The 80 Funniest Funny Picture Books for Kids
This post may contain affiliate links.
Get ready to laugh, chortle, giggle, and chuckle with these best funny books to read aloud to your kids. These are the funniest, funny picture book favorites that my kids loved me to read to them and your growing readers will love, too!
I promise, these funny picture books will be read aloud favorites –again and again and again. They’ll provide hours of special (and hilarious) reading time with your child. And, you’ll even like reading them, too.
You’ll be happy to know that I read at least a hundred newly published books every month and I update this book list with the best new books. Last update: November 2023!
You already know that picture books, fiction, and nonfiction are important for children of all ages, right? And that even if your child can read chapter books, picture books offer a wealth of important foundational literacy skills with engaging stories, reading a book in one sitting, learning new vocabulary, appreciating art, improving listening skills, as well as encouraging thinking and discussion.
Read aloud to your children of all ages. Toddlers, preschoolers, and kids in elementary grades, too. (We didn’t stop until my youngest was in 8th grade.)
But back to funny picture books… What are the best picture books for kids? Any books they enjoy reading! Children under the age of five love funny and silly books about animals, friendships, potty humor, the alphabet, and other relatable topics.
Silly Books for Silly Kids
- How to Count to 1 by Casper Salmon
- Underwear! by Jenn Harney
- Pirates vs. Monsters by David Crosby
- The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith
- Walrus in the Bathtub by Deborah Underwood
- You’re Finally Here by Melanie Watt
- Pizza with Everything on It by Kyle Scheele
- Goodnight, Butterfly by Ross Burach
- Dragon Was Terrible by Kelly DiPucchio
- This Book Just Ate My Dog! by Richard Byrne
Before you read aloud, be sure to read the title, the author and illustrator’s names, and take a “picture walk.” Look through the illustrations and have your children make a prediction about the story or book’s topic using the pictures and the title.
As you read aloud, read with inflection and dramatic flare!
After you read, talk about your favorite parts of the story or questions your kids still have. Get more read aloud tips for parents here.
Best Funny Picture Books
Who Did It? (boxed set) by Ohara Hale
If your kids like potty humor, these short board books are some of the funniest books for sure! 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 books to read — this happens to be one of our favorites. Silly. Perfect for the under-two age group.
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.
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. Potty training children will be able to relate to this story about a little bear who has a lot of *fun* with his underwear.
How to Count to 1 by Casper Salmon, illustrated by Matt Hunt
Can you count to 1? And no higher? Silly illustrations and humorous writing will surprise and engage growing mathematicians as they follow the directions and count to ONE. One worm in disguise, one giraffe (among other African animals,) one duck rollerblading, and, well, you get the idea– ONE! What’s even better is that the illustrations often mislead you into thinking you might be counting higher. Except– you are not. Brilliant!
The Bear Who Wasn’t There by LeUyen Pham
This is a funny book to read to preschoolers! The silly story is supposed to be about a bear, but where is he? Duck hopes Bear stays missing so he can be the main character of the book, so Duck goes to extreme lengths to get what he wants…and it will crack up your kids!
Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great by Bob Shea
This is the funniest 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. But when Unicorn prances by, he’s amazed by Goat’s talents. 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 worms, so that’s exactly what he does –draws lots of worms. Ten worms, actually, with super funny commentary.
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 picture book story is not only very creative but super funny as well.
Go Sleep In Your Own Bed! by Candace Fleming and Lori Nichols
Kids will love this funny bedtime story. Here’s why — it’s got hilarity, yes, but also the repetition of text and drama. Each animal goes to bed and finds another animal sleeping in the wrong bed. “Go sleep in your own bed!” the pig orders the cow, the cow orders the chicken, the chicken tells the horse, well, you get the picture. What will happen to the kitten? She gets to stay and cuddle in the little girl’s bed.
Fish and Crab by Marianna Coppo
Hilarious! It’s bedtime for friends Fish and Crab. But Fish worries so much that he can’t sleep. He shares his worries with his supportive friend Crab; worries about Owls, alien abduction, raining frogs, black holes, and more! Crab listens to Fish, and soon Fish feels better, but Crab doesn’t. Now Crab can’t sleep!
