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Why Funny Books Help Kids Fall in Love with Reading

Maria Buben

7/28/2026

There are few sounds sweeter than the uninhibited laughter of a child. The kind that bubbles up from deep in their belly, makes them wiggle in their seat, point excitedly at the page, and beg, "Read it again!"

Those moments are about so much more than a funny story. They are the moments children begin building positive memories around books, and those memories often become the foundation for a lifelong love of reading.

As parents, we naturally focus on helping our children learn their letters, recognize words, and grow into confident readers. We buy educational toys, practice the alphabet, and celebrate every new milestone. While those things are important, there's another piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked.

Before children become lifelong readers, they need to believe that books are places where wonderful things happen.

Sometimes that journey begins with nothing more complicated than a story that makes them laugh until their cheeks hurt.

Reading Should Feel Like a Warm Hug

Most children won't remember every sentence from the books you read together, but they'll remember how storytime made them feel.

They'll remember climbing onto the couch beside you with a favorite blanket, listening to bedtime stories after a busy day, and hearing you give each character a different voice. They'll remember the laughter you shared, the funny faces you made, and the comfort of being completely present together for a little while.

Those experiences quietly shape a child's relationship with books.

When reading is wrapped in comfort, connection, and laughter, children begin reaching for books because they associate them with joy. Storytime stops feeling like something they're expected to do and becomes something they genuinely look forward to.

That's one of the greatest gifts we can give them.

Why Humor Is Such a Powerful Reading Tool

Humor has an incredible way of capturing a child's attention.

A child who might normally wander away halfway through a story suddenly scoots closer, eager to find out what ridiculous thing happens next. Maybe a dragon accidentally eats spicy salsa. Maybe a stubborn pigeon keeps asking to drive the bus. Maybe a little pig named Marty finds himself in another hilariously gassy situation.

Children love the anticipation almost as much as the punchline.

Funny books also lower the pressure that some children feel around reading. Instead of worrying about sounding out words or sitting perfectly still, they're focused on the adventure unfolding in front of them. They're laughing, predicting what comes next, pointing out details in the illustrations, and asking questions along the way.

Without realizing it, they're strengthening vocabulary, comprehension, memory, and listening skills simply because they're completely engaged.

Learning happens naturally when children are having fun.

Books That Keep Kids Laughing

There are thousands of wonderful picture books available today, but a handful seem to earn permanent spots on family bookshelves. They're the books children ask for over and over because they know exactly how they'll feel when the story begins.

The Book with No Pictures

by B. J. Novak

Link to: The Book with No Picture

At first glance, the title doesn't make much sense. A picture book without pictures hardly sounds like something that would capture a preschooler's attention.

Then the grown-up starts reading.

Because every ridiculous word on the page must be read exactly as written, parents suddenly find themselves making absurd noises, speaking nonsense, and becoming the funniest character in the room. Children absolutely love watching the adult become the source of the comedy.

It's proof that imagination doesn't always need illustrations to come alive.

Dragons Love Tacos

by Adam Rubin

Link to: Dragons Love Tacos

This modern classic takes one wonderfully simple idea and turns it into an unforgettable adventure.

Dragons adore tacos, but spicy salsa is another story entirely.

Children quickly catch on to what's about to happen, and that's part of the fun. They eagerly anticipate the chaos while the colorful illustrations and playful storytelling keep everyone smiling from beginning to end.

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

by Mo Willems

Link to: Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Few authors invite children into a story quite like Mo Willems.

Instead of simply listening, children become active participants, enthusiastically telling the pigeon "No!" every time he comes up with another outrageous excuse for driving the bus.

The interaction makes every reading feel different, and it's nearly impossible to finish the book without hearing children laugh or shout back at the pages.

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly

by Simms Taback

Link to: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly

Some stories remain favorites for generations because they're endlessly fun to read aloud.

The repetitive pattern encourages children to predict what comes next, join in with familiar lines, and laugh as each increasingly ridiculous page unfolds.

It's playful, memorable, and perfect for family storytime.

Farty Marty

by Maria Buben

Link to: Farty Marty

Let's be honest. If you have a preschooler, you've probably heard more fart jokes this week than you ever expected to hear in your lifetime.

Children naturally find potty humor hilarious. Rather than pretending that stage doesn't exist, Farty Marty embraces it with warmth, playful storytelling, and plenty of giggles.

While the silly moments certainly keep kids entertained, parents often tell us something even more meaningful. Their children ask to read it again.

That's one of the greatest compliments any children's book can receive. Every reread builds familiarity with language, strengthens confidence, and creates another positive memory connected to books.

Storytime Is About More Than Reading

One day your child won't remember every detail of every story you shared together.

They probably won't remember every page or every character either.

What they'll remember is how it felt sitting beside you while you laughed together. They'll remember your funny voices, your dramatic pauses, and the evenings that ended with one more story before bed.

Those ordinary moments quietly become treasured childhood memories.

Reading together isn't only about teaching literacy. It's about slowing down, building traditions, and reminding your child that they are worthy of your time and attention.

Every shared story says, without needing the words, "I'm so happy we're here together."

Read It Again

If your child asks to hear the same funny book every night for the next week, don't worry.

Read it again.

Children thrive on repetition. Every reread strengthens vocabulary, improves comprehension, and helps them discover new details they missed before. More importantly, each joyful storytime reinforces a simple but lasting truth.

Books are wonderful places to spend time.

If we can help children believe that while they're young, we've given them something that can stay with them for the rest of their lives.