45 Funny Picture Books for Kids (and Why Laughter Matters)
This post may contain affiliate links.
We just love books that make us giggle and smile when reading them. On our latest library trip, we picked out a few new silly picture books and couldn’t stop laughing. So we decided to round up our all-time favorite funny picture books—the kind that get re-read again and again.
Whether you’re looking for bedtime story laughs, a classroom storytime hit for the first day of school, or something to get a reluctant young reader smiling, this list of funny picture books will entertain and engage. I’ve also included a few thoughts on the educational benefits of laughter and reading together.
Why Funny Books Are Great for Kids
- They make reading enjoyable. Kids who associate books with laughter are more likely to become lifelong readers.
- They reduce stress and boost mood. Laughter triggers feel-good chemicals that support learning.
- They improve comprehension. Humor helps with understanding context, wordplay, and tone.
- They build connection. Sharing a laugh during storytime creates memorable bonding moments.
Humor is also great for reluctant readers. Silly plots, unexpected twists, and expressive illustrations help engage kids who may not otherwise pick up a book.
45 Funny Picture Books That Will Have Your Kids Laughing:
- Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel
- Moosetache by Margie Palatini
- Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman
- The Big Hungry Bear by Don and Audrey Wood
- Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett
- Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing also by Judi Barrett
- Ten Apples up on Top by Dr. Seuss
- The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
- Cowboy & Octopus also by Jon Scieszka
- Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein
- The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog by Mo Willems (and the other pigeon books)
- Leonardo, the Terrible Monsters– also Mo Willems- one of the FUNNIEST children’s authors!
- Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
- Little Pea also by Amy Krause Rosenthal
- The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey (boy humor)
- No, David! by David Shannon
- A Bad Case of Stripes also by David Shannon
- The Book That Eats People by John Perry
- Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
- Green Hat, Blue Hat Sandra Boynton
- The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone
- If you Give a Pig a Pancake & others by Laura Joffe Numeroff
- The Cat in the Hat series- Dr. Seuss
- In a People House also by Dr. Seuss
- I Love you Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt
- Good Night Gorilla by Peggy Rathman
- Aliens Love Underpants by Claire Freedman
- The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne
- Diary of a Worm by Harry Bliss
- Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin
- Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner
- Curious George by Margaret Ray
- Press Here by Herve Tullet
- Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
- The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
- Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
- There Is a Bird on Your Head! by Mo Willems
- The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors by Drew Daywalt
- Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima
- I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
- We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
- Stuck by Oliver Jeffers
- Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins
- The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak
- A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to School… by Davide Cali
Want to Keep the Laughs Going?
- Host a silly storytime at home or in the classroom
- Let kids vote for the funniest book of the week
- Try acting out scenes or making funny voices
- Create your own joke book or silly comic strip
Laughter is a beautiful entry point to a love of reading. When kids laugh, they learn—and they want more.
What books make your family laugh out loud? Let me know—I’d love to add to the list!
What a great list of books! We all need a good laugh. I’ve read many of the stories on this list and am looking forward to checking out a few of the ones I haven’t read.
Great list! Thanks so much! Pinning to my Picture Books board. – Donna
Fantastic list! You know the funniest picture book I’ve ever read? It’s really more for adults or teens or older kids, but “Chloe and the Lion” by Mac Barnett, Ill. by Adam Rex is absolutely hysterical! Everyone I’ve read it to LOVES it.