A Unicorn, a Dinosaur, and a Shark Walk into a Book by Jonathan Fenske
This is the hilarious discussion between the narrator and his characters–who are NOT impressed with the narrator’s story ideas–with super silly illustrations of the three main characters, the unicorn, the shark, and the dinosaur plus their dialogue bubbles. They don’t even try to act sharky or unicorny. This is why the narrator adds a kitten in a t-shirt because no reader can resist a cute kitten…and neither can the other characters. 🙂
Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas
Bob 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?!
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, with super funny images.
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 the funniest picture books of the series. Piggie has never been to a party before, so she relies on Elephant’s help. Which is the silliest help you can imagine.
I Am Dog! written by Peter Bently, illustrated by Chris Chatterton
Playful rhyming, simple text shares a day in the life from a dog’s perspective. “I am a dog. Dog is me. I like walkies. I like tree.” Dog likes to chase, splash, dig, and bark.. among other things like searching for the smell he sniffs which makes a big mess! The illustrations are essential to this story of the dog’s day — and what is really happening. This is the perfect read aloud for 2 – 5 year olds!
My Pet Feet by Josh Funk, illustrated by Billy Yong
Darling and creative, this playful wordplay adventure hits all the right letters, and you’ll laugh your way through it. A little girl wakes up to a world without the letter R — and sees that her FERRET Doodles has turned into FEET! How can she save him? Doodles leads the girl towards a pirate ship where they discover all the stolen Rs. She returns the Rs to Doodles and repairs the town. But just as she’s about to sleep, she realizes something else is missing…
The Chupacabra Ate the Candelabra by Marc Tyler Nobelman, illustrated by Ana Aranda
I adore this goofy story about three scared goats who are terrified of the chupacabra who is coming to eat them. But don’t worry, it turns out much differently than they expect when the chupacabra arrives! Because the chupacabra eats the candelabra, cucarachas, and goat…cheese. Funny dialogue and a surprising new friendship.
Pirates vs. Monsters by David Crosby, illustrated by Lee Cosgrove
Silly, rhyming pirates tell tall tales about brave feats defeating monsters. “The Crunk,” she spat, “was a two-headed beast. While one head would sleep, the other would feast. How did I beat it? With my sneaking skills. I sprinkled its grub, with crushed sleeping pills.” But when the monsters arrive, they all run away. Now it’s the monsters turn to tell tales that aren’t lies, about scaring pirates. Jaunty and funny!
The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak
This is one of my favorite funny picture books to read aloud because everything the words say, the person reading the book has to say, even if it’s totally weird. Like, “my head is made of blueberry pizza” or “My only friend in the whole wide world is a hippo named BOO BOO BUTT.” Side-splitting to listeners and the reader alike, this is a fantastically funny book.
The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith, illustrated by Katz Cowley
The credit for the success of this picture 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.
Are You Scared, Darth Vader? by Adam Rex
HILARIOUS — and a guaranteed new funny read-aloud favorite for your kids. The narrator is trying to find out if Darth Vader is scared of anything. Is he scared when the wolfman pops out? Or bites him? Or a vampire? No. Nothing will scare Darth Vader. Then –a surprise ending with what actually displeases, er, scares Darth Vader. What do you think it is?
Walrus in the Bathtub by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Matt Hunt
This family tries many clever things to get the walrus to leave the bathtub but with no luck. So they decide they’d better move. Again. Until the walrus shows them his list — “How to Make Your New Family Feel Welcome” — which, surprisingly, includes everything that annoyed the family. It turns out the walrus was just trying to be nice! So the family stays. With a few new rules. And a new perspective on all the good things that come with having a walrus in the bathtub.
Bob, Not Bob! by Liz Garton Scanlon & Audrey Vernick, illustrations by Matthew Cordell
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this hysterical story about a boy with a very stuffy nose. Every time the boy, Louie, tries to call his mom, instead of “mom” it sounds more like “Bob” — which is the dog’s name! The dog always comes running and slobbering, but Louie just “wan by bob!” Poor Louie. Everything he says comes out in cold-speak. And we all can relate to that! I love the way the authors differentiate what Louie is saying with a heart in the letter O when he’s trying to say mom.
Who Made This Mess? written by Laura Gehl, illustrated by Aleksandar Stojsic
In this silly story, solve the farm mysteries using misleading rhyming clues! When the farmer is scared by a moo, he investigates and finds… a confused owl. Each mystery won’t be who you predict so get ready to laugh. Because it’s the monkeys to make the mess of wool in the barn and the clumsy giraffe who made a muddy mess… Kids will beg for repeated readings of this funny picture book story!
