8 funny books that will make your child laugh out loud
Children’s author Jennifer Killick knows a thing or two about a funny book. So what are the kids’ books that get her shrieking and guffawing?
Jennifer recommends
1. Dave Pigeon by Swapna Haddow and Sheena Dempsey
There are currently four books in the Dave Pigeon series, and I hope they keep coming. The stories are perfectly pitched at younger readers, with cheeky humour and an engaging first person narrative coupled with hilarious illustrations. Like Dave and Skipper, Swapna and Sheena make the perfect team!
2. The Great Chocoplot by Chris Callaghan
Who could resist a story that makes you laugh and is crammed full of chocolate? This adventure is a joy from start to finish, as we follow Jelly on her quest to stop the chocopocalypse. It also features my favourite fictional grandma!
3. The Giggler Treatment by Roddy Doyle
This book is absolutely ridiculous, in the funniest way. The Gigglers are such a brilliant creation, and the way they punish grown ups for telling off children is genius. Prepare yourself for a lot of sniggering!
4. Iguana Boy by James Bishop and Rikin Parekh
I have a fondness for stories about disappointing superpowers, and the Iguana Boy series ticks all the boxes for me. It has a loveable underdog main character, a brilliantly angry super-villain and an army of platypuses. The illustrations and comic strip pages work perfectly with the story.
5. Max and the Millions by Ross Montgomery
This story follows schoolboy Max, as he attempts to stop a war between the teeny tiny people living on the school caretaker’s floor. There are so many clever things going on and a multitude of ‘lol’ moments. I particularly enjoyed the chaos of Joy and her Sparkle Pony club, and Malcolm in his underpants. This caper is a feast for the imagination, and packed full of heart and warmth.
6. Waiting for Callback trilogy by Perdita and Honor Cargill
This is one of the most entertaining series of books that I have ever read, and so much more too. I loved every single page of Elektra’s journey – laughing, cringing and sometimes crying as she made her way through multiple mishaps and embarrassments at school, in her relationship with Archie, and in her pursuit of acting stardom. Like Plog the puppy, these books nuzzled their way into my heart. I think everyone should read them!
7. Who Let The Gods Out by Maz Evans
In the Who Let The Gods out series, Maz Evans cleverly makes us laugh and cry in equal measure – something that takes great skill – and has resulted in her building a huge following of devoted fans. There are lots of standout characters to enjoy, but for me, Hermes steals the show. Bosh!
8. My Brother is a Superhero by David Solomons
David Solomons one of the authors I most admire, with his brilliant storytelling, coupled with buckets of humour. This series, which is packed full of superhero references, is engaging from the very first page and has a plot that will keep you reading past your bedtime.
