Chris Riddell's and Steve Cole's favourite funny books for children

Published on: 12 April 2016 Author: Chris Riddell and Steve Cole

Children's Laureate Chris Riddell and Astrosaurs author Steve Cole choose their favourite rib-tickling funny books for children.

Their respective choices feature classic reads, graphic novels and books crammed with pictures and illustrations - you wouldn't expect anything less from Chris Riddell.

First up, the current Children's Laureate picks his top three books:

Down with Skool! A Guide to School Life for Tiny Pupils and their Parents by Geoffrey Williams and illustrated by Ronald Searle.

Down with Skool tells the story of Nigel Molesworth, a 1950s prep-school boy (the 'goriller of 3B') and how his interactions with teachers, the headmasters other children and his little brother shape his day-to-day life.

Mr Gum books by Andy Stanton and illustrated by David Tazzyman

There are currently eight books in Mr Gum series, and his adventures include mountain climbs, meeting a billionaire gingerbread man and more.

Professor Branestawm by Norman Hunter and illustrated by William Heath Robinson

The 13 books in the series tell the story of the original 'absent-minded professor'. The books were recently adapted for television, with Harry Hill playing the title role.

Next, Steve Cole chooses his top 5 funny reads:

My Headteacher is a Vampire Rat by Pamela Buchart, illustrated by Thomas Flintham

Izzy's school has lost its Head. Why does his replacement keep his office in darkness, avoiding garlic like the plague? There may be a clue in the title.

Evil Emperor Penguin by Laura Ellen Anderson

Comic genius in this Evil Emperor Penguin graphic novel treat as EEP and his minions plot to RULE THE ENTIRE WORLD. It's just a shame his nemesis Evil Cat is also on the prowl...

Claude by Alex T Smith

The whimsical adventures of a plump dog named Claude, who has a capacious beret and his enigmatic friend Sir Bobblysock, great fun to read aloud.

Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face by John Dougherty, illustrated by David Tazzyman

Join the surreal siblings from the island of Great Kerfuffle for energy, anarchy, laughs and brilliant illustrations.

The Case of the Exploding Loo by Rachel Hamilton

A funny, imaginative mystery - with added toilets!