kevin henke

This author is brilliant. Kevin Henke has a series of books that have the same mouse characters (I'm not exactly sure why mice are so endearing, but hey...it works). Some of his stories feature the heroine, Lilly, who is badass. She is a really strong girl mouse that is unique, creative, fun, a bit cocky, and stubborn.

His stories have a lot to do with kid angst. It also have a very Simpsons feel to it - it's a children's book that appeals to adults too. The adults in the stories are edgy and sarcastic. Very witty.

The one that was the most laugh-out-loud for me was Julius: The Baby of the World. In one scene of the book, Lilly expresses her dislike for her new baby brother by hiding behind trees and warning pregnant strangers against the "lumps" in their bellies. You just need to check it out. Brilliant.

"Julius is the baby of the world," chimed Lilly's parents.
"Digusting," said Lilly.

p.s. Turns out he also wrote Kitten's First Full Moon. Even more brilliant!