Sometimes you just need to laugh. When you and your kids are having a bad day, pick up a humous book, and pretty soon, everyone is giggling, even you. And if we’re talking about funny picture books with a message that doesn’t detract from the story, even better.
Also, as I was writing this post, I realized a few of the books overlapped from last month’s post with picture books about kindness and respect. But sometime’s there are multiple reasons to love a book, right? A few earned their spot on both lists.
Funny Picture Books with a Message
Accident! by Andrea Tsurumi
This is a book I’ve posted about before because I just love the message it hold for kids and parents. A clumsy armadillo knocks over a pitcher and spills something all over a white chair. As she runs away to hide in the library forever, she witnesses all kinds of accidents, much more serious than hers. The accidents in the illustrations are over the top hilarious, and the armadillo–and the child reader along with her–learns that accidents aren’t anyone’s fault and they happen to everyone. I’ve written a longer review of Accident! HERE.
Rude Cakes by Rowboat Watkins
Rude cakes never say please or thank you, but they do get their just desserts. This book hides a clever twist just under your nose, and kids and adults will find the surprise laugh out loud funny. Thankfully, even rude cakes can eventually learn their lesson.
Rex Wrecks It! by Ben Clanton
Gismo, Sprinkles, and Wild like to build things with blocks, but Rex likes to wreck whatever they make. The trio must learn to include Rex in their play before they can all get along. This is such a kid relatable problem. And Clanton’s characters are just delightful. This simple story will be best enjoyed by preschoolers.
The Case of the Stinky Stench by Josh Funk illustrated by Brendan Kearney
This is the second book in the Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast series, and is among my youngest daughter’s favorite books. Funk is a master of rhyme, and this book is a joy to read. It’s filled with humor for kids as well as wordplay that will have adult readers chuckling too. But beyond the fun and humor, this book is about not judging others.
Spoon by Amy Krouse Rosenthal illustrated by Scott Magoon
Rosenthal has many lovely and funny picture books, but I had to choose one. Anthropomorphic characters aren’t for everyone, but I just love them. This story is full of fun puns, but at its heart is a story about comparison. Little Spoon must learn to accept that though he’ll never be like knife or fork or chopsticks, he’s special in his own way.
Triangle, Circle, and Square by Mac Barnett illustrated by Jon Klassen
The first time I read Triangle, I was having a bad day, but it still made me laugh out loud. While each of these clever tales are deceptively simple, they are each thought provoking. You may tell me they don’t actually have a moral lesson… but don’t they? You’ll have to think about it.
