Richard Lederer Books

When Bob Dylan crooned, "The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind," it turned out a lot of people thought he had declared an odd but worthy allegiance to tiny creatures in "The ants are my friends, blowin' in the wind!" Word lovers, pun lovers, music lovers, slaphappy kids, and everyone with a sense of humor will groan mightily at this collection of just such misunderstood, borrowed, fractured, and pun-filled versions of song lyrics, compiled by two talented humorists, both former International Punsters of the Year.

This book offers a heartfelt exploration of the bond between humans and their cats, showcasing the unique personalities and quirks of feline companions. It includes practical tips on cat care, engaging anecdotes, and insights into understanding cat behavior. Additionally, readers will find creative ideas for celebrating their pets, from special occasions to everyday moments, making it a delightful guide for cat lovers looking to deepen their connection with their furry friends.

One of the first things that we acquire when we enter this world is a name. We carry it everywhere as a badge of our individuality. Creation myths tell of the human desire and power to name everything. And these qualities that define our humanness are nowhere better exhibited than in our desire and power to name ourselves. The first part of this book spotlights those names, exploring how first names came about and what they mean, why we acquired last names and nicknames, how and why people change their names, hidden patterns of presidents' names, and how proper names from history and literature become lowercase words that populate our everyday vocabulary. In the second part, readers will step right up to a three ring-a-ding circus of names--names swinging from tent-tops, teetering on tightropes, swallowing swords and breathing fire, somersaulting heels over head, and going for the juggler!

Fourth in the Anguished English series, this updated collection of verbal bloopers will have word nerds in stitches. Pulling together a hilarious array of unfortunate typos, misplaced modifiers, malapropisms, and unintended double-entendres, the grammatical gaffes of the innocent, the negligent, and the downright pompous are all brought to light. From the gas station sign stating "Eat Here and Get Gas" to the church bulletin that reads "Attend and you will hear an excellent speaker and heave a health lunch," hundreds of linguistic blunders are gathered from every layer of society and presented in this jocular assemblage, extracted exactly as they were originally presented.

From the Abominable Snowman to zombies, Monsters Unchained! is the funniest monster book you’ll find.   This collection contains more than 1,000 puns, riddles, narratives, poems, arranged in an alphabetical parade of more than 20 classical monsters, each accompanied by creepy and kooky illustrations. This riotous collection is not only a page-turning blast, but it also respects the intelligence of young readers.

This book emphasizes the importance of friendship and the unique bond shared between best friends. It offers heartfelt insights, activities, and ideas to honor and celebrate these special relationships. Readers will find inspiration for creating memorable experiences, expressing gratitude, and deepening their connection with their best friends, making it a perfect guide for nurturing lifelong friendships.

Exploring the quirks of the English language, this book delves into the evolution of words and their meanings, revealing how terms like "viable" transitioned from medical jargon to everyday usage. The authors clarify common confusions, such as the distinction between "lay" and "lie," providing insightful commentary and entertaining examples. Ideal for language enthusiasts, writers, and educators, it promises a delightful experience filled with wit and wisdom about the nuances of English.

Language takes center stage in this collection of humorous and quirky expressions, showcasing the playful side of English. Featuring a range of amusing anecdotes and clever wordplay, the book highlights everything from children's misstatements to satirical headlines. Readers can expect to encounter a variety of entertaining sections, including political humor and scientific mishaps. With Lederer's signature style, the collection promises laughter and insight into the delightful chaos of language, making it an enjoyable read for word enthusiasts.