Get ready to laugh, chortle, giggle, and chuckle. Here are my favorite funny picture books for kids. I hope you love them and read them many, many times.
The Funniest Picture Books for Kids
Who Did It? (boxed set) by Ohara Hale
If you like potty humor, these short board books are must-owns! The titles are: Who Sneezed? Who Burped? Who Farted? Who Peed? Who Pooped? Curious kids observe each two-page spread filled with talking (and pooping, peeing, burping) animal characters. I LOVE these interactive and kid-friendly board books.
Blue Hat, Green Hat by Sandra Boynton
All of Boynton’s board books are funny — this happens to be one of our favorites. Silly. Perfect for the under two age group.
Unstoppable by Adam Rex, illustrated by Laura Park
The animals join forces to be better at everything. First, the crab and the crow work together so they can be a flying clawing creature. They call themselves a crabbird or a birdrab. They add on a turtle and a bear and now are an UNSTOPPABLE Birdraburtlebear! Suddenly, they notice construction workers digging up their forest for a shopping mall. How can they combine with other creatures to stop them? Their solution is both HILARIOUS and MEANINGFUL, involving both the President and Congress.
The Bear Who Wasn’t There by LeUyen Pham
The Panda Problem by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Hanah Marks
The narrator needs the panda main character to have a problem. But the panda doesn’t have any problems — no matter what the narrator suggests. In fact, it seems like the narrator might have a problem with the whole situation. That’s when Panda gets really silly and suggests crazy, funny ideas. Kids will be cracking up through this entire meta-story about story elements.
Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great by Bob Shea
This is a favorite picture book – it’s absolutely hysterical! Goat is very irritated when Unicorn moves to town and makes Goat look bad. Goat made his own marshmallow squares but that doesn’t compare with how Unicorn can make it rain cupcakes. Goat rants:
“Dopey Unicorn! Thinks he’s so great!
How can anyone be friends with that guy?
Look at me! I’m Unicorn! I think I”m so-o-o cool!”
But when Unicorn prances by, he’s amazed by Goat’s cheese, goat’s ability to eat garbage, his ability to head-butt the soccer ball, and his cloven hooves. Before you know it, the two become best friends.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late by Mo Willems
Pigeon employs the BEST stalling tactics used by kids everywhere to avoid bedtime. This is the funniest Pigeon book, but they’re all so funny! Also read: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus.
I Can Only Draw Worms by Will Mabbitt
This zany counting book with all the worms is a laugh-out-loud adventure in neon pink, yellow, white, and black. The narrator explains that he can only draw worm so that’s exactly what he does –draws lots of worms. Ten worms actually with super funny commentary.
Underwear! by Jenn Harney
Little Bear is having a hysterical adventure with his underwear much to his parents’ exasperation. Rhyming, giggle-inducing text pairs perfectly with comedic, expressive illustrations. “Under where? / Underwear. / Under there? UnderWEAR, over THERE. / Over where? / On the Chair.” Potty training kids will be able to relate to this story about a little bear who has a lot of *fun* with his underwear.
Click, Clack, Moo Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin
The cows want changes — electric blankets and that sort of thing. So they leave Farmer Brown notes with their demands . . . The story is not only very creative but completely funny as well.
Go Sleep In Your Own Bed! by Candace Fleming and Lori Nichols
Chickens to the Rescue by John Himmelman
Good thing for this farming family that their chickens will help with EVERYTHING! Except on Sunday. A delightful adventure that reminds kids of the days of the week, too.
I Am Invited to a Party (Elephant and Piggie) by Mo Willems
We think all the Elephant and Piggie books are hilarious but this one is our favorite. Piggie has never been to a party before so she relies on Elephant’s help. Which is the silliest help you can imagine.
Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas
Bob just doesn’t fit in with the other rhyming dust bunnies — but that makes this book a total crack-up! Because he’s trying to warn them that there is a vacuum coming. Only his fellow Dust Bunnies just think he’s weird and can’t rhyme, ignoring his warning. Will they get vacuumed up?!
Bob, Not Bob! by Liz Garton Scanlon & Audrey Vernick, illustrations by Matthew Cordell
- illustrations
- humorous story
- handwriting font
- did I mention the humor?
