Book Recommendations by Age
- 50 Books for Kindergartners to Read by Themselves
- 45 Must Read Books for Kindergartners (Read Aloud)
- 100 Books for 1st Graders to Read Themselves
- Favorite 1st Grade Read Aloud Picture Books
- 17+ 1st Grade Read Aloud Chapter Books you won't want to miss!
- Top 25 Chapter Book Series for 1st-3rd Grade
- Best 2nd Grade Reading List
- 2nd Grade Read Aloud Chapter Books
- Top 25 Chapter Book Series for 1st-3rd Grade
- 3rd Grade Reading List
- Top 25 Chapter Book Series for 1st-3rd Grade
- 4th Grade Book List
- 5th Grade Reading List
- Historical Fiction for Kids
Funny Picture Books
The Monster at the End of This Book
was written by Jon Stone and illustrated by Michael Smollin. This interactive story features Grover, the lovable blue monster from Sesame Street. When he reads in the title that there is a monster at the end of the book, he begs the reader to stop turning pages so they don't get to the end. Kids will love defying him, and will appreciate the funny ending.
The Pigeon Needs a Bath!
was written and illustrated by Mo Willems. In this addition to the popular "Pigeon" series, the Pigeon needs a bath. However, he doesn't want to take a bath, and he tries to convince the reader that it isn't necessary. Kids and parents alike will find the humor in the story, as well as recognizing a familiar conversation that may happen in their own homes a lot!
Don't Push the Button!
was written by Bill Cotter. This fun interactive book introduces readers to Larry, a lovable purple monster who only has one rule: Don't push the button! He soon convinces the reader to try giving the button a little push, and hilarity ensues. Kids must poke, shake and manipulate the book to help Larry gets things back to normal. Kids love getting involved with the story and laughing at all the craziness that Larry leads them into.
The Book with No Pictures
was written by B.J. Novak. Who would think that a picture book with no pictures could be so funny? This hilarious book starts out by admitting that a book without any pictures may seem boring, but it soon shows the reader that words can be powerful and funny all on their own. Kids will love making parents read the sometimes nonsensical words in this book over and over again.
Don't Ever Look Behind Door 32
was written by B.C.R. Fegan and illustrated by Lenny Wen. Stop in to the magical Hotel of Hoo, a place full of all kinds of strange, magical and curious creatures. As the host in the story takes two kids through each room of the hotel, they encounter all sorts of funny creatures and situations. However, he frequently reminds them not to look behind door 32. The ending to this story is a funny and simple one, giving kids and adults a good laugh.Check out this list of interactive books for more books your kids will love!
Funny Books About Animals
Penguin Problems
was written by Jory John and illustrated by Lane Smith. Life as a penguin can be tough! This funny book follows a grumpy penguin who has lots of complaints. When someone new gives him a new way to look at life, will he be able to change his grumpy ways? Kids and adults alike will appreciate the entertaining complaints of the little penguin, and the positive lesson taught to him by another.
Milo Is Not a Dog Today
was written by Kerstin Schoene and illustrated by Nina Gunetsreiner. Milo the dog just wants to make a frieind. So he wanders around asking the other animals if they would like to play with him. When they each tell him that they only play with other animals like them, he uses what he has around him to dress up and pretend to be one of them. The sweet story about finding a friend and being whoever you want to be, is accompanied by beautiful illustrations. Kids will adore the unbelievably cute Milo, and will laugh at the hilarious costumes he dons throughout the story.
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type (A Click Clack Book)
was written by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin. When Farmer Brown's cows get a typewriter, they start leaving him notes and soon start an animal rebellion. The hilarious animals in the story have simple wants, but Farmer Brown doesn't want to give in! The simple text is accompanied by colorful illustrations, introducing kids to the lovable characters who return for more funny books from Farmer Brown's farm.
The New LiBEARian
was written by Alison Donald and illustrated by Alex Willmore. When the librarian goes missing right before story time, the kids go on an adventure to find her. Instead, they come face to face with a bear, who they believe to be their new librarian! After they coax the bear into reading them a story, the real librarian appears and returns the bear to the story he escaped from. This fun book ends with a wink, giving kids a chance to be part of the fun.
