Chalk Full of Laughs

Hilarious Histories From the Classroom

By Robert Favretto

$29.95

Robert Favretto hasn’t just survived 45 years navigating the vibrant chaos of primary school – he’s emerged with a treasure trove of hilarious stories!

In Chalk Full of Laughs, Favretto swings open the classroom door and invites you into a heartwarming, laugh-out-loud collection of true tales. Prepare for everything from students who took directions so literally it defied belief, to show-and-tell moments that spiralled wildly off-script, and the countless unpredictable surprises that kept him firmly on his toes (and occasionally sent him diving for cover).

Brimming with genuine warmth, sharp wit, and wisdom earned the hard way, these stories celebrate the joy, the madness, and the sheer fun of life at school. Perfect for teachers, parents, or anyone who's ever sat at a student's desk, this book is guaranteed to leave you smiling, snorting with laughter, and fondly remembering just how wonderfully unforgettable school days can be – especially in Mr Fav's class!

Also available via Amazon Kindle and iBooks

ISBN: 9781923403307

Size: 234 x 156 mm

Black & white, 122 pages

Published: October 2025

About the author: Robert Favretto

Robert Favretto's journey from strawberry picker to storyteller showcases a life rich in diverse experiences. After earning his teaching qualifications in the 1980s, he spent decades educating students across Victoria, including valuable time in special education. A lifelong sports enthusiast who now wisely appreciates elevators over stairs, Robert channeled his classroom experiences into children's writing in 1998 – and though he stepped back from full-time teaching in 2017, he continues as a relief teacher to keep his stories authentic, captivating audiences at schools, libraries, and festivals with his trademark lively presentations.

Praise/Testimonials

From searching the 'passage for clues' literally, to 'setting foot on the sun, at night', 'glue sniffing', 'and-voila! -the engine roared to life', after some rewiring, 'the real life meth pipe' and so many more tales, that brought back my own memories! - Your experiences made me laugh and triggered my own tales ... one in particular.

Treasure Planet had just been showing at the cinema, and I asked my grade sixes, if anyone had seen ... Pleasure Planet - aaahhhh!!!!

Thankyou Rob, I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of your own experiences.
Please keep writing, I'm getting quite a collection of your books!

Sue Muir

Just a fun read. My elderly folk are former teachers and my Dad found it. When I looked to buy it, I discovered an author talk at Mornington Library. It was fantastic and they loved it.

Loved this read. Brought back so many memories of classroom antics of yesteryear. Had me chuckling all the way through. With some laugh out loud moments. You definitely need to read this one.

What a delightful book of cheerful and entertaining stories of life in the classroom. Great to be able to immerse yourself in happy and amusing stories for a break from our fast paced daily routines. Very enjoyable indeed.

Diving into this book bought back so many memories. Memories of my days as a school student, memories of wonderful lessons shared with my children, and then the moments i have of being in a classroom and experiencing all the ‘interesting’ dramatics of school aged people. This book is an easy, entertaining read, showing the patience, passion, enthusiasm and a sense of humour that is required to be teacher that leaves an indelible mark on a child’s learning.