Venus Washington Series Review: A Delightful Celebration of Imagination, Family, and Laughs
Some children’s books make you smile, while others make you laugh out loud. The Venus Washington series by Maisah Oso, beautifully illustrated by Courtney Lovett, manages to do both while capturing the wonderfully imaginative way children view the world. Reading these three books felt less like reading a traditional chapter book series and more like opening the pages of Venus’s personal diary. Every adventure is told through her unique perspective, and that is what makes these stories so memorable.
As a parent, I absolutely loved how Venus approaches every situation with complete confidence, even when she has hilariously misunderstood what is happening around her. Her innocence, curiosity, and larger-than-life imagination create one laugh-out-loud moment after another, while still delivering heartfelt lessons about family, friendship, and growing up.
Venus Washington and the Lasagna Drama: A Recipe for Laughter
The first book introduces readers to the unforgettable Venus Washington, whose quest to uncover her grandmother’s secret lasagna recipe quickly spirals into a hilarious mystery when she becomes convinced the secret ingredient might be toes.
What follows is a laugh-filled adventure featuring her best friend Summer, her self-proclaimed “Worst Enemy Forever” Winter, and the delightfully named Hamsterburger. The misunderstandings are perfectly paced, and young readers will find themselves eagerly turning pages to see just how far Venus’s imagination will take her.
Venus Washington and the Lasagna Drama (purchase here) brilliantly establishes Venus’s voice, and from the very first chapter, readers can’t help but fall in love with her quirky logic and big personality.
Venus Washington and the Birthday Blowout: Chaos, Creativity, and Heart
In the second installment, Venus takes party planning to a whole new level as she attempts to organize her little brother Zion’s first birthday celebration.
Her plans are outrageously funny, from creating a VIP room for presents to insisting that guests bring gifts for her. Yet beneath all the chaos is a sweet story about sibling relationships and wanting to feel important within a growing family.
Venus Washington and the Birthday Blowout (purchase here) showcases Venus at her absolute funniest while also revealing her caring heart. The party may not go according to plan, but the journey there is packed with laugh-after-laugh moments that children will thoroughly enjoy.
Venus Washington Eye Spy: Out-of-This-World Fun
The third book may be the funniest of them all. When Venus becomes convinced she’s part alien and headed to her home planet, readers are treated to a wonderfully imaginative adventure full of misunderstandings and mischief.
Her attempts to prove her extraterrestrial origins, especially involving her mother’s supposed eyes in the back of her head, are both clever and hilarious. At the same time, the story continues to celebrate what makes Venus such a lovable character: her determination, creativity, and unwavering belief in herself.
Venus Washington Eye Spy (purchase here) highlights the strength of the series by showing how even the most ordinary family moments can become extraordinary through Venus’s eyes.
Why My Daughter Nikki Loved This Series
My twelve-year-old daughter Nikki quickly connected with Venus because she isn’t afraid to be herself. She makes mistakes, asks big questions, and sees possibilities where others see ordinary situations. Venus reminds young readers that imagination is something to be celebrated, not outgrown.
“Venus makes everything more exciting. I never knew what she was going to do next, and she made me laugh in every single book.” ~ Nikki, Age 12
Final Thoughts
The Venus Washington series is an absolute gem for young readers who enjoy humor-filled chapter books with strong characters and relatable family experiences. Maisah Oso has created a heroine whose voice feels authentic, energetic, and unforgettable, while Courtney Lovett’s illustrations add even more charm and personality to every story.
Filled with giggles, creative misunderstandings, friendship, family warmth, and empowering moments of self-discovery, these books are perfect for fans of Junie B. Jones, Amelia Bedelia, and Dory Fantasmagory. Most importantly, they remind children that being curious, imaginative, and uniquely themselves is something to be proud of.
A joyful, heartwarming, and hilariously entertaining series that leaves readers smiling long after the final page.
Until next time…Happy Parenting!
~ Momma Braga
*Please note that these books were provided in exchange of an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own.
