Worst Holiday Ever

A hilarious new book from the bestselling children's author - Adrian Mole for the new generation! *'Made me cry with laughter and my heart ache' Lisa Thompson, author of The Goldfish Boy* *'Funniest. Book. Ever' Ross Welford, author of Time Travelling with a Hamster* Stan is going on holiday to Italy with his (fifth) best friend Felix and a load of strangers. Stan is absolutely terrified. Luckily, his mum's given him an emergency list that includes how to survive a shark attack, and what to do if he gets kidnapped. Stan thinks that a better list would include how to cope with odd food, and what to do if he accidentally calls Felix's mum 'mum' in front of everybody. And it soon turns out Italy is full of dangers and things that can go wrong. One thing's for certain, Stan's not going to come back the same boy he left. He just hope he comes back at all . . . Worst. Holiday. Ever is a story about facing fears, dealing with worries, and how it's OK to be anxious, scared, and sometimes a little bit brave.

The six mean Herdman kids lie, steal, smoke cigars (even the girls) and then become involved in the community Christmas pageant.

One day Jane was a comedy scriptwriter with a successful career in British TV and bright hopes for her future in Hollywood. The next she's stranded in La La Land, reduced to interviewing celebrities for British magazines.

Now that his family has moved to California, Matthew has doubts as the holiday season approaches. Palm trees? No snow? Its all wrong. Little sister Lucy thinks everything is wonderful, but Matthew knows better. And to top it off, the sudden disappearance of his beloved dog, Jasper, settles it. This will be the worst Christmas ever. Or will it? Surprising events on Christmas Eve just might change everythingand maybe this new place can feel like home to Matthew after all.

“You remember Eat, Pray, Love and Under the Tuscan Sun? Yeah, this really isn’t like those. It’s better” (San Francisco Chronicle). Most people want out of North Korea. Wendy Simmons wanted in. In My Holiday in North Korea: The Funniest/Worst Place on Earth, Wendy shares a glimpse of North Korea as it’s never been seen before. Even though it’s the scariest place on Earth, somehow Wendy forgot to check her sense of humor at the border. But Wendy’s initial amusement and bewilderment soon turned to frustration and growing paranoia. Before long, she learned the essential conundrum of “tourism” in North Korea: Travel is truly a love affair. But, just like love, it’s a two-way street. And North Korea deprives you of all this. They want you to fall in love with the singular vision of the country they’re willing to show you and nothing more. Through poignant, laugh-out-loud essays and ninety-two never-before-published color photographs of North Korea, Wendy chronicles one of the strangest vacations ever. Along the way, she bares all while undergoing an inner journey as convoluted as the country itself. “Much of the humor and poignancy comes from the absurdity of a fun-loving free spirit taking a vacation that’s more rigidly scripted and controlled than a presidential motorcade . . . Simmons’ photos—including an eerie image of a classroom full of schoolgirls playing accordions—further illustrate the bizarre nature of a country that, whether for good or bad, has been carefully controlled for generations.” —San Francisco Chronicle “An irresistible read . . . A rare and fascinating look at the tourist’s North Korea in a work that is humorous, appalling, and very sad. A highly recommended and revealing glimpse into a secretive land.” —Library Journal

Tom Isbell, Theater Professor, author of the Prey trilogy: "The beautifully wrought stories take us back to simpler times... memories blessed and humorous. Most of all, they convince us we don't dare ever "cancel Christmas." Christy Monson: Award-winning author of Banished: "Jump into the homes and hearts of each writer as they relate holiday moments from around the world." Wendy Toliver, Author of Red's Untold Tale and Regina Rising, "Reading and rereading this humorous, heartwarming collection of stories is sure to become a treasured holiday tradition." It's Christmas-The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, when snowflakes fall and your home glints with star-like lights. Beyond the wreath-adorned door, the fireplace warms your family's toes while the turkey roasts and eggnog chills. Lovingly wrapped presents are tucked under the fresh-cut Christmas tree, and stockings dangle from the hearth, waiting for Santa. Carols playing, children laughing, mistletoe beckoning... This is the most perfect Christmas ever! However, if this is the sort of stories you're expecting to find in The Best Worst Christmas Ever, you are in for a surprise-and a treat. The stories herein prove the most memorable, magical, and merry Christmases are everything but perfect. In a trailer or a cabin, in snowy New York or balmy South Africa, this is Christmas. Wearing a disco ball shirt, a sunflower hat, or sinking your fork into a pitch-black turkey, or soapy spaghetti, this is Christmas. Pour yourself some hot cocoa and join authors from all over the world as they share their hilarious and heartwarming yuletide tales.

After months of planning a summer vacation in Spain with her friends Yaz and Ruth, Laura finds the "perfect getaway" marred by the presence of Ruth's obnoxious boyfriend who insists on sticking to the well-beaten tourist track.