Gather around and check out this collection of funny books that keep babies and toddlers in stitches. We’ve gathered up 16 funny tales guaranteed to make kids crack up, from stories that feature mixed-up animals to tales about the power of undies and magical poo (yes, poo). A few of these books also offer jokes for parents reading the story. Read on for your child’s new favorite books!
Polar Bear’s Underwear by Tupera Tupera
There’s a crisis: Polar Bear can’t find his underwear. Your little one gets to help him find it and, along the way, discover silly, surprising undies that belong to his animal friends—like Squid’s ten-legged pair. Bright colors and interactive pages make it extra fun.
Available at amazon.com, $11.41.
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
What’s a Gruffalo? Don’t you know? You’ll get to find out as you follow a clever little mouse who makes his way around the forest to have lunch with a fierce (and possibly fictional) beast. Sprightly rhymes combine with vivid illustrations for a delightful read. Pick the sturdy board book that’ll hold up to reading after reading.
Available at amazon.com, $6.42.
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
Among the list of toddler faves (trucks, underwear, dogs) dragons are right up there at the top. And, as Adam Rubin’s funny story will tell you, they absolutely can not get enough tacos. Read this on taco Tuesday with—you guessed it—tacos for dinner. Just be sure the salsa’s not too spicy, or, as the story shows, there might be trouble!
Available at amazon.com, $12.60.
Boynton’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1 by Sandra Boynton
Babies go gaga over Sandra Boynton’s bubbly animals. This collection of four classic board books will keep your kiddo in stitches with pigs that say “la, la, la” and a silly turkey who can’t figure out how to wear his clothes. In Blue Hat, Green Hat, Doggies, A to Z and Moo, Ba, La La La, you’ll find the sort of mixed-up humor that’s perfect for the littlest story-lovers.
Available at amazon.com, $16.69 for a set of four.
I Am Invited to a Party (an Elephant and Piggie Book) by Mo Willems
You can’t go wrong with Mo Willems’ books, all of which know just how to hit a kid’s funny bone. In this Gerald and Piggie classic, worried Gerald and free-spirited Piggie prepare for Gerald’s first party and figure out what to wear—combining fancy dress, costume, and pool party looks in one silly get-up.
Available at amazon.com, $7.98.
The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone
You might remember getting the giggles when you were a kid as you followed furry, lovable Grover toward the surprising monster on the last page (no spoilers!). Now, your toddler will get to demonstrate their super-strength as they break through Grover’s brick walls and locks and chains to turn page after page. This humor in this classic leaps across generational lines.
Available at amazon.com, $3.61.
Dinosaurs Love Underpants by Claire Freedman
Been staying up late at night wondering how, exactly, the dinosaurs went extinct? Worry no more. As this silly book will show you, it was all about the underpants. Kids who are potty training, or just interested in the Jurassic period, will get a kick out of these undies-crazy dinos.
Available at amazon.com, $9.29.
If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Numeroff
Laura Numeroff’s If You Give… series of picture books takes readers on wacky journeys that begin with an unsuspecting kid giving a wily animal a treat. Little ones will be tickled by the pig’s antics as a pancake leads to sticky syrup, an overflowing bubble bath, and loads more silliness.
Available at amazon.com, $10.89.
Poo in the Zoo! by Steve Smallman
Busy zookeeper Bob McGrew has to clean up all sorts of messes—parents, you might be able to relate. Then, an encounter between a ravenous iguana and glowing bugs leads to a magical mess that attracts a man who runs a poo museum. Yup, you read that right. This picture book is sure to unleash loads of giggles.
Available at amazon.com, $13.67.
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin
Farmer Brown’s typing cows send him notes chock-full of demands for all sorts of silly things. When they don’t get them, they go on strike: No milk today! Babies will love the bright pictures of their fave farm animals, and in no time they’ll catch on to the jokes centered on the animals’ off-the-wall demands.
Available at amazon.com, $11.89.
Dog by Matthew Van Fleet
Matthew Van Fleet’s big book of dogs comes packed with flaps to lift, ears to pet, and tails to wag. The laughs here are gentle, like the one caused by the silly wag of a wet dog post-bath. This interactive picture book makes for a sweet, simple and surprising read for animal lovers.
Available at amazon.com, $14.88.
I Don’t Want to Be a Frog by Dev Petty
Follow Frog as he proclaims all the reasons he does NOT want to be a frog, arguing with his exasperated father. This silly tale tends with a gut-busting twist, and includes jokes for both the grown-ups reading the book and little ones listening to it. Plus, there’s a bonus: Laughter make the book’s important message about embracing who you are go down easy.
Available at amazon.com, $13.59.
A Birthday for Cow! by Jan Thomas
It’s time for Cow’s birthday, and Duck knows just what to add to the cake: a turnip. That’s where the fun begins in this book. Jokes on almost every page are designed to land perfectly with babies and toddlers. If your kids like this one, other books from Jan Thomas, like The Doghouse, are sure to please.
Available at amazon.com, $7.99.
It Came in the Mail by Ben Clanton
Little Liam wants nothing more than to get something in the mail that’s just for him. He imagines all sort of silly things—including, it must be said, boogers—and he finally gets something surprisingly big, just for him. With clever visual gags and wordplay, this book has layer upon layer of jokes in it.
Available at amazon.com, $11.48.
Don’t Push the Button by Bill Cotter
This interactive board book with simple pictures prompts little ones to touch the irresistible, forbidden button, and then laugh at what happens next to Larry. This might be the one time in the day that your toddler will like hearing “no!” Written by a former preschool teacher who knows all about little-kid humor, this short-and-sweet tale will prompt a giggle-fest.
Available at amazon.com, $8.97.
What’s your favorite funny book for little ones? Let us know below.
— Oz Spies
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