Life
Sharing beloved stories with your children is one of the sweetest aspects of parenting. And while many of these stories can skew toward the sentimental, it’s also worth exploring the books that are just plain funny. There are plenty of books that made you laugh as a kid that you should read to your kid today.
Hey, most humorous stories stand the test of time. And you will probably find new aspects of the works to appreciate even more as an adult, because children’s authors have been slipping in sly jokes for grown-ups long before Pixar made it cool. More importantly, reading funny books together is a super fun way to bond that will leave you both in stitches.
Chances are, most of the books on this list were old favorites of yours. After all, authors who can write in a way that entertains both kids and adults — and sometimes make them laugh out loud — are a rare breed who deserve to be celebrated and treasured. It will be even more fun for everyone if you get into character and use outrageous voices for some of the characters. Sharing a giggle fit with your kid is certainly one of the best ways to encourage reading.
1
'The Monster at the End of This Book' by Jon Stone & Michael Smollin
Follow Grover as he begs the reader not to continue with the book, only to find that the scary monster at the end is (spoiler alert!) just him. Kids will be delighted by the surprise twist of Jon Stone & Michael Smollin's The Monster At The End Of This Book, and most adults will have absolute fits of nostalgia on every page.
2
'The Piggy In The Puddle' by Charlotte Pomerantz & James Marshall
Get ready to have your tongue tied. The nonsense verse is sure to leave any reader of The Piggy In The Puddle by Charlotte Pomerantz & James Marshall a bit flustered, and anyone in earshot laughing.
3
'The True Story Of The Three Little Pigs' by Jon Scieszka & Lane Smith
Not only is this a funny story, it's also a good lesson in looking at things from different perspectives. Jon Scieszka & Lane Smith's The Story Story of the Three Little Pigs allows the wolf to present his version of the events.
4
'Moo, Baa, La La La!' by Sandra Boynton
If your kid already knows animal sounds, this read will be even more hilarious. In Sandra Boynton's Moo, Baa, La La La!, the singing pigs just can't be made to oink.
5
'Where The Sidewalk Ends' by Shel Silverstein
Equal parts hilarious and poignant, Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein is an absolute classic for a reason. With "Dirty Dan" and the "Bagpipe Who Didn't Say No", this book has the sort of characters that stay with you for a lifetime.
6
'The Twits' by Roald Dahl
It's almost impossible to pick a favorite Roald Dahl work, but The Twits is pretty hilarious. The nasty and awful Mr. and Mrs. Twit play tricks on each other that include hiding a glass eyeball and placing worms in spaghetti. If your kid is a fan of gross-out humor (and what kid isn't?), then this is a great read.
7
'Caps For Sale' by Esphyr Slobodkina
This funny story has charmed readers for generations. Caps For Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina is an absurd story told in kid-friendly rhymes.
8
'Harry The Dirty Dog' by Gene Zion & Margaret Bloy Graham
Another old-school favorite, Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion & Margaret Bloy Graham follows the adventures of a white dog with black spots who gets so dirty that his family no longer recognizes him. Kids who love playing in the mud are sure to relate to Harry's silly antics.
9
'Ramona Quimby, Age 8' by Beverly Cleary and Jacqueline Rogers
When it comes to capturing the inner lives of children, Beverly Cleary is queen, and Ramona Quimby, Age 8 is no exception. Ramona has to cope with drama at school, changes at home, and epic battles with her nemesis the "Yard Ape." She manages to do it all in this witty and funny read.
