Favourite funny books (older children)

The Vicar of Nibbleswicke

Warning: these books will make you laugh, snort, giggle, titter, chuckle and chortle.

Some of the funniest books around are children's books, so you're in for a treat with these favourites below. Be careful, though - there's a danger of actual tears and serious stomach-hurt from doubling-over with laughter. Don't say we didn't warn you!

Funny books for younger children

Funny books for teens

  • Framed

    Author: Frank Cottrell Boyce Illustrator: Steven Lenton

    Interest level: 9+

    Reading age: 9+

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  • Framed

    Author: Frank Cottrell Boyce Illustrator: Steven Lenton

    Interest level: 9+

    Reading age: 9+

    The story centres on Dylan Hughes, the only boy left in a small Welsh mountain town called Manod. This is an immensely entertainin…

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  • The Pinchers and the Diamond Heist

    Author: Anders Sparring Illustrator: Per Gustavsson Translator: Julia Marshall

    Interest level: 6-11

    Reading age: 7+

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  • The Pinchers and the Diamond Heist

    Author: Anders Sparring Illustrator: Per Gustavsson Translator: Julia Marshall

    Interest level: 6-11

    Reading age: 7+

    The Pinchers are a family of thieves who are very excited to visit a local diamond exhibition. This hilarious crime caper is full …

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  • Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear

    Author: Andy Stanton Illustrator: David Tazzyman

    Interest level: 7+

    Reading age: 8+

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  • Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear

    Author: Andy Stanton Illustrator: David Tazzyman

    Interest level: 7+

    Reading age: 8+

    Mr Gum is a very nasty man. He is mean, cruel, smelly and ruthless and has a dastardly plan to make money out of Padlock the bear.…

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  • The Book Case

    Author: Dave Shelton

    Interest level: 9-11

    Reading age: 8+

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  • The Book Case

    Author: Dave Shelton

    Interest level: 9-11

    Reading age: 8+

    This sniggeringly funny, totally deadpan adventure is a joy to read. Loosely set in the 1930s, it’s a bit like reading a really we…

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  • Pony on the Twelfth Floor

    Author: Polly Faber Illustrator: Sarah Jennings

    Interest level: 7-11

    Reading age: 7+

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  • Pony on the Twelfth Floor

    Author: Polly Faber Illustrator: Sarah Jennings

    Interest level: 7-11

    Reading age: 7+

    This hilarious and heart-warming chapter book combines an entertaining plot and a diverse range of characters with delightfully fu…

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  • Frogkisser!

    Author: Garth Nix

    Interest level: 10-12

    Reading age: 10+

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  • Frogkisser!

    Author: Garth Nix

    Interest level: 10-12

    Reading age: 10+

    A fairy tale for the modern feminist generation, Anya's Quest (yes, Quest with a capital Q) takes her through dark woods and acros…

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  • Sam Wu is Not Afraid of Ghosts

    Author: Katie and Kevin Tsang Illustrator: Nathan Reed

    Interest level: 7-11

    Reading age: 9+

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  • Sam Wu is Not Afraid of Ghosts

    Author: Katie and Kevin Tsang Illustrator: Nathan Reed

    Interest level: 7-11

    Reading age: 9+

    Sam Wu is scared of many things but is determined not to let anyone find out. However, after an unfortunate incident in a space si…

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  • A Good Night for Shooting Zombies

    Author: Jaco Jacobs Translator: Kobus Geldenhuys from Afrikaans Illustrator: Jim Tierney

    Interest level: 10-13

    Reading age: 11+

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  • A Good Night for Shooting Zombies

    Author: Jaco Jacobs Translator: Kobus Geldenhuys from Afrikaans Illustrator: Jim Tierney

    Interest level: 10-13

    Reading age: 11+

    When Martin and his neighbour bond over their love for horror films, he helps him realise his ambition to create a zombie movie. A…

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  • Mr Stink

    Author: David Walliams Illustrator: Quentin Blake

    Interest level: 9+

    Reading age: 10+

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  • Mr Stink

    Author: David Walliams Illustrator: Quentin Blake

    Interest level: 9+

    Reading age: 10+

    Irreverant and charming, this is a hilarious and surprisingly touching story about secrets, love and life.

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  • The Kids Who Knew Too Little

    Author: Gitty Daneshvari Illustrator: James Lancett

    Interest level: 8-10

    Reading age: 9+

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  • The Kids Who Knew Too Little

    Author: Gitty Daneshvari Illustrator: James Lancett

    Interest level: 8-10

    Reading age: 9+

    When Jonathan's parents are framed and arrested by the CIA, he and his fellow spy Shelley will have to pull together to find the r…

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  • The Goat

    Author: Anne Fleming

    Interest level: 9-11

    Reading age: 9+

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  • The Goat

    Author: Anne Fleming

    Interest level: 9-11

    Reading age: 9+

    A mountain goat, a girl called Kid and a boy who speaks in spoonerisms are the main characters in this quirky novel about love, fe…

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  • The Vicar of Nibbleswicke

    Author: Roald Dahl Illustrator: Quentin Blake

    Interest level: 9-11

    Reading age: 9+

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  • The Vicar of Nibbleswicke

    Author: Roald Dahl Illustrator: Quentin Blake

    Interest level: 9-11

    Reading age: 9+

    This is the highly amusing tale of Reverend Lee, who does not realise that his dyslexia is affecting his sermons.

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  • Bumface

    Author: Morris Gleitzman

    Interest level: 10-14

    Reading age: 11+

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  • Bumface

    Author: Morris Gleitzman

    Interest level: 10-14

    Reading age: 11+

    An extremely funny story, with a touch of poignancy.

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  • Alienography

    Author: Chris Riddell

    Interest level: 8-11

    Reading age: 8+

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  • Alienography

    Author: Chris Riddell

    Interest level: 8-11

    Reading age: 8+

    Have you ever feared a Martian attack? This book recommends creeping up close enough to plant a big wet slobbery kiss on their sli…

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