- clam shells
- screechy seagulls
- bathtub tidal waves
- pool parties
- walrus songs
The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak
The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith, illustrated by Katz Cowley
The credit for the success of this book is largely due to the Scottish granny whose viral video reading it was a total crack up! Of course, it’s a great, silly (very silly!) cumulative story filled with onomatopoeias like “stinky dinky lanky honky tonky winky wonky donkey.” This wonky donkey is walking down the road, he hasn’t had any coffee, and he’s always getting up to mischief.
Pacho Nacho by Silvia Lopez, illustrated by Pablo Pino
This hilarious story begs to be read aloud. It’s about a family that has two sons, the oldest son has a VERY long name that his parents insist everyone use, Pacho-Nacho-Nico-Tico-Melo-Felo-Kiko-Rico. This name appeased the family who suggested all the names but when he falls into the river, it takes so long for his brother Juan to say his name and get help that the parents decided to shorten his name. Based on an old Japanese folktale, you’ll love the retelling set in Mexico interspersed with Spanish words. LOVE this book!!
Read the Book, Lemmings! by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Zachariah OHora
Foxy’s book specifically says that lemmings (small, fuzzy, illiterate rodents) do not jump off cliffs. Which he explains to the lemmings on his arctic ship, the S.S. Cliff. Unfortunately, the lemmings don’t listen and they all jump off the Cliff. Fox is so annoyed because THE BOOK SAYS that lemmings don’t jump off cliffs. Finally, after a third icy water rescue of the lemmings who are not supposed to jump off the boat, the lemmings explain why they don’t do what the book says — they can’t read. See how reading fixes everything? Foxy and these not-too-smart lemmings will crack you up.
This Book Just Ate My Dog! by Richard Byrne
Yikes – Bella was taking her dog for a stroll across the page when the dog disappears into the book. Help comes but they all get sucked into the book, too! Bella goes to investigate herself because this book is being very naughty. Your kids will laugh through this entire story — it’s quite funny!
OH, Great Now We’ve Got Barbarians! by Jason Carter Eaton, illustrated by Mark Fearing
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
In a domino effect of craziness, we learn that one thing leads to another when you give a mouse a cookie. Funny!
Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham
We love this hilarious alphabet book about a very impatient moose and his kind friend, Zebra.
You’re Finally Here by Melanie Watt
Silly, silly, silly! A bedtime story to read over and over again! A bunny bounces through a range of emotions in this funny picture book about how difficult it is to wait for things. At first, he’s ecstatic that you, the reader, has arrived. But then he can’t help letting you know that waiting for you took TOO LONG, was way too boring, and even becomes insulting to you. The bunny is ready to forgive everything if you will promise to stay. But hold on–he has to take a phone call. Wait! Come back! Where are you going?
Is Everyone Ready for Fun? by Jan Thomas
We are addicted to Ready for Fun –it’s a great book for reading together and practicing your silly voices.
Riding a Donkey Backwards Wise and Foolish Tales of Mulla Nasruddin retold by Sean Taylor and the Khayaal Theatre, illustrated by Shirin Adl
Mulla Nasruddin stars in hilarious short stories that will appeal to children of all cultures, although he’s well-known already in many different Muslim countries. He’s goofy, witty, endearing, tricky, and wise and you can’t help but adore his personality. The collage illustrations capture the emotion (and goofiness) of Mulla with a delightful humor of their own. This is a captivating book of short stories you won’t want to miss.
The Donkey Egg by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel
Impressively educational while being funny, charming, and warmhearted! Fox tricks Bear to “hatch” a donkey egg for only $19.94. While Bear sits and sits on the so-called Donkey Egg we learn helpful information about time. But of course, it doesn’t hatch so now what will Bear do?
You Will Be My Friend by Peter Brown
I love how hilarious this book is! Really seriously funny. Lucy, God-love her, is very enthusiastic about making friends with a forest critter. Her good intentions go awry and soon Lucy is yelling at animals — “Come back here and have fun with me” and “You WILL be my friend.” A sit turns out, that isn’t such a great way to make friends, either. Will Lucy ever make a friend?
