Lettuce Leef and Nimble Charlie, the Crook Catchers to the Queen, investigate the disappearance of the queen's recipe for minestrone soup--as well as her clothing.

Chicago authors Madura and DiBruno explain how mob and mafia movies reflect the values of today's society.

While spending summer vacation on Uncle Pat and Auntie Pat's financially-strapped farm, a child finds a way to generate more income after consulting the wishing well.

Every month, the king and queen put on the crown jewels to lead a parade, but when Little T accidentally drops their special crowns into cake batter he adds fun to what had become a boring event.

The family of Stan the dog has two annoying visitors who eat his food, get in his way, and sleep in all of his favorite places, but when they disappear, Stan must decide if he really wants to find them.

While chasing a runaway sock, a forgetful crocodile pauses to admire his handsome reflection.

When Mr. Croc decides to start walking for exercise, his mishaps have an unexpected - - and wonderful - - effect.

Fuhgeddaboutit: How to Badda Boom, Badda Bing, and Find Your Inner Mobster is the definitive guide on how to be a twenty-first-century made man. With easy-to-read step-by-step instructions, Fuhgeddaboutit reveals a unique way of living and a unique way of dying -- usually involving an icepick and duct tape. In Fuhgeddaboutit, you will learn... The three most common uses for toothpicks: "dental hygiene, stabbing and storing gum during sex." All about honeymoons: "Every couple should honeymoon somewhere completely foreign and exotic for two weeks. Like South Jersey." To protect yourself at all times: use a condom and a bulletproof vest. The main difference between a Jewish mobster and an Italian mobster: a foreskin. From the mobster's "Code of Conduct" to "Five Ways to Pass the Time in Jail" and even a chapter called "Minestrone for the Mob Soul," Fuhgeddaboutit is a must buy for both the serious mob professional and fans of this special way of life. And we use the words "must buy" in the strictest sense.

“[A] hilarious, warm look at one of organized crime’s oft-neglected ethnic groups.”—The New York Times Book Review William Gordon’s dear Uncle Max is dead. Dear, crooked, murderous, notorious Mafioso kingpin Uncle Max. But Pulitzer-winning foreign correspondent Gordon always knew Uncle Max to be generous. Now, even in death, Uncle Max comes through, for he leaves Gordon millions—in the form of a Mafia territory. The only catch is that Gordon, the cultured journalist, might have to fight to retain his piece of the mob. On the other hand, who wouldn’t fight for half a billion dollars? But can an educated Jewish reporter who regularly rubs shoulders with world leaders really succeed as a semi-don? Maybe—if he’s greedy enough, and not afraid to get his hands dirty or bloody. . . . Praise for Inherit the Mob “I can’t think of two professions that more richly deserve each other than journalism and organized crime. Zev Chafets does an honor to them both.”—Carl Hiaasen, author of Native Tongue “If you think there’s nothing funny about organized crime, pick up a copy of Inherit the Mob. Zev Chafets makes his fictional debut in this sidesplitting spoof of Mafia family matters, manners, and misadventures. . . . Chafets has perfect pitch for dialogue and an eye for vivid, unforgettable characters.”—The Cleveland Plain Dealer “Lively entertainment.”—Chicago Tribune “A full-fledged romp bursting with energy, good humor, and plot curlicues aplenty.”—The Detroit News

More than 500 alphabetical entries provide information on the people, places and events associated with the Mafia.