Things are quiet on The McClafferty farmhouse in Fiddle Wood in the Scottish Borders. The McClafferty's haven't laughed, snickered, or smiled for a couple of months. And they aren't the only ones. No one around the world has laughed or enjoyed themselves. That's a problem. The world needs laughter, so brother and sister, Lucy and Ben, their Uncle Patrick, and their eccentric grandmother journey to find Gabel Lylhu, one of the ticklers of the world. He's the only one that can make the world laugh again. Will they find him? Can he restore things to normal, and at what cost, or will everyone remain miserable and joyless in author Louiza Kallona's The Tickling Tale of Smoo?

This whimsical story is delightful and perfect for middle schoolers. The book has vibrant characters, and vivid imagery, and it explores the importance of family and togetherness, which is a resonant theme in the story. These characters face surprising challenges, solve riddles, and meet various individuals with complex personalities along their journey. The book speaks eloquently to contemporary readers who are so absorbed with the cares of life that they forget the simpler joys of the old life. The writing is clear, the plot has ample twists and turns, and the story has plenty of fun moments to keep readers engaged. This quirky and unpredictable tale reserves a lot of surprises for readers. The Tickling Tale of Smoo is a delightful romp that is full of life, passion, and heart! You'll be captivated by this adventurous and action-packed book.