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.
Yetis Are the Worst! by Alex Willan
Goblin tries to convince you that for sure, yetis are THE WORST. And he’ll prove that they’re not cool by finding them and showing you. He searches everywhere and never notices the hiding yetis (you will, though!) — until he falls into their home. That’s when he admits that yetis actually aren’t the worst. You’ll love this third hilarious story from Alex Willan’s The Worst series!
This Is a Taco! by Andrew Cangelose, illustrated by Josh Shipley
Our narrator wants to tell you all about squirrels — with the help of Taco, a squirrel who loves tacos and interjects his opinion about the narrator’s facts in comic dialogue bubbles in the illustrations. Taco gets more irritated as he hears the facts like “squirrels love to eat nuts, acorns, and even tree bark.” (He only agreed to be in the book because he thought there would be tacos.) Serious facts are paired with hilarious commentary, making this a memorable story filled with squirrel facts and a surprise ending.
Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty, illustrated by David Roberts
Laugh with this silly story about two dads and their kids trying to do chores to prepare for Grandma’s visit…but when the cat hears that bathing the cat is on the list of chores, the cat slyly rearranges the letters and words into goofy chores such as feeding the floor, sweeping the dishes, and scrubbing the fishes. The LGBTQ+ family does all sorts of weird things until one dad realizes the problem — and captures the cat so they can do the correct chore
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 appeases 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 decide to shorten his name. Based on an old Japanese folktale, you’ll love the retelling set in Mexico interspersed with Spanish words.
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 funny picture book to read to your kids and to practice your silly voices.
Just Snow Already by Howard McWilliam
The boy is SO excited for the snow. He keeps checking out the window and is frustrated that NOTHING is happening out there. (But we can see that there is — a firetruck, a cat stuck in a tree, a cool monster truck, a dog chase, etc.) The boy plans and imagines all he can do in the snow…and wonders what if it will never snow again. Will it ever snow? Funny and relatable.
Snowflakes on Our Tongues written by Mike Ornstein, illustrated by Pauline Gregory
Something silly is happening at Pumpernickel Farm! Narrated in rhyme, the cows explain that when it snows, they like to stick out their tongues…and catch snowflakes! And so does the horse, and the piglets, sheep, and the chickens. But what about the farmer? Just like his animals, he likes to have a little fun when it snows…and catches his own snowflakes on his tongue! Repetitive structure, rhyme, and silliness will make this a new favorite preschool read aloud!
How to Talk Like a Bear by Charlie Grandy, illustrated by Alex G. Griffiths
You might think you’re roaring like a bear, but instead of saying, “Give me your ice cream sundaes,” you accidentally said, “Go get a haircut!” Clearly, there’s a lot involved with bear talk! But Bear will help you get into the bear head space with yoga visualization, and leaf and termite tea. Aren’t you lucky to have this helpful guide to doing whatever you want 100% of the time? Just like Bear. Or maybe not!
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 funny book!
OH, Great Now We’ve Got Barbarians! by Jason Carter Eaton, illustrated by Mark Fearing
Mom says if he doesn’t clean his room, he’ll get pests . . .which aren’t all that bad, right? Only things go downhill when barbarian “pests” start arriving. Because they eat everything, use his toys to clean out their ears, and steal blankets and pillows. So there is only one thing to do — CLEAN up. 🙁 Bummer. Funny with the perfect forgot-to-clean-up twist at the end.
Pizza with Everything on It by Kyle Scheele, illustrated by Andy J. Pizza
Wildly imaginative — this is the funniest book about a pizza-loving boy who decides to add EVERYTHING on his pizza. Pickles and apples, books and pencils, the White House and a particle accelerator, so many toppings...Before the boy and his helpful dad knew it, the pizza begins to collapse in on itself and turns into a black hole and then into a pizza solar system and earth and town.
XO, Exoplanet by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Jorge Lacera
Get ready to laugh at this hysterical story with a poignant message about seeing multiple perspectives! When our solar system’s planets write a friendly letter to an exoplanet, their communication turns into a funny argument when the exoplanet tells our planets that THEY are actually the exoplanets. A visiting comet helps our planets to see that depending on how you’re looking at things, both arguments could be true. Letters, dialogue bubbles, and expressive illustrations capture the planets’ strong emotions.