How to Give Your Cat a Bath in Five Easy Steps by Nicola Winstanley, illustrated by John Martz
Want some advice for giving your cat a bath? Read this hilarious book with simple text and funny illustrations that shows readers how pointless it is to even attempt at giving a cat a bath. It’s sure to be a new read-aloud favorite!
King Hugo’s Huge Ego by Chris Van Dusen
You will LOVE this funny rhyming book about a king who thinks VERY highly of himself and is cursed by a witch. The curse means that every time he utters more self-important words, his head inflates. Surprisingly, he doesn’t mind because that means there is more of him to love. How will the king ever learn his valuable lesson in humility? What a delightful story with an important moral and great ending. (We read this book EVERY night for months.)
I Got a Chicken For My Birthday by Laura Gehl, illustrated by Sarah Horne
SUCH a funny story! A little girl asks Abuela Lola for tickets to an amusement park for her birthday. Much to her surprise, Abuela Lola gets her a chicken instead!! Weird. And, it’s a chicken who is too busy to eat, too busy to lay eggs, and steals her dog and cat. But don’t worry. The new chicken is actually a genius. Kids will love this hilarious story about the best birthday present ever — a chicken who builds an amusement park. Stunning illustrations throughout. (And I predict you’ll want a chicken like this for your birthday, too.)
Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner
Your kids will love Skippyjon who is a Siamese kitten who likes to pretend he’s a Chihuahua (in the comfort of his own closet) having crazy adventures and speaking in an accent.
The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Adam Rex
Don’t miss this uproarious adventure of epic proportions that will merit reading and rereading then playing round after round of rock, paper, scissors in honor of these great warriors. Rock, Paper, and Scissors battle it out and are actually happy to lose to someone worthy; they become best friends even. I particularly love the hilarious conversations between the three warriors and their opponents such as, ““I have come from the far reaches of Kitchen to battle you, O bizarre and yummy breaded dinosaurs!“” Adam Rex’s illustrations really bring the action and drama of this story alive.
7 Ate 9: The Untold Story by Tara Lazar, illustrated by Ross MacDonald
I Am NOT a Chair by Ross Burach
Poor giraffe! All the other animals think he’s a chair — no matter what he does. He even tries to tells the hungry lion sitting on him but the lion is so scared to hear a talking chair that he runs away. Will giraffe ever get the others to see him as an animal? The light-hearted and silly humor will keep your kids giggling throughout.
The Butt Book by Artie Bennett
A perfect just-enough-potty humor kid book to gives kids an excuse to say butt. Seriously, what kid (or husband) doesn’t like to say butt? (Remember when you learned how to spell butt?) Hilarious stuff!
The Cook and the King by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by David Roberts
Kids will think this book is SOOOO funny! Because the main character, a scardey-cat chef, tricks the king. When the chef is too scared, the king catches the fish, digs for potatoes, chops up the food, and cooks the food. When the king loves the meal and hires the cook, it’s even funnier because he should have just hired himself!
The Princess and the Frogs by Veronica Bartles, illustrated by Sara Palacios
Nanette’s Baguette by Mo Willems
Princess Cora and the Crocodile by Laura Amy Schlitz, illustrated by Brian Floca MARCH
There Are Cats in This Book by Viviane Schwarz
You’ll love searching for cats in this laugh-out-loud book — it’s one of our favorites.
A Hungry Lion or Dwindling Assortment of Animals written and illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins
This book tricked me — and it will trick your kids too. First, we meet a hungry lion and an assortment of animals, who all begin to disappear one by one. We think maybe the lion is eating them. (Eew!) But, I won’t ruin the surprise by telling you the plot. Darkly hilarious!
101 Reasons Why I’m Not Taking a Bath by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Joy Ang
Circle, Square, Moose by Kelly Bingham, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
Moose is up to his usual antics and this time it’s in a shape book. Zebra, the narrator, can’t get Moose to get out of the book!! But they will always be good friends no matter what. HILARIOUS.
ALSO READ: all picture book reviews and recommendations
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