Are you ready to laugh out loud? I don’t think there could be a booklist more suited for my twins. I hope your kiddos like to giggle and laugh out loud just as much as mine do.
This was originally shared as part of A Read A Day – the details are in this intro post – but every day is a good day for laughing out loud.
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Picture Books to Make You Laugh Out Loud
Monday: Read a Funny Book
See You Later Alligator by Sally Hopgood
This book is like a fantastic crescendo of silliness. You start at a zoo where tortoise has packed up his things and decided to go on an adventure. Being the kind tortoise that he is, first he must diligently say farewell to all the other animals. When increasingly silly rhymes, including a confused rhino who is mistaken for a unicorn, tortoise trudges around the whole zoo. The true laughter erupts when you realize that not only has he taken to long to leave now, but that he’ll be back again tomorrow to say his see you laters just as he was the day before. A perfect tale for enlisting young animal lovers in a fit of giggles.
Tuesday: Re-Read Something That Makes You Laugh
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems
This book addresses dreams, rules, and emotions in a simple, silly, and interactive method that is perfect for preschoolers. This Caldecott Honor Book was Mo Willems’ first children’s book. It starts with the bus driver asking if the readers can help watch his bus until he gets back. You are left with the simple instruction – Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Sure enough, the pigeon pops onto the page and attempts to enlist you in permitting him to drive the bus. Will you give into his pleading or hysterics? A hilarious read aloud.
Wednesday: Read a Mashed Up Fairy Tale
Fairy Tales for Mr Barker by Jessica Ahlberg
A fairy tale mash up – at least my definition – is when an author takes a traditional fairy tale and changes it up. Some of our favorites go a step further and mash together several fairy tales – think Jolly Mr. Postman. This one follows a little kid that follows their dog from one fairy tale to the next. It’s part adventure and part just silliness. My kids adore this sweet story.
Thursday: Read a Book with a Silly Cover
A is for Salad by Mike Lester
A is for Salad is a perfect book to read for kids getting the hang of pairing together letters and sounds. It playfully romps through the alphabet matching letters with things they obviously don’t spell. The funny illustrations offer the young reader a more likely candidate for the appropriate letter – sound match. This is one of my all time favorite alphabet books.
Friday: Read about St. Patrick’s Day
Tales from Old Ireland by Malachy Doyle
This beautiful collection of tales offers a range of stories from Ireland. I love the illustrations and language choice. My kids love the interesting and sometimes witty tales. They especially liked the ones that were twists on stories with which they are already familiar, such as Cinderella. I would note, however, that the endings are less of the “happily ever after” kind and therefore I would recommend this for kindergarteners and up.
Saturday: Read a Book with the Letter G
Goodnight Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
Goodnight Gorilla is a nearly wordless tale about a sneaky gorilla who follows the zookeeper around at closing letting all of the animals out. If you haven’t read this classic, please find it soon and have a read. Make sure to pay careful attention to the detailed illustrations full of little surprises and reoccurring characters.
Sunday Author Spotlight: Catherine Rayner
Ernest, the Moose Who Doesn’t Fit by Catherine Rayner
Catherine Rayner writes wonderful books about animals which is how we came to know and love her in our house. My daughter adores animals and thus I’m in constant search for new titles for my little bookworm. Rayner’s books range from playful to thought provoking, but never fail to delight. This silly one is my favorite of her many titles to read aloud and is sure to make you laugh out loud.
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