Over Bear, Under Where? by Julie Hedlund, illustrated by Michael Slack
You will laugh your way through this darling story about two friends, a bird named Under and a mole friend named Over. It’s a silly “Whose on First?” preposition-filled story about these two friends, Over and Under, who stand, cook, and play with each other. When they see Bear (who is between and behind) he and Dog join Over and Under at the park.
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!
I Am Not a Penguin: A Pangolin’s Lament by Liz Wong
An increasingly frustrated pangolin tryies to explain what he is to a group of animals but they don’t understand what a pangolin is. Is he a skunk? A penguin? Maybe an armadillo? Then, an actual penguin arrives and the animals rush off to go surfing, leaving behind a kid who knows about the pangolin. But now he’s confused. Is she a goat?
Be Quiet! by Ryan T. Higgins
Rupert tells his two exuberant and talkative friends that the book is supposed to be wordless, but the friends just cannot stop “helping” with ideas for the book, infuriating Rupert and cracking up the reader. Cartoon conversation bubbles, hilarious dialogue, and a funny storyline will keep you entertained from cover to cover.
Don’t Miss These Funny Books
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.
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 picture book is! Lucy is very enthusiastic about making friends with a forest critter. Her good intentions go awry, and soon Lucy is yelling at the forest animals — “Come back here and have fun with me” and “You WILL be my friend.” This isn’t 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 bathing your cat? Read this hilarious book with simple text and funny illustrations that shows readers how pointless it is to even attempt at bathing a cat. 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 a 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 a genius. Kids will love this hilarious story about the best birthday present ever — a chicken who builds an amusement park.
Dragon Was Terrible by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
What a funny story with fantastic illustrations! Kids will love this naughty dragon who scribbles in books, steals candy from baby unicorns, and even burps in church! The king will reward a brave knight, er, anyone, with a nice gift if only they can tame the terrible dragon. But it’s one boy who knows just what to do — lure and tame the dragon with a STORY.
Kat Hats by Daniel Pinkwater, illustrated by Aaron Renier
I laughed out loud at the premise of this kooky story. It’s about cats who arrange themselves as hats. One particular top cat, Thermal Herman 6 7/8ths, helps his friend look for Thirdbeard’smissing mom. Thermal Herman faces perils and dangers as tracks down his friend’s mom who might have brain freeze. If you like to laugh and love cats, this will be your next favorite book.
The Little Butterfly That Could by Ross Burach
A kind whale teaches a distressed butterfly to persevere when it gets lost from its migrating group. The whale encourages the reluctant, fearful butterfly to find its gumption and courage, kicking it out of his stomach, and reminding it to keep trying. Drawn and narrated in comic panels and dialogue bubbles, this wonderful new story is funny, emotional, and poignant.
Goodnight, Butterfly by Ross Burach
Butterfly meets a nocturnal animal, and he has SO MANY questions…which are hilarious and annoying to his new porcupine friend who likes quiet. To help Butterfly sleep, Porcupine suggests a good book. It doesn’t work. Then, he recommends Butterfly think calming thoughts. Eventually, Butterfly goes to sleep, but his snoring wakes up all the other butterflies. A delightful read-aloud for bedtime or anytime!
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.
100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli by DavidLaRochelle, illustrated by Lian Cho
In this quirky, silly book of subtraction and fantasy, 100 mighty dragons named Broccoli live on a high mountain. Until the wind blows away 50. And 10 become professional surfers in Hawaii. 2 take a train to New York City. One by one, the dragons move on through magic or trips or more crazy adventures. Finally, it’s only one mighty dragon named Broccoli is left alone in the cave. Time passes. What happens next brings this delightful adventure to a full-circle ending! And you’ll love it.
7 Ate 9: The Untold Story by Tara Lazar, illustrated by Ross MacDonald
6 bangs on Private I’s door for help to escape 7 who he hears ate 9. But what really happened to 9? Pitch perfect tongue-in-cheek number and word humor will have you cracking up throughout this suspenseful and funny must-own story for readers ages 4 and above.
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 tell 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 give 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!
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 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
I adore this super funny twist on a traditional fairy tale story!! In this version, the princess wants a pet — but every frog she gets, turns into a prince when she kisses it goodnight– and we all know that princes do not make good pets. Soon the princes are everywhere, but one is sad, he wants to be a frog again. Which is good because the princess still needs a pet!
