780670079254.
This collection of stories is mind bogglingly, gobsmackingly unreal and utterly unexpected.
At least this Australian author isn't shy to mention Australian place names and native wildlife.
I need to give a brief summary of each story:
1. Smart Ice Cream: The boy in this story is a horrible smart-aleck who ends up getting just what he deserves - A nasty outcome! Jennings must have a rare skill to actually narrate in first person as a nasty mean-minded personality.
2. Spaghetti Pig Out - What idiot would give a super powerful weapon to a dopey bully? - It's just asking for trouble.
3. Skeleton on the Dunny - A fairly predictable ghost story.
4. Snookle - A sort of alien creature that acts a bit like a genie in a bottle.
5. Lucky Lips - A bit like the song "Love Potion Number Nine" - One thing about some of the stories is that there are unanswered questions - In this case, why do girls dislike Marcus so much? (Actually, he's not terribly likeable.)
6. Grandad's Gifts - Rather a weird story about lemon trees and a fox.
7. Ex Poser - A lie detector story that is probably one of the most pathetic in this book.
8. Cabbage Patch Fib - This is quite a funny story around the question as to where babies come from...!
9. Lighthouse Blues - This was a great ghost story. The boy said he played the flute so I don't know why he didn't join in with the ghosts!
10. Licked - A practical joke that goes too far - This one will make you gag!
11. Birdscrap - Another weird story about a dead seagull that comes back to life.
12. Wunderpants - A boy who wears fairy underpants? Cough, cough! I don't think I'd be seen dead wearing them even if I was wearing trousers - A surprising ending.
13. Ice Maiden - Would you fall in love with a girl made of ice?
14. You be the Judge - Well, sometimes you have to be protective of unique life forms.
15. Little Squirt - Um, boys competing about how high they can urinate? Not my taste but the story does have a little humour.
16. A Good Tip for Ghosts - Another ghost story with a wacky twist.
17. Clear as Mud - Another horrible story about an obnoxious kid who gets what he deserves and even worse than he deserves after he gets bitten by a rare beetle.
18. For Ever - This is a really sad story with a lot of unanswered questions. Why is one boy sick and dying? Why does he have this odd imagination? Why is his brother strange (he appears to be autistic) - This one is likely to make you cry.
19. A Mouthful - Like "Licked", this is the story of a truly gross practical joke. Yuck!
20. No is Yes - An evil professor conducts a diabolical experiment on his own daughter where nearly every object or answer is the opposite of what it actually is - and it severely backfires and he gets his just deserts.
21. Smelly Feat - This is a really good story. I even remember a kid trying to retell this to me years ago though they didn't tell me the reason for his motive - That is to make his feet so smelly to put some bullies out of action in order to protect a very aged friend.
22. The Hat - A very Australian story involving protection of native wildlife from the truly vile and unscrupulous enemy - rats. What I don't understand is why the boy's dead mother had a strong dislike for his father when she was alive.
23. The Strap Box Flyer - How a charlatan who has taken advantage of other people by selling a product that stops working after a few hours becomes the unwitting victim of his own invention.
24. Cow Dung Custard - A rather funny and very smelly story about garden manure!
25. The Busker - It's a bit hard to grasp the moral of this story. A boy hears the story of a man who was a busker and a dog. No one seems to like the busker (though we are not told why) but they love his dog. He becomes jealous of the dog and ill treats her - He tries to win people round by offering money but it backfires. He ends up where he'd placed the dog but the dog who is free shows devotion and love to the end and the busker learns a lesson from her. It is a bit of a sad story. What the boy does at the end doesn't make sense to me at all.
26. Tongue Tied - Keeping a fish in your mouth and kissing a girl??? A bit gross.
27. Nails - I had read this story before somewhere - The only Paul Jennings story I've ever read before now - This one has a very unexpected twist. I wished that the father explained things to Lehman but he never got a chance to and it seemed weird that he couldn't wait for the storm to pass before trying to follow up a clue that his son has told him. I don't want to tell you the story because it would be a spoiler except to say Lehman is scared stiff when he starts growing what appears to be nails all over his body.
28. A Dozen Bloomin' Roses - This is a strange and quite sad story about a boy who is very self conscious and shy, has little money but badly wants to give a bunch of roses to his girlfriend.
29. Next Time Around - A story about hypnotising chooks and reincarnation.
30. Without a Shirt - An interesting story about a boy who is afflicted with an inexplicable speech problem - he cannot finish anything he says without saying "without a shirt" at the end. This story is similar to one I read as a kid in primary school called "Rhyming Will."
