Annie's 10 for 10: Picture Books That Make Us Laugh (A LOT)

I am so excited to participate in August 10 for 10 for the first time.  Gosh, choosing just ten picture books was a challenge!  I've enjoyed reading everyone's post the last two years and discovered lots of new picture books!  Thanks to Cathy Mere of Reflect and Refine & Mandy Robek of Enjoy and Embrace Learning for organizing this event!

Books purchased my classroom typically had a specific purpose -- mentor texts for writing, read alouds for comprehension instruction, nonfiction books to support social studies and science content.  We frequently read for fun, but I would usually stumble upon funny books or share books from my go-to authors who really seem to understand kids’ sense of humor.  Laughing around a book helps to create enthusiastic, voracious readers.  Now, as Little C and Big B’s mom, humor is a must.  Reading together at night is a highlight of our day, and laughing together makes it even better.  

These funny books are ones that have made my students and/or my own children laugh a lot.  Here we go:

 

Mortimer by Robert Munsch is the first book I read aloud to my first class of students.  It is the book I would start every year with.  Everyone is bound to start singing along with Mortimer and laughing as he drives his mother, father, seventeen brothers & sisters, and two policemen crazy by refusing to stop singing and go to asleep. 

 

 

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen is one of my all-time favorite books to read aloud.  (Thanks, Twitter!)  A lot has been written in the blogosphere about this one, so I'll just say that I love watching students' reactions at the end of the book.  Lots of laughter followed by requests to reread!

 

 

Can You Make A Scary Face? by Jan Thomas is a hilarious, interactive book.  My kids and I stand up, sit down, make scary faces, and do whatever the bossy ladybug tells us, all while cracking up. 

 

 

We Are In A Book! by Mo Willems begs to be read aloud (literally).  Gerald and Piggie discover they are inside a book and interact with their readers to have some fun.  I've loved Elephant and Piggie for many years, so it was hard to choose one.  Big B, Little C, and I read/reread a book from the series everyday this summer, but this is the one that makes us laugh the most.   Let's Go for a Drive! was a very close second.  I think the bananas put We Are In A Book! over the edge.

Z is for Moose by Kelly L. Bingham and Paul O. Zelinsky is a fun twist on an alphabet book.  I like how it makes my kids laugh and think.  Moose's antics are quite hysterical!  In fact, when I asked Big B about funny books, this was on the top of his list.  Kid-approved! 

 

 

Dinosaur vs. Bedtime by Bob Shea perfectly captures the kid-bedtime challenge.  We enjoy reading and roaring along with this book again and again. 

 

Cousin Irv from Mars by Bruce Eric Kaplan makes me laugh out loud.  When Teddy's distant cousin from Mars first arrives, he is irritated, but eventually they become good friends and he doesn't want him to leave.  A hilarious story!  I discovered this story at on our recent family vacation to Minneapolis.  We found this terrific bookstore, Red Balloon Bookshop. (Check it out if you're in the Twin Cities!)  The book's unusual style caught my attention, and I'm so glad it did.  As my husband was purchasing our finds, one of their book experts commented to him how funny Cousin Irv is, immediately followed by another expert who came out from the back and said the exact same thing.  We agree!   

 

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems starts out like the three bears version, but all bets are off as the dinosaurs plot to eat Goldilocks.  (I won't ruin the ending!)  Lots of funny details to be found! Mo' love for Mo Willems!

 

Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping by Melanie Watt is as entertaining as the other books about this very nervous squirrel.  You can't help but smile as Scaredy Squirrel, despite his fears of skunks and zippers, braves the nearby campground. 

 

 

Chicken Butt! by Erica S. Perl brings the classic joke to life.  Just plain fun.

 

 

Annie