Nanette’s Baguette by Mo Willems
In this funny rhyming story, Nanette, an adorable frog, gets sent to the store to get a baguette for her and her mom. It’s a big responsibility, but she’s up for the challenge — until the baguette is just too tempting. Now, what will she do? Don’t worry, Nanette’s mom isn’t mad and in fact, can’t resist the delicious baguette either. Another fabulous story from the talented Mo Willems with beautiful paper illustrations!
Princess Cora and the Crocodile by Laura Amy Schlitz, illustrated by Brian Floca
Princess Cora’s life is learning, bathing, training, and more bathing and she’s sick of it. That’s when she asks her fairy godmother for a pet. Surprise — she gets a crocodile. ?! Although he isn’t exactly what she has in mind, Cora agrees to let the crocodile trade places with her so she can have a day off. And the results are HILARIOUS.
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.
Big Bunny by Rowboat Watkins
RUN out to get this book! The reader keeps interrupting the narrator who is trying to tell the story of a big bunny who no, doesn’t live on a ginormous floating carrot! He lives on a round planet where he eats lots of carrots. There’s more –trucker penguins and giraffes and a scary ending that requires you to pay close attention to the illustration!
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. (Eeew!) 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
A hilarious book about a boy (maybe you know him?) who has 101 reasons he can NOT have bath time. He’s allergic to water. None of his friends have to take a bath. Aliens might attack when he’s in the bath. That’s not dirt, it’s a freckle. The kid is a genius with excuses! But you won’t believe what happens when he finally gets in the bath. Okay, you might believe it. Since you and I know this kid. NOW he won’t get out!
Circle, Square, Moose by Kelly Bingham, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
Moose is up to his usual antics, 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.
Something’s Wrong! A Bear, a Hare, and Some Underwear by Jory John, illustrated by Erin Kraan
Kids will crack up watching a bewildered Jeff (the bear) wander around the woods wearing underwear and wondering why he’s feeling like something’s wrong. He overcompensates for this nagging sense by talking too much and talking LOUDLY. The other animals wonder, “Why is that bear wearing underwear?” Finally, his friend Andres bravely asks Jeff why he’s wearing underwear. And as the other animals look on, Anders joins him in the new style of animals wearing underwear.
Blue Bison Needs a Haircut by Scott Rothman, illustrated by Pete Oswald
Blue Bison needs a haircut, but everything is closed! His little sister Bubble Gum Bison offers to cut his hair, but he declines her offer. Desperate, he even offers the barber a bribe. This leads to an explanation of the difference between bison and buffalo. Then, his little sister distracts him, and he realizes he can live without a haircut. Except, surprise! During the night, someone (can you guess who?) gave him a haircut. Filled with humor and feelings, this will be a read aloud favorite.
Chez Bob by Bob Shea
Perfect kid humor with plenty of heart, too! Bob the alligator has a devious plan to open a bird restaurant with birdseed so he can attract his next meals and eat his delicious customers–but, there’s a problem…he likes his new bird friends. What a dilemma! What will Bob do?
Interrupting Chicken: Cookies for Breakfast by David Ezra Stein
Little red chicken loves when his dad reads aloud to him–and he loves to modify the stories, too. This morning, he really wants cookies so he helps his dad read the nursery rhymes adding new rhymes with cookies in them. For example, “Hickory, Dickory, Dock,” reads the dad. Then little red chicken jumps into the story and adds, “I sure like cookies a lot!” Eventually, Papa suggests that instead of cookies for breakfast, they have cake…a pancake. Entertaining, funny, and playful.
ALSO READ: all picture book reviews and recommendations
You Might Also Like:
Love this list. The Princess and the Pony by Kate Beaton always has our family in stitches too!
Thanks! Here’s to more laughter in the world!
What a great list!! I’m a big fan of so many of these authors, especially Bob Shea. Another funny book I’d mention is Cece Bell’s I Yam a Donkey! And Nugget and Fang by Tammi Sauer. and please take a look at my own book: Everybody Says Meow. Thanks!!
Thank you, Constance– I’ll check it out! And the other books, as well. 🙂
Try THE DINOSAUR THAT POOPED THE BED. My grandkids love it.
Thanks — I’ll check it out.
Fantastic collection! Thanks!
I hope you find lots of good books!