This collection of stories is mind bogglingly, gobsmackingly unreal and utterly unexpected.
At least this Australian author isn't shy to mention Australian place names and native wildlife.
I need to give a brief summary of each story:
1. Smart Ice Cream: The boy in this story is a horrible smart-aleck who ends up getting just what he deserves - A nasty outcome! Jennings must have a rare skill to actually narrate in first person as a nasty mean-minded personality.
2. Spaghetti Pig Out - What idiot would give a super powerful weapon to a dopey bully? - It's just asking for trouble.
3. Skeleton on the Dunny - A fairly predictable ghost story.
4. Snookle - A sort of alien creature that acts a bit like a genie in a bottle.
5. Lucky Lips - A bit like the song "Love Potion Number Nine" - One thing about some of the stories is that there are unanswered questions - In this case, why do girls dislike Marcus so much? (Actually, he's not terribly likeable.)
6. Grandad's Gifts - Rather a weird story about lemon trees and a fox.
7. Ex Poser - A lie detector story that is probably one of the most pathetic in this book.
8. Cabbage Patch Fib - This is quite a funny story around the question as to where babies come from...!
9. Lighthouse Blues - This was a great ghost story. The boy said he played the flute so I don't know why he didn't join in with the ghosts!
10. Licked - A practical joke that goes too far - This one will make you gag!
11. Birdscrap - Another weird story about a dead seagull that comes back to life.
12. Wunderpants - A boy who wears fairy underpants? Cough, cough! I don't think I'd be seen dead wearing them even if I was wearing trousers - A surprising ending.
13. Ice Maiden - Would you fall in love with a girl made of ice?
14. You be the Judge - Well, sometimes you have to be protective of unique life forms.
15. Little Squirt - Um, boys competing about how high they can urinate? Not my taste but the story does have a little humour.
16. A Good Tip for Ghosts - Another ghost story with a wacky twist.
17. Clear as Mud - Another horrible story about an obnoxious kid who gets what he deserves and even worse than he deserves after he gets bitten by a rare beetle.
18. For Ever - This is a really sad story with a lot of unanswered questions. Why is one boy sick and dying? Why does he have this odd imagination? Why is his brother strange (he appears to be autistic) - This one is likely to make you cry.
19. A Mouthful - Like "Licked", this is the story of a truly gross practical joke. Yuck!
20. No is Yes - An evil professor conducts a diabolical experiment on his own daughter where nearly every object or answer is the opposite of what it actually is - and it severely backfires and he gets his just deserts.
21. Smelly Feat - This is a really good story. I even remember a kid trying to retell this to me years ago though they didn't tell me the reason for his motive - That is to make his feet so smelly to put some bullies out of action in order to protect a very aged friend.
22. The Hat - A very Australian story involving protection of native wildlife from the truly vile and unscrupulous enemy - rats. What I don't understand is why the boy's dead mother had a strong dislike for his father when she was alive.
23. The Strap Box Flyer - How a charlatan who has taken advantage of other people by selling a product that stops working after a few hours becomes the unwitting victim of his own invention.
24. Cow Dung Custard - A rather funny and very smelly story about garden manure!
25. The Busker - It's a bit hard to grasp the moral of this story. A boy hears the story of a man who was a busker and a dog. No one seems to like the busker (though we are not told why) but they love his dog. He becomes jealous of the dog and ill treats her - He tries to win people round by offering money but it backfires. He ends up where he'd placed the dog but the dog who is free shows devotion and love to the end and the busker learns a lesson from her. It is a bit of a sad story. What the boy does at the end doesn't make sense to me at all.
26. Tongue Tied - Keeping a fish in your mouth and kissing a girl??? A bit gross.
27. Nails - I had read this story before somewhere - The only Paul Jennings story I've ever read before now - This one has a very unexpected twist. I wished that the father explained things to Lehman but he never got a chance to and it seemed weird that he couldn't wait for the storm to pass before trying to follow up a clue that his son has told him. I don't want to tell you the story because it would be a spoiler except to say Lehman is scared stiff when he starts growing what appears to be nails all over his body.
28. A Dozen Bloomin' Roses - This is a strange and quite sad story about a boy who is very self conscious and shy, has little money but badly wants to give a bunch of roses to his girlfriend.
29. Next Time Around - A story about hypnotising chooks and reincarnation.
30. Without a Shirt - An interesting story about a boy who is afflicted with an inexplicable speech problem - he cannot finish anything he says without saying "without a shirt" at the end. This story is similar to one I read as a kid in primary school called "Rhyming Will."
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.
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