What kind of books do kids love the most?
Funny ones, of course!
Humorous books draw kids in and makes reading fun.
Research carried out by Scholastic (Kids & Family Reading Report) discovered that more than 70% of kids say they look for a book that makes them laugh. And why not – we all love a good belly laugh don’t we? After all, laughter really is the best medicine.
The enjoyable feeling associated with funny texts provides a powerful motivation for kids to seek out humour in their daily lives. They tell each other funny jokes and riddles at school, they listen to funny stories being read to them, they watch funny cartoons online and on TV and they read books that have funny events and situations. So it’s not surprising that kids prefer funny books when given the choice.
How reading funny picture books helps reluctant readers
Humour is a welcome escape from the world. When you laugh with someone, you build a bond with them. You feel relaxed and happy – and when you’re happy doing something, you are more likely to do it again. This is why reading funny books can encourage reluctant readers to read more often. If they find the experience pleasurable, they are more likely to try reading again.
“Laughter is the reward that lures the most reluctant reader.” (Zbaracki, 2003)
Humour can help build positive relationships
Research shows that humour plays an important role in developing, negotiating and maintaining relationships (Shiota, Campos, Keltner & Hertenstein, 2004), so sharing a funny book together can be the perfect way to build positive relationships.
Reading about funny things a book character gets up to can help kids explore similar things that are happening in their own lives. Laughter helps us get through tough times – sometimes it makes it easier to solve our problems when we make light of them.
Trevor Cairney, while he was a Professor at the University of Sydney, wrote:
“Humour has enormous positive benefits for early literacy learning. It helps children to engage with stories and the language that is used to create stories. This in turn helps them to listen to story readings longer and to want to read books for themselves.”
Humour in the classroom can decrease boredom, anxiety and stress and helps to improve the classroom environment, making learning more enjoyable.
“Children want the same things we want. To laugh, to be challenged, to be entertained and delighted.” Dr Seuss.
Nothing provides this better than a funny book!
For a dose of some funny picture books, check out my selection below.
Five Funny Picture books
Finn is not like most frogs. Finn likes things clean— perfectly clean. His book is immaculate. It’s amazing. It’s PERFECT. (Well, according to him) When an oopy, goopy mess starts creeping its way onto his pages, Finn is determined to fix it. But not all messes can be fixed. And not all messes should be fixed. Can Finn learn to live with the fact that his book will never be the same? Join in on a fun and interactive story the whole family will enjoy! With beautiful illustrations by Arthur Lin, This Book is Perfect! is a great gift for fans of Elephant & Piggie Books by Mo Willems and Don’t Push the Button! by Bill Cotter.
In Mom's Not Wipin' Your Bum, Zeke's mom teaches him all about potty training. Starting with learning how to wipe his bum, Zeke is trying to learn how to do things all by himself. But he still needs his mom to give him helpful tips along the way. Potty training doesn't have to be scary! Just like Zeke, children can learn to do things for themselves that are age and ability appropriate. When kids show interest in potty training, both parents and kids will be ready to leap forward with a positive attitude! Mom's Not® books are an important tool in the family toolkit to raise happy and well-rounded kids. Mom's Not Wipin' Your Bum will entertain children through joyful storytelling and help them easily digest the message of "you can do it yourself!". Plus, parents will appreciate the tongue-in-cheek humour sprinkled throughout.
3. The Mighty McKraken by Izzy B
Captain Coarsebeard is the most feared pirate on the seven seas. He fears nothing... that is except the mighty McKraken. Mrs. McKraken is the captain's first grade teacher, and she's heard he's been naughty. Captain Coarsebeard hasn't been using good manners, and it's up to her to reteach him everything she taught him in first grade. Will the captain treat others the way he wants to be treated? Will he earn a gold star and be a star student? Soon the captain learns that good manners are as good as gold!
'There's something very important that I need you to remember. When I say Ooh, you say Aah. Let's try it.' Ooh the donkey has lost his pants. Readers must help him find them! In this picture book, young readers help to sell the story by responding to simple verbal or visual cues. This hilarious book is perfect for reading aloud and is fun for the whole family.
And finally, one of my own funny picture books!
Nates' Noisy Nose by Frances Mackay
A heart-warming and funny picture book about an ordinary kid with a musical nose!
Join Nate as he navigates the challenges of a nose that’s a bit too special. With every tuneful toot, he finds himself in a new misadventure, whether it’s at home, at school, or out and about, making him the centre of attention wherever he goes – but not always in a good way!
Amid the chaos, Nate’s longing for peace grows stronger. If only he could find silence and slip under the radar like a regular kid.
But fear not! Nate isn’t alone on his quest. His loyal furry friend, Rascal, is by his side, ready to help him snuffle out solutions. Will Rascal's devotion be the key to Nate’s noisy problem, or will a team of brilliant doctors and scientists come to the rescue?
This laugh-out-loud gem is perfect for families who love to giggle together. As Nate’s story unfolds, readers are reminded that even the quirkiest traits can lead to the most unexpected outcomes.
This noisy, interactive book is more than just a funny tale of a musical nose; it's a celebration of friendship, loyalty, creativity, and finding solutions when life gets a little too loud.
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