[mujoco]

I read a few Head First books when I was first learning to program (Java, SQL, and Design Patterns), and I know what you mean about the books trying too hard to be funny, with lots of silly stock photos, word search puzzles, and the like.

Even so, Head First Java in particular is a good introduction to object-oriented programming for someone with no prior background in it. I feel like any beginner who can look past the silliness of the Head First style could learn efficiently from this series. I wouldn't use a Head First book now, but they are good for people without much background to build on who want an easy learning curve.