"Well, there ain't no cure for the summertime blues," goes the song. I beg to differ! Now may be the perfect time to cheer up with a laugh out loud book. I love to cuddle up and share some laughs with the kids. It makes all of us instantly feel better, no matter how lousy the day. If the kids feel like reading on their own, that works too.
These quality books are not only clever and well written, but are just downright funny.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems. Parents and kids can’t help but dialogue with the pigeon when he begs to drive the bus. If you can’t always say no to your child, say no to the pigeon!
There’s A Monster at the End of this Book (Sesame Street) by Jon Stone. Grover is a monster who’s afraid of the monster at the end of the book. He tries everything to prevent kids from turning the pages, even building brick a wall to hold the page down. “Please don’t turn the page!” he begs. One of my favourite books as a kid, it continues to make kids laugh out loud today.
You’re A Bad Man, Mr. Gum! by Andy Stanton. Mr. Gum is a stinky, gross man who is mean to children. Lucky for the town of Lamonic Bibber, an angel whacks him on the head with a frying pan every time he neglects his garden. A cast of odd characters and questionable heroes round out this zany, laugh out loud book. Many odd illustrations, including dirty fingerprints on the pages, make this chapter accessible to younger readers. Check out the other books in this series.
Sideway Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar. Wayside School has a lot of problems. It was built sideways with 30 stories and no nineteenth story, meaning that Miss Zarves, who teaches there, doesn't exist, either. Sleeping through class is considered educational, and mean Mrs. Gorf sometimes turns students into apples. Get to know all the quirky kids at Wayside School through their tales. 30 short chapters filled with humour and life lessons make this an ideal read for the family. Check out the series!
Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. For kids who like their humour dark. “If you are interested in stories with happy endings, you would be better off reading some other book,” cautions Snicket. Indeed, very bad things happen to the Baudelaire children, but “Snicket’s” tongue-in-cheek mock-gothic style make for some laugh out loud moments. Kids appreciate this author’s respect for their intelligence, and delight in the clever play on words throughout the book.
100% Wolf by Jane Lyons. He's small. He's pink. He's Groomed. But he's...100% wolf! The story follows a young boy who is supposed to be a werewolf, but upon his first "Transwolftation" turns into a POODLE! Filled with outrageous jokes and adventure, it will have you and your kids howling with laughter!
The Princess Bride by William Goldman. This witty satire on a fantasy novel, ironically owes its appeal to splendidly rendered elements of the fantasy genre: Sword fights, a princess in distress, a handsome prince, and a stupid/evil villain. Teens will appreciate the author's jabs at fairytale love and the not so happily ever after reality of romantic love. I highly recommend the movie as a perfect pairing.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. Earth is about to be demolished to build a hyperspace bypass through the solar system. Luckily, Arthur Dent's friend Ford whisks him away to a spaceship at the last moment. Along the way we learn about the true origins of mankind, and find out that we are only the third most intelligent species on the planet. Why does the Guide have the words"Don't Panic" written in large letters on the cover? Full of clever jokes, it's a book that also makes you think about humanity and the world. Perfect for teens!
Now over to you: What did I miss? What are your favourite laugh-out-loud books?
TIP OF THE WEEK: Reading out loud with your kids can be just the push they need to read independently.
Printer-friendly version