Seven funny children's books for when you need a giggle

  • Guest recommendations
  • 2 to 12+ years

Burhana Islam isn’t just an amazing secondary school teacher – she’s also the author of My Laugh-Out-Loud Life and Amazing Muslims Who Changed the World! Here, she shares her favourite funny fiction for children of all ages.

Picture books for ages 2–5

The Supertato series by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet

In the deepest depths of the supermarket, young readers will be tickled to know that the veggies have assembled! From a villainous pea to The Night of the Living Veg, Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet (creators of Barry the Fish with Fingers) team up for some serious laugh-out-loud mischief in this picture book series that now has its own TV show! 

Not Now, Noor! By Farhana Islam and Nabila Adani

Told absolutely beautifully with stunning illustrations, meet Noor in her quest to understand the women in her family and their relationship with hijab. Jam-packed with a string of curious questions and some hilarious reactions, Farhana Islam and Nabila Adani bring to life a cast of characters that will capture your heart.

  • Not Now, Noor!

    by Farhana Islam, illustrated by Nabila Adani 

    2023 4 to 6 years 

    • Picture books

    All the women in Noor’s family wear headscarves and she’s curious to find out why. Is a hijab worn to hide big ears or keep snacks safe? 

  • Supertato: The Great Eggscape

    by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet 

    2022 4 to 6 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books

    Supertato disguises himself as an Easter egg to try and trick the Evil Pea into returning all the stolen chocolate… but it’s going to take a little more than some natty foil to get past this evil vegetable! Can Supertato save the day?

For children aged 7–12

The Planet Omar series by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik

Filled with doodle-illustrations throughout, the Planet Omar series is a warm and tickling read for the younger middle grade audience (around ages 7–9). Omar is an accidental trouble magnet who’s always getting himself involved in the silliest of mishaps.

  • Planet Omar: Incredible Rescue Mission

    by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik 

    2020 6 to 12 years 

    • Chapter books
    • Funny

    Omar and his friends launch a mission to rescue their favourite teacher and make a disturbing discovery: she has undoubtedly been abducted by aliens!

  • Planet Omar: Unexpected Super Spy

    by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik 

    2020 6 to 12 years 

    • Chapter books
    • Funny

    Omar’s mosque is in danger of being closed down, so quick-thinking Omar holds a school talent show to raise the money needed for the emergency building repairs. When the money goes missing, it’s up to Omar and his friends to become super spies to track down the culprit!

  • Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet

    by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik 

    2019 6 to 12 years 

    • Funny

    Planet Omar has all of the everyday life family drama and silly humour of Tom Gates and Sam Wu, and it’s wonderful to read a funny book for kids featuring a Muslim family.

The Sam Wu series by Katie Tsang and Kevin Tsang, illustrated by Nathan Reed

Like Planet Omar, Sam Wu is another one for younger middle grade readers. Filled with funny moments throughout (and heaps of anxiety to match), you can’t help but fall in love with Sam, his friends and his antics combined. 

  • Sam Wu is Not Afraid of Ghosts

    by Kevin Tsang and Katherine Webber, illustrated by Nathan Reed 

    2018 6 to 12 years 

    • Adventure
    • Chapter books
    • Funny
    • Ghost story

    Sam Wu is scared of many things but is determined not to let anyone find out. However, after an unfortunate incident in a space simulator on a school trip, he becomes a target for class bully Ralph, who nicknames him Scaredy-Cat Sam.

  • Sam Wu is Not Afraid of Zombies

    by Katie & Kevin Tsang 

    2020 6 to 9 years 

    • Adventure

    Sam Wu meets his toughest challenge yet – can he be brave enough to face down a zombie werewolf?

  • Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Spiders

    by Katie & Kevin Tsang, illustrated by Nathan Reed 

    2019 6 to 12 years 

    • Funny

    Sam Wu has been working hard on his bravery, facing down dangerous sharks, ghosts and the dark – not to mention the annoying class bully who just won’t leave him alone. So when one of his teachers brings a tarantula into school, Sam definitely isn’t scared. And he really, really isn’t scared when he finds out later that day that the tarantula is on the loose…

  • Sam Wu is Not Afraid of the Dark

    by Katie & Kevin Tsang, illustrated by Nathan Reed 

    2019 6 to 12 years 

    • Adventure
    • Chapter books
    • Funny

    The quest continues for Sam Wu to prove that he is not afraid of anything. This time he is out to prove that he is not by any means afraid of the dark… This series is going from strength to strength and is a great accessible read.

Zombierella: Fairy Tales Gone Bad by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Freya Hartas

The first in a trilogy, this one is definitely not for the faint-hearted. A grim retelling of the fairy tale we’re all too familiar with, Joseph Coelho blends horror and humour in a stomach-turning manner! For ages 9–12.

For teen readers

Huda F Are You? By Huda Fahmy

This graphic novel has the perfect balance of humour and heart. Aimed at YA readers, Huda Fahmy skilfully explores themes of friendship, family love and, most importantly, staying true to oneself. What’s not to love?

Booked by Kwame Alexander

Told in verse, Kwame Alexander is a wordsmith for rhythm and bounce. In this one, we fall fast into the world of 12-year-old Nick, who struggles with both a football injury and new family dynamics. A very quick read that will be over before you know it, but its laughter and warmth will stay with you long afterwards. 

  • Booked

    by Kwame Alexander 

    2016 12+ years 

    • Poetry and rhyme

    From fast-paced football matches to school and family drama, this novel written in verse has something for everyone and will grip reluctant readers from page one.

More from Burhana Islam

My Laugh Out Loud Life: The Big Breakout by Burhana Islam, illustrated by Farah Khandaker, is out now.

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