Laughter isn’t just fun; it can relieve stress, boost confidence, and make us feel good. So it’s no surprise that children love funny books!
They also contain a secret superpower… they can turn even the most reluctant readers into passionate page-turners. A good laugh triggers the release of feel-good hormones (science calls them endorphins, I call them giggle-hits!) So once young readers have experienced that feeling, they want to come back for more.
Suddenly, the child who doesn’t read is happily turning page after page just to see what hilarious disaster will happen next.
How funny books can… build confidence
It’s not just the LOLs kids like. Reading comical books is a great confidence booster.
Some of the funniest moments in stories stem from a character making a mistake or messing up in some way. Take Kennedy, Devon and Liv, the trio from my new series Cringe Club, who share their epic fails on a group chat.
They’re a gang of gloriously awkward tweens who mess up a lot. But instead of hiding in shame, they learn to own it, laugh about it, and even celebrate it.
Reading about people who fail (sometimes spectacularly) shows kids that getting things wrong isn’t the end of the world. It can even give them the confidence to try something new without worrying about looking silly, or encourage them to step out of their comfort zone.
How funny books can… build self-esteem
Funny characters are often delightfully different or defy social norms in some way, and this can help build self esteem.
For example, Cringe Club’s Kennedy loves magic, and while her tricks went down a storm at primary, they are not considered as ‘cool’ at high school.
Meanwhile, her best friend Devon loves to dance. While he briefly swaps it for playing football (badly!) to impress the popular Boys Who Kick Balls At Lunchtime, he eventually realises that performing is who he is and embraces it.
Characters like Devon and Kennedy, who view the trait that makes them different as a positive, empower children to be proud of who they are. To be bold and embrace their cringe. To wear odd shoes or sequins if that’s their vibe. And it reassures them that by doing this, they will find their own cringey crew.
How funny books can… build connection
Young readers also enjoy the connection comedy can bring. There is such joy in sharing a joke, whether in the classroom, reading with a parent at bedtime or chuckling over the funny parts of a favourite book with friends.
That sense of togetherness can make children feel more secure, build rapport and give them a sense of belonging.
How funny books can… build a love of reading
Humour also makes stories more accessible. Snappy dialogue, lively pacing, and fun artwork are often used to keep readers engaged.
In Cringe Club, Wotto’s witty illustrations bring the characters and their mishaps to life, making the book inviting for a wide range of readers. The group chat layout means kids can dive in without feeling intimidated, and the relatable characters keep them hooked.
I hope that Cringe Club will not only make children laugh, but will inspire them to embrace their own cringe, and maybe even pick up a lifelong love of reading!
Cringe Club by Emily-Jane Clark, illustrated by Wotto, is out now.