Fox in Socks
was written by Dr. Seuss. This tongue twisting classic follows a tricky Fox in socks who tries to twist the tongue of the frustrated Mr. Knox. Throughout the book, the fox gives Mr. Knox all kinds of tongue twisting rhymes to try to trip him up. Kids will not only laugh at the ridiculous situations in the story and the illustrations, but also at the adults attempting to read the complicated tongue twisters on the page!
Here Comes Teacher Cat
was written by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Claudia Rueda. The hilariously grumpy Cat is always filling in for others, even when he doesn't want to. In this story, he must step in as substitute teacher at kitty school. The story is told through the point of view of a narrator who communicates with Cat through signs and facial expressions. As the Cat tries to get through the school day, he decides to teach things in his own hilarious way.
You Don't Want a Unicorn!
was written by Ame Dyckman and illustrated by Liz Climo. When the kid in the story wishes for a unicorn, the narrator tries to tell him all the reasons that it's a bad idea. As he learns the hard way that unicorns make terrible pets, the problems grow and grow. Kids will appreciate the funny illustrations that accompany the frantic pleas from the narrator, especially when the little boy decides to wish for something else at the end.
The Princess and the Pony
was written by Kate Beaton. Princess Pinecone believes that she is a strong warrior, so for her birthday she wants a big strong horse. When she receives a pony instead, she must figure out how to use the pony's strengths against her opponents in battle. The adorable little pony is sure to charm young kids, while the Princess teaches them an important lesson on teamwork and being proud to be yourself.
Mother Bruce
was written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins. Bruce is a grumpy bear who just loves to eat eggs. When the eggs he is about to prepare hatch into little goslings, he tries to escape from them. But they believe he is their mother and they refuse to leave him. The illustrations accompanying the funny text are hilarious, showing the tired and grumpy bear as he tries to be a mother. Kids and adults will both appreciate the funny story with a sweet ending.
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs
was written by Jon Scieszka and illustrated by Lane Smith. In this retelling of the 3 Little Pigs, the wolf finally gets a chance to tell his side of the story. His funny take on things is not the same as the classic story we all know, and kids will love the way that he explains away his actions in the story. The illustrations are detailed and imaginative, drawing readers in to the Wolf's fantastical tale.
I Don't Want to Be a Frog
was written by Dev Petty and illustrated by Mike Boldt. The little frog at the center of this story tells his father that he doesn't want to be a frog. He tells him all of the other animals that he would rather be, while his father tells him all the reasons he can't be those things. When a hungry wolf comes by, he helps the little frog see that being himself isn't so bad after all. Kids and adults will appreciate the back and forth conversation between father and son, and may recognize some glimmers of their own conversations.
Land Shark
was written by Beth Ferry and illustrated by Ben Mantle. All Bobby wants for his birthday is a shark. He drops hints to his parents and waits for the big day. However, his parents get him a puppy instead. Bobby refuses to like the little puppy, even as it shows signs of being more shark-like than he originally thought. The vivid and colorful illustrations are full of hilarious details for kids to find, and the story leaves off on a funny cliffhanger as well. Check out these fun learning activities to pair with the book too!
Funny Poems for Kids
Where the Sidewalk Ends: Poems and Drawings
was written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein. This hilarious anthology of poetry and illustrations introduce young kids to poetry in a funny and imaginative way. Silverstein uses a variety of poetry styles and incredibly creative characters which kids will will enjoy. The simple black and white illustrations that accompany the poems bring the hilarity of the poems to life.
Something Big Has Been Here
was written by Jack Prelutsky and illustrated by James Stevenson. This collection of poetry is full of over 100 silly and ridiculous poems and illustrations that are sure to entertain kids and get them laughing. The concepts behind the poems are often crazy and hilarious, and the memorable characters may just become family favorites.
