Did you know April is also National Humor Month? With zany characters, hilarious hijinks, and giggle-worthy illustrations, I’ve got tons of brand-new stories that will amuse and entertain you!
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A Bear, A Fish, and a Fishy Wish by Daniel Bernstrom, illustrated by Brandon James Scott, 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
Oh, my goodness, this book is so much fun to read aloud! Upbeat rhymes and eye-catching illustrations follow a hungry bear attempting to make a homesick fish his lunch. After his comical journey ends, readers find that the bear’s heart is even bigger than his stomach. With just the right amount of drama, this playful story is not to be missed.
I also recommend the first book A Bear, A Bee, and a Honey Tree.
Prunella by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Claire Kean, 2024
Born with a purple thumb, Prunella gravitates toward odd and often poisonous plants that repel others. Soon, Prunella becomes just as prickly as her plants until the day a stranger shows an interest in her hobby. Claire Kean’s enchanting illustrations brilliantly bring Beth Ferry’s clever text alive in this entertaining tale that demonstrates the importance of nurturing one’s passion and growing strong connections through a common interest.
The Book That Almost Rhymed by Omar Abed, illustrated by Hatem Aly, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
With its clever storyline featuring sibling rivalry turned cute collaboration, this is without a doubt one of my favorite books of the year so far! When a young boy tries to share the rhyming story he wrote, his sister interrupts with her own comical edits. It is almost impossible not to giggle while reading this humorous book as the rhythmic text is interrupted with unexpected twists in the story. The best part is how it all comes together in a heartfelt ending.
How to Staycation Like a Snail by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by Kelly Collier, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Prepare to fall in love with the adorable Snail, an introvert who is an epic explorer at heart. He and his best friend, a tree stump, plan the 
most wonderful staycation. The expressive illustrations could not be cuter and readers will delight in the joy Snail and Stump find when taking the time to slow down and notice all the wonder around them.
We also love the companion book How to Party Like a Snail.
The Imposter by Laura Bower, illustrated by Kerisa Greene, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
This clever story is sure to resonate with both children and adults! Olive is distraught when her beloved bear, Mr. Snuggles, goes missing, so is obviously overjoyed when he suddenly turns up. On closer inspection, however, he appears a little too fluffy, smells a little too clean, and is missing the extra crusty spot behind his ear. She is outraged to discover he is an imposter!
This book could not be cuter. Having experienced a similar circumstance with our daughter’s lovey, my kids and I immediately related to this delightfully charming story with the sweetest ending.
The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston, 2024
(Ages 4 and u)
Tired of being the only book without a story, a lonely dictionary decides to breathe life into her catalogued words. As a hungry alligator emerges, he chases a doughnut with comical results. From the poetic end papers to the endearing characters and the imaginative, intriguing, irresistible story, there is a lot to love about this new book.
The Truth About the Couch by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Liniers, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Children will never look at couches the same way after reading this hysterical book. When a fox tries to share the peculiar behavior of couches including how they run wild if they don’t eat enough coins or how they grow on farms a la couch potatoes, a nosy opossum tries to shut him down. The truth is revealed, however, with comical results.
The Book That Can Read Your Mind by Marianna Coppo, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Prepare to be mesmerized by this unique book that really can read your mind!! A magical rabbit takes the stage and invites readers to pick an audience member that he will reveal after intermission. Depending on who the reader picks, you flip to another page where the answer is disclosed. My kids’ jaws literally dropped the first time we read this book and the magician correctly divulged their selected audience member. The choose-your-own-adventure feel makes this one fun to read several times in a row.
This one would be a fun choice for a guest reader. To keep the magic of the story alive though, only one child would be able to pick at a time.
Squirrel-Ish by Bambi Edlund, 2024
(ages 4 and up)
Envious of a squirrel’s cushy life, a rat comically attempts to alter his appearance to resemble a squirrel. He quickly realizes, however, that being a squirrel is “nut” as great as he thought and returns to his rat lifestyle with new perspective.
Maxine Gets a Job by Alexandra Garyn and Bryan Reisberg, illustrated by Susan Batori. 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Dog lovers won’t be able to resist the adorable Maxine. Inspired by her talented friends, this ambitious corgi sets out to get a job with humorous results. The expressive illustrations are giggle worthy and the message of finding success through following one’s passion couldn’t be better.
I Cannot Draw a Bicycle by Charise Mericle Harper, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
With a simple u-shape, an unseen narrator can make a variety of creations that take on a life of their own. The story follows two of her characters, a cat and a horse, or comically try to convince the narrator to draw a bicycle. In a wholly satisfying ending, they work as a team to create something even better. This amusing book would be perfect for pairing with an activity of building with different shapes. We also really enjoyed the first book I Cannot Draw a Horse.
Dog vs. Strawberry by Nelly Buchet, illustrated by Andrea Zuill, 2024
This laugh-out-loud book stars a competitive dog trying to outshine a strawberry that has fallen to the ground. The action-packed narrative describing the dog’s ambitious moves had me giggling while reading and the ending literally made me guffaw. This one is so much fun!
Penelope Rex and the Problem With Pets by Ryan T. Higgins, 2024
While most people receive a dog or a cat as a pet, Penelope’s parents gift her Mittens, a very affectionate saber-tooth tiger. The expressive illustrations that are laugh-out-loud funny follow Penelope as she adapts to Mittens sleeping in her bed, chewing on her toys, burying her underwear in the backyard, and bringing her “surprises”.
With comical hijinks and a heartfelt ending, this exceptional addition to the best-selling series is an excellent read aloud choice for children.
Scorch Hedgehog of Doom by Cate Berry, illustrated by Margherita Grasso, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
While class pet, Scorch, sees himself as a vicious beast, the students of Room 402 consider him to be the cutest, most adorable hedgehog possible. The story chronicles his many attempts to inflict fear, which instead result an “awwws” of admiration. This one is sure to become a favorite classroom read aloud.
This Book is a Mistake by Ron Keres, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Finn the frog is looking for change, so invites the reader to break out their crayons and give him a little extra pizazz with funny results. This is the third book in a series and we have really enjoyed each and every one of them!
Agent Unicorn by Jenny Alvarado, 2024
Would You Dare Put a Diaper on a Bear? by Lillias Kinsman-Chauvet, 2024
(Ages 2 and up)
Inspired by her son while potty training, this hilarious book is the perfect read aloud to inspire toddlers to be “wild and diaper free” just like the animals.
The Cat Who Couldn’t Be Bothered by Jack Kurland, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
In this wonderfully inclusive story, a group of friendly animals attempts to persuade one anti-social cat to join their fun. When he confesses he’s feeling sad, they simply sit with him for support. This is such a sweet story with a perfectly amusing ending.
The Hoys by Kes Gray, illustrated by Mark Chambers, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
We’ve all heard pirates yell “Ahoy there “, but what exact is a hoy? One curious pirate is about to discover these fascinating creatures in this entertaining tale perfect for little buccaneers.
How to Train a Tooth Fairy by Sue Fliess, illustrated by Simona Sanfilippo, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Fearing a tooth fairy may be new to the job, a group of children create some helpful signs and a tooth holder to help her. This darling story has interesting backmatter about the history of the tooth fairy and ideas for crafts readers can make to assist even more tooth fairies.
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