Funny children's books to make parents laugh, what better way to make bedtime feel less like a chore than everyone having a giggle and even adults too!! Craftily disguised as children’s books, these will make any story time all the more interesting.
This isn't just your normal recommended reading list, because where would the fun be in that?! BookTrust, the UK’s largest reading charity, has put together a list of funny children's books with double meanings, punny jokes or cheeky subtexts.
The best funny children's books at a glance:
• Best overall funny children's book to make parents giggle: Hello Hog Dog - buy on Amazon
• Best creative funny children book to make parents giggle: Mr Bunny's Chocolate Factory - buy on Amazon
• Best friendship funny children's book to make parents laugh: Spyder - buy on Amazon
They might be written for kids but are secretly for your total enjoyment, but you might not find the jokes funny for the same reason! That's right, we don't have to be glued to the TV screen, there are funny children's books that can equally hit the spot.
Best for illustrations
At the beginning of this apparently simple picture book, the writer/illustrator confesses that he can only draw worms. And worms is what we get - helpfully differentiated by one having glasses, one being yellow for no particular reason. Although not much really happens in terms of story, the ongoing joke is effectively hilarious making this a great option for funny children's books.
Pros
- A riotously funny and ever-so-slightly bonkers book from genius storyteller Will Mabbitt.
- Suitable from 3 - 5 years old
Cons
- Not suitable or under 3's
Author: | Will Mabbitt |
Publisher: | Puffin |
Interest age: | 3-6 years |
Best for captions
Here we have a collection of funny children's books - this is a series of books! The third in the excellent giggle-inducing Super Magic Happy Forest series has a distinctly Lord of the Rings homage which will amuse parents to no end, and the semi-comic format is original yet accessible for young ones. There are plenty of funny details and captions to spot, whether it's the tavern keeper asking heroes to leave reviews on Quest Advisor, or the return of the tea-drinking goblins from book two.
Pros
- Super Happy Magic Forest is a prize-winning series for budding fantasy fans.
- really funny.
Cons
- This requires a bit of effort to read aloud.
Author: | Matty Long |
Publisher: | Oxford |
Interest age: | 5-8 years |
Best for different characters
This one has made the list of funny children's books because fart etiquette is universally funny. Part of the joy of this book, featuring the eternally amusing subject of farting, is the skilful depiction of a variety of farting faces belonging to all the different characters, with plenty of laughs guaranteed.
Pros
- With sly humour, this fun picture book looks at a subject that's sure to make children laugh.
- This book comically captures the gassy scene. Kids will insist on reading this rhyming story again and again.
Cons
- Not much left in stock.
Author: | Marty Kelley |
Publisher: | Sterling |
Interest age: | 3-7 years |
Best for comic
Where do your Easter eggs come from? Why, Mr Bunny's chocolate factory of course! Staffed by hardworking chickens like June, Vera and Debbie, it's a well-oiled choccy machine - until Mr Bunny, a chocolate capitalist, starts putting profits before poultry. Even Edgar the Quality Control Unicorn is no match for Mr Bunny, and chaos reigns until the chickens go on strike. I'm sure we can all relate to this workplace in one way or another...
Pros
- This book is perfect for Easter.
- Will make kids and adults laugh
Cons
- Not suitable for a bedtime story.
Author: | Elys Dolan |
Publisher: | Oxford |
Interest age: | 4-8 years |
Best for creativity
Steven the seagull used to be a cop and is now retired (although Sergeant Starfish might call it dismissed). But Steven's old partner, Mac, needs him back - and soon. A dastardly criminal is stealing sand from the Beach City's beaches, leaving them peppered with holes. Who will save Beach City?
Pros
- The artwork is full of details for poring over time and time again.
- You'll get to see sharks playing volleyball, a goldfish driving a speedboat, crabs building sandcastles.
Cons
- It is very short.
Author: | Elys Dolan |
Publisher: | Oxford University Press |
Interest age: | 3+ years |
6.
Pigeon P.I.
Best for jokes
This story of mystery and friendship from Meg McLaren is easy-to-follow and fun for both children and adults as they discover hidden details and jokes within each illustration. But will you follow the clues to find the theif?
Pros
- Suitable from ages 3 to 7.
- This book is crammed with fun characters, witty one-liners and some fabulous surprises
Cons
- Not much left in stock
Author: | Meg McLaren |
Publisher: | Andersen Press |
Interest age: | 3-6 years |
7.
Spyder
Best for friendship
Spyder is a funky secret agent who lives in Tom's loft. This secret agent does not let her small size get in the way of her success, she is a fierce but likeable female character that both children and adults will admire. Children will love helping the secret agent, pouring over the lists, phone messages and addendums. The pace of the story fast and exciting, with plenty of puns to keep families chuckling away.
Pros
- Suitable from 3 to 6 year olds
- This book will have readers both big and little chuckling with laughter - mission accomplished!
Cons
- Not much left in stock.
Author: | Matt Carr |
Publisher: | Scholtastic |
Interest age: | 4-7 years |
Best for mystery
This simple concept about walls, and what they keep in and out, is exceptionally executed. But which side of the wall is really safe for the foolish knight, who believes the other side of the wall is full of danger? Maybe he was wrong about the wall, but you can interpret that how you like...
Pros
- It is a classic picture book.
- Visual storytelling, and deadpan humour, and appeals to fans of Oliver Jeffers and Jon Klassen.
Cons
- Not suitable for under 2 year olds.
Author: | Jon Agee |
Publisher: | Scallywag Press |
Interesting age: | 4-7 years |
Best for tales
WARNING: Likely to induce fits of giggling in young and older readers. This quirky tale is told in a conversational style with deceptively simple illustrations that convey a sense of jeopardy as well as humour.
Pros
- This hilarious, irreverent picture book is told entirely in speech bubbles and demands audience participation.
- Suitable for 3 to 5 year olds.
Cons
- Only a few left in stock.
Author: | Lily Murray |
Publisher: | Jarvis |
Interest age: | 4-7 years |
Best for adventure
Who could forget Claude - a small plump dog in a stylish red sweater and beret - and he's back for a new adventure. Joined by sidekick Sir Bobblysock, this story sees a walk into town unexpectedly lead to Claude joining in Henrietta Highkick-Spin's dance class... and let's face it, we've all unwillingly walked into an exercise class before!
Pros
- Full of illustrations and humour.
- Suitable for 5 - 7 year olds.
Cons
- Limited stock.
Author: | Alex T Smith |
Publisher: | Hodder Children's Books |
Interest age: | 5+ years |
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Samantha Ball is a Product & Lifestyle Writer for Mother&Baby and freelanced for the website for two years before joining the team full time. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best products and cute outfits.