10 hilarious toddler books

For a parent or carer, there’s nothing more enchanting than the moment when your baby laughs for the first time – especially if it’s one of those big, unfettered chortles! 

It might be a favourite person blowing a raspberry or goofing for them, or a game of peekaboo at nappy-change – but whatever the thing is that triggers that first giggle, it’s just pure joy and you never want it to stop.

For my third booklist I’ve chosen 10 of my favourite funny books that should keep the chuckles flowing through the toddler years and beyond. 

As you would expect, the humour is, well, pretty childish! There’s naughtiness, silliness, mud, muck, poo, and bogies! But these are the things that have always made us humans laugh and, importantly, they’re the key to keeping the whole family reading – particularly the dads, I suspect! 

I’ve chosen some tried-and-tested classics that you might remember from when you were little, and some of the chart-topping titles from recent years, including one which has become a TikTok sensation! So get out your best silly voices, put away any prudishness, and have fun with these side-splitting crackers.

Do check out my previous lists: 

A joy to read aloud, this is a romping, rhyming tale of the duck who gets stuck (in his truck, in the muck!) and the kind animals who try to help him out of his predicament. A fab first picture book for those who are just growing out of board books. 

Giles Andreae’s jolly rhyming text combines with Nick Sharratt’s bold, graphic illustrations in this exuberantly silly introduction to the joy of wearing pants! Great for anyone, but especially families who are trying to negotiate potty training! 

First published in 1970, this is the oldest book on my list – the gloriously illustrated tale of Rosie the hen, who goes for a walk pursued by a wicked fox. A masterpiece of slapstick humour and understatement, no one of any age can fail to be charmed by it. 

I’m a huge fan of Chris Haughton’s stylish visual world and humorous characterisation. All toddlers will identify with George the dog, who absolutely wants to be a good boy, but just can’t help himself… Voted Junior Magazine​’s Picture Book of the Year. 

More pants (you were warned!) and this time, the energetic rhyming story of a bunch of aliens who come to Earth to steal underwear from unsuspecting humans.

I’ll always remember my toddler’s ​‘poo’ phase, when ​‘poo’ was the answer to everything, and simply saying the word made her dissolve into fits of giggles. By the time this book came out she was reading Harry Potter, but I know she would have loved it when she was two. Not for faint-hearted parents – or kids – it’s silly, rude, and very, very funny.

With more subtlety and a (possible) dark twist, this is for adults who like to put a bit of acting into their reading, and for slightly older toddlers who’ll enjoy the deadpan wit and spare illustrations in this tale of a bear in search of his hat. 

The cautionary tale of a small boy who, though bitter experience, learns to change (most) of his revolting habits, this was a huge hit in our household – and we all loved joining in with the refrain, ​“No, Bertie! That’s dirty, Bertie!” 

A modern classic packed full of unapologetically scatological humour, this is the story of a short-sighted mole who, when someone poos on his head, sets out to find the culprit. Witty, beautiful, and surprisingly educational! 

This became a huge hit a few years ago when someone recorded a video of a lady reading this utterly ridiculous but absolutely hilarious book to her grandson – do have a look on TikTok! I defy you not to join in with her giggles!