Funny Poems Hook Kids on Poetry!

Poetry can be serious, but these funny poems for kids and poetry picture books are seriously silly!

Some are laugh-out-loud nonsense, while others are filled with clever giggles, but they will all get your kids engaged in poetry even if they have never been a fan of it before.

Funny Poems

1. Frankenstein Makes A Sandwich
Poems and art by Adam Rex
What a monstrously good time! Funny poems coupled with fantastic drawings of all your favorite creepy monsters will make this book a hit with any fan of creepy creatures. Don’t worry, these poems are filled with mirth and are not scary, despite their monster subjects. You’ll find funny poems about Count Dracula, the Mummy, and the “Lunchsack of Notre Dame.”

2. Beast Feast
Poems and Paintings by Douglas Florian
This book of short poems is filled with laughs about animals you know and love, like the “walrusty” walrus and the “ruder” barracuda. Douglas Florian’s simple poems and paintings don’t disappoint, so if you like this one make sure to check out his whole collection. Which short poem will you like the best? Maybe the “The Armadillo” or “The Sloth”? Or maybe The Boa…?

3. Wild Symphony
Poems by Dan Brown, illustrated by Susan Batori
Can wild animals create a symphony of sound? In this funny poems book of animal-based funny poems, they sure make a lot of sounds! This book of poetry ends with a whole orchestra of wild animals and is filled with silly poems and adorable drawings of each one along the way. Maestro Mouse guides you along the animal welcome — starting with the honks, hoots, and chirps of the woodbirds.

4. Behold The Bold Umbrellaphant (and other poems)
Poems by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Carin Berger
Such interesting and silly wordplay throughout this book of poems. Jack Prelutsky has a whole collection of poetry books for kids, so if this one tickles your funny bone, you’ll love his other poetry books, including Be Glad Your Nose Is On Your Face.

5. Button Up! Wrinkled Rhymes
Poems by Alice Schertle, illustrated by Petra Mathers
What an adorable book of poetry that will make you laugh as you imagine your closet coming alive. Each silly poem is written in the voice of a different article of clothing, including the always hilarious frilly underwear. For example, “Violet’s Hiking Hat” and “Jennifer’s Shoes” or Jack’s Soccer Jersey” will crack you up. How can you not laugh when clothing writes their ow poetry?!

6. I’m Just No Good At Rhyming: And Other Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-ups
Poems by Chris Harris, illustrated by Lane Smith
Absurd is the word for this silly book of funny poems with charming art. Though all of the poems in this one might not appeal to everyone, this book is chock-full of silliness, so you might be able to find some real laugh-out-loud moments throughout.

7. The Complete Nonsense of Edward Lear
Nonsense by Edward Lear, edited by Holbrook Jackson
Every humorous poetry collection has to include something by Edward Lear, the inventor of the limerick and by far one of the best “nonsense-makers” of all time. This book is a complete collection of Edward Lear’s nonsense, from longer poems to quick limericks, that the whole family can enjoy.

8. Nonsense
Limericks by Edward Lear, illustrated by Atonina Novarese
If the complete works of Edward Lear are too much, or just not enough, try this book containing forty of his funniest limericks. The whimsical and colorful art really captures the feeling of the words and makes this book thoroughly enjoyable.

9. Tap Dancing On The Roof
Poems by Linda Sue Park and art by Istvan Banyai
Get the giggles while learning about a form of Korean poetry called Sijo. Similar to Haiku in their brevity and subtleness, these witty poems make everyday things fun. A truly enjoyable way to keep growing your poetry collection and knowledge.

10. A Hatful Of Dragons: And More Than 13.8 Billion Other Funny Poems
Poems and black and white drawings by Vikram Madan
Madcap and filled with zany and interesting ways to look at poetry and writing, this funny poem book is a fantastic addition to any funny poetry collection. Witty, quirky, and smart, don’t sleep on this poetry collection, or you’ll miss a dragon-sized hatful of laughs! Limericks, Sijo, fill-in-the-blanks, and all kinds of fun nonsense abound!

11. Animals in Pants
poems by Suzy Levinson and illustrations by Kristen & Kevin Howdeshell
These funny poems will delight readers with their rhyming and silliness. Manatees in dungarees, kangaroos in jumpsuits, giraffes in kilts, and spiders who put on their pants one leg, one leg, one leg, times eight at a time.

Long, short, and in-between can help create a love of poetry while promoting belly laughing.

If you’re looking for funny poems online that you can read right away, check out these favorites:

“Eletelephony” by Laura Elizabeth Richards

“The People Upstairs” by Ogden Nash

“Granny” by Spike Milligan (Poor old Granny!)

Which are your family’s favorite funny poems and poetry books?