There is nothing like the sound of our children letting out a big, genuine belly laugh—the kind you wish you could bottle up and keep forever. Books have a special way of sparking those moments, and we have a few in our house that do it every single time. One of the most common questions I get from other parents is for book recommendations when they’re the mystery (or guest) reader in their child’s classroom. Whether you’re hoping to hear your own child giggle or an entire room of kids burst into laughter, these are some of my favorite books that truly make kids laugh out loud.
Mother Bruce by Ryan Higgins
Bruce was a grumpy bear who really only liked one thing, eating eggs. One day, he tries a new recipe using goose eggs, only to be surprised when the eggs hatch and 4 little goslings think he’s their mother! Bruce tries everything to make the geese leave him alone and fly south, but they are determined to keep him around. Your child will be laughing as they watch this story and bruce’s goose adventure unfold!
Goodnight Already! by Jory John
Bear is ready to go to bed, but his friend Duck is ready to play and only wants to play with him. In this story and the entire series, the dynamics between these two very opposite characters will have your child (and you) giggling and begging for more!
There’s a Bear on My Chair by Ross Collins
This humorous, rhyming book about a mouse trying to get a very large bear out of his chair is not only silly, but will have your child working on rhyming skills in between laughs! The story ends with bear returning home to find a mouse in his house! Be sure to go ahead and grab the sequel There’s a Mouse in My House!
President Taft is Stuck in the Bath by Mac Barnett
This hilarious picture book about the 27th president, William Howard Taft, getting stuck in his bathtub is the silliest way to tie in some history! The 300 pound president gets stuck in the white house bathtub and the entire cabinet comes together with many (and mostly absurd) ideas about how to free him. Older kids and adults alike will be laughing the whole way through!
Butt or Face? by Kari Lavelle
Who knew non-fiction books could be so silly? In this series, a close up picture of an animal will appear and the reader will guess if they are looking at the…you guessed it…butt or face of the animal. The next page not only reveals the answer but fun facts and learning points about some very curious creatures! Grab the first book in the series or the 3 book bundle!
Escargot by Dashka Slater
This series about a charming, French snail, who is equal parts sweet and silly. will not only have your child giggling but they (and you) won’t be able to help falling in love with him. Escargot speaks directly to the reader, luring you into the stories. We highly recommend reading this with a french accent for effect! 🙂
Earl and Worm: The Bad Idea by Greg Pizzoli
This is a goofy, giggle-worthy picture book about two best friends who decide to try something they really shouldn’t. What starts as a “bad idea” spirals into hilarious chaos, with bold illustrations and comedic writing that kids love. If your child loves this book, be sure to check out the others in the series: The Big Mess and Snow Problem.
Elephant and Piggie Series by Mo Willems
You really can’t go wrong with any book in this series! Gerald—the very literal, anxious, type-A elephant—and Piggie, his carefree, optimistic best friend, are a perfect comedic pair. Their wildly different personalities spark silly misunderstandings and laugh-out-loud moments that kids instantly connect with. Beneath the humor, the stories gently explore big ideas like friendship, feelings, problem-solving, and empathy, making them fantastic conversation starters. Don’t hesitate to grab the full collection here, or start with a few favorites from the series linked above!
Frank and Bert by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros
Frank and Bert are friends and they love to play hide and seek. Bert thinks hes great at hiding, but Bert explains that he tends to leave some pretty obvious clues that make finding him especially easy. But since Frank is a true friend, he plays along with Bert and lets him think hes just as a great of a hider as he thinks he is! With a cute twist at the end of the story, this book is not only silly, but highlights what good friends do to make each other smile!
Go and Get with Rex by David LaRochelle
This book is my ultimate pick for parents when they are mystery (or guest) readers in their child’s classroom! Readers are part of a game where the characters are asked to grab items that begin with certain letters. Jack and Jill always come back with items that make sense, but Rex the dog can’t seem to get it right…or does he? Not only will this have your child’s class laughing out loud, but it will tie in some letter sound practice without them even realizing it!
Mr. Fox’s Game of No by David LaRochelle
Another silly story by David LaRochelle that I highly recommend if you are guest reading in your child’s classroom! Mr. Fox challenges the readers to a game where no matter what the question is, they must respond “no” or else they have to start the book all over again. I promise the entire class will be laughing from start to finish!
Fox Books by Corey Tabor
We can’t pick just one of these early reader books. Corey R. Tabor’s Fox books follow an enthusiastic fox whose big ideas constantly get him into silly situations. Kids laugh because Fox’s plans backfire in unexpected but harmless ways. The combination of silly situations and friendly animal characters makes the series irresistibly funny.
The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak
This list would not be complete without this silly story. One might think a book without pictures would be boring, but grown ups and kids alike will find this book to be anything but! Grown ups are “forced” to read whatever silly words and sounds pop up on each page and children can’t help but giggle at them. It’s a unique book in that it gives the illusion that the kids are in charge, and proves that words alone can make a story hilarious!
Written by Becca Thiemann and Kathleen Koester
Want more book suggestions like these sent automatically to your inbox each month? You’ll love Beloved Books, my monthly love letter to young readers. Check it out here!
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