I read it in the 80's some time between 6 and 1o years old, around the time I was reading "A wrinkle in time"

I was reminded of it by South Parks imagination land episode because of the airship

In the book there were kids with an older adult, searching for a parent I think, they were in an airship fleeing from some dark force, the only thing I can clearly remember form the book is that the airship was powered up to move faster with jokes,

the only one I can recall clearly is "why did the lobster blush? Because he saw the salad dressing!"

I think I got the book from a middle school library but it might have been an elementary school
Mid to late 80, rural and suburban Utah if that helps

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