Funny Picture Books
My secret weapon for kids who don't love reading or being read to? Funny books!
(And, of course, kids who do love to read will enjoy these, too!)
Our kids and I had fun picking out ten of our favorite funny picture books that we've read over and over. These are clever, engaging, and genuinely funny without being crude or annoying. I've added the age recommendations from the books' publishers, but really, these are wonderful for all ages!
Books are listed alphabetically by author.
The Three Billy Goats Gruff
by Mac Barnett (ages 3-7)
A hilarious twist on the classic fairy tale. The illustrations alone will have your kids giggling.
Pop! Goes the Nursery Rhyme
by Betsy Bird (ages 3-7)
One of our newer favorites. A mischievous little character keeps interrupting the nursery rhymes, making this especially funny for younger children.
Pokko and the Drum
by Matthew Forsythe (ages 3-7)
The facial expressions in this book are priceless. It's delightfully quirky and surprisingly funny.
When Pencil Met Eraser
by Karen Kilpatrick & Luis O. Ramos, Jr. (ages 3-7)
A clever and creative story about how Pencil and Eraser became lifelong friends.
Six-Dinner Sid
by Inga Moore (ages 3-7)
A hungry cat convinces six different families that he belongs to them. A classic favorite that reminds us a lot of our own cat, Clemson.
Don't Trust Fish
by Neil Sharpson (ages 3-7)
An instant hit in our house—and the winner of our family's March Book Madness tournament in 2026.
A Book for Escargot
by Dashka Slater (ages 2-5)
A charmingly dramatic snail takes readers on a hilarious adventure. If your kids love this one, there are several more books in the series.
Pete's a Pizza
by William Steig (ages 2-5)
When a grumpy boy needs cheering up, his dad turns him into a pizza. The illustrations and expressions make this one unforgettable. Fun fact: William Steig created this book at age 90!
A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee
by Chris Van Dusen (ages 3-7)
A laugh-out-loud adventure featuring one of our favorite picture book characters. Truly, all the Mr. Magee books are delightful.
Falling for Rapunzel
by Leah Wilcox (ages 3-7)
A clever fairy-tale retelling filled with misunderstandings and laughs. We especially enjoy this one around Valentine's Day.