Funny Books about Bad Luck & Bad Behaviors
Great, Now We've Got Barbarians!
was written by Jason Carter Eaton and illustrated by Mark Fearing. In this hilarious story about a dramatic pest invasion, a little boy learns the importance of cleaning up after himself. When he doesn't listen to his mother's pleas to clean the house, he soon finds his home overtaken by barbarians. Kids will love the ridiculous barbarians as they take over the house, and parents will appreciate the important lesson hidden behind the fun story.
Purple, Green and Yellow (Munsch for Kids)
was written by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Hélène Desputeaux. When Brigid convinces her mother to buy her some markers, she promises to never color on herself. When she finally convinces her to purchase the strongest markers available, can she resist the urge to color on herself? Kids will love the funny resolution to the story, and may recognize the fear of being found out when they have done exactly what their parents have told them not to do!
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
was written by Judith Viorst and illustrated by Ray Cruz. Some days are just bad days. This popular story of Alexander and his terrible day full of horrible occurrences is always a hit because we all have days just like his! The simple black and white illustrations that accompany the text accentuate Alexander's grumpiness as his terrible days wears on. Kids will appreciate some of the silly things that happen to him throughout the day, while learning the important lesson that there is always a new day tomorrow.
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
was written by Judi Barrett and illustrated by Ronald Barrett. This book follows a young boy and girl as they listen to a bedtime story by their grandfather about a place where food rains down from the sky. While it may seem like a nice idea at first, the people of Chewandswallow soon find that food falling from the sky isn't a great thing.
The Bad Seed
was written by Jory John and illustrated by Pete Oswald. The main character in this book is a sunflower seed who considers himself to be a bad seed. He exhibits all kinds of bad behaviors that kids will find entertaining. As he decides to turn his life around though, he teaches the reader all kinds of important lessons about not judging others, trying your best and bad actions not making someone a bad person.
Funny Books about Unique Characters
The Day the Crayons Quit
was written by Drew Daywalt and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. Duncan just wants to color a picture, but his crayons have gone on strike. This funny tale is told through letters that the individual crayons have written to Duncan, outlining their complaints. The illustrations are childlike in nature, and kids will enjoy the funny reasons that the crayons are upset.
Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast
was written by Josh Funk and illustrated by Brendan Kearney. When there is only one drop of maple syrup left, Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast go on a mission to get the last bit for themselves. The rhyming text is paired with hilarious illustrations of the creative food characters. Kids will love watching the two characters race through crazy food obstacles on their way to the syrup.
Dragons Love Tacos
was written by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri. When it comes to tacos, dragons love all kinds! But dragons don't love spicy salsa. When the little kid in the story accidentally serves spicy salsa to the dragons at his taco party, trouble erupts.
Funny Books about Funny Kids
Stuck
was written and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. When a little boy named Floyd gets his kite stuck in a tree, he decides to throw his shoe at it to knock it down. After his shoe gets stuck as well, he continues finding bigger items to throw up in the tree to try to get the previous items back. Kids will laugh out loud at the ridiculously large items that he throws into the tree, as well as the funny ending.
Part
was written by Tedd Arnold. This colorful story follows a young boy who starts to worry when he realizes that his hair is shedding and his toes are peeling. Not knowing that these things are completely normal, he starts to worry that his parts are all coming apart. The creative cartoon illustrations complement the funny rhyming text, giving parents a fun way to teach kids about their bodies.
What George Forgot
was written by Kathy Wolff and illustrated by Richard Byrne. George always remembers things, except when he sometimes forgets. When George is getting ready for school one day, he feels like he is forgetting something. He reviews his entire morning routine, checking things off his list one by one. Kids will love figuring out what George forgot, and will especially enjoy the funny ending to the story. Check out these fun activities to pair with this book as well! 
Vicki is a former teacher who blogs about reading, kid’s activities and children’s books at Babies to Bookworms. She is a stay at home mom to her two year old daughter – a budding bookworm as well! Vicki aims to help parents, teachers and caregivers to get kids interested in reading and learning with fun activities and great books.
