You know that reading to your child each night is an experience that leads to their success. Both as they develop their reading skills and for many other aspects of their lives.
The key is to read aloud to your children. Most evenings before bed. You don’t need to read for extensive amounts of time. As little as 15 minutes has been shown to be enough.
But there is one problem.
You, the adult doing the reading, may not enjoy the board books and picture books you pick to read aloud. I have heard this complaint from many parents over the years. If you thought you were alone with this problem the truth is that you have a lot of company.
Beyond the fact that this experience is common, the real good news is that the problem doesn’t need to exist. There is a solution.
Because there is a writing tool called layering. When a book is well-layered you’ll find it has humor for little children and also for the adults who are reading the books aloud.
Layered Books
I want to introduce you to the wonderful world of picture books that are layered. “Layering” means that a book is written in a way that includes multiple layers of humor. Words that are funny for your child include a second layer of humor that you will enjoy.
The type of layering you’ll find in these books is good-natured fun. It’s developmentally appropriate for your child while also being fun for you. It’s helpful to know that layering can also include humor that is not developmentally appropriate. I’ve seen it rarely in some chapter books for middle graders and young adults, but I’ve never seen it in books for younger children. I mention this point so you are aware – it’s always good to know what might be in the books your kids read.
And yes, with well-written layered text, it is really possible for a children’s book to appeal to audiences of all ages. Even a tiny children’s board book with only a handful of words.
The authors who achieve this reality are highly skillful. To do so in a children’s book, where such a minimum of words are used and each word is at a premium … well, let’s just say these authors are pretty darn brilliant!
Eight Layered Kids Books To Start With
Here is a list of eight funny books that are brilliantly layered and will send you off on a funny book adventure.
The books on this list are my favorite funny books. I have such great memories of reading these books aloud to my child. They were so well-liked that I was asked to read them night after night after night. And they did not get boring, even with all those re-readings.
These are books we bought our very own copies of. Because they are just that good, and even though my little one is not little any longer, we still love plucking these books off the shelf and enjoying a good laugh.
If you discover other kids books that you find funny I would love to hear about them. Send me a message and let me know the titles.
All the books on this list are suitable for both Little Ones and Emerging Readers. Little Ones include babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and children in pre-kindergarten (pre-K). Emerging Readers are generally in pre-K to second grade.
1 – I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More
I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More is written by Karen Beaumont and illustrated by David Catrow. Also available in a large-format board book edition.
2 – It’s a Book
It’s a Book is also available in a board book edition called It’s a Little Book that is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Both books are written and illustrated by Lane Smith.
3 – Snoozers
Snoozers was written and illustrated by Sandra Boynton. She is a master creator of books that are layered. Pretty much every single one of her books can be counted on to be hilarious. At our home we are also enormously fond of Bob: And 6 More Christmas Stories which I feature on my Christmas booklist at Bookshop.
4 – This is Not My Hat
This is Not My Hat was written and illustrated by Jon Klassen. It’s the winner of the 2013 Caldecott Medal. If you like this book you’ll also enjoy We Found a Hat and I Want My Hat Back. All three books are available in a gorgeous slip-covered box set called Jon Klassen’s Hat Box.
5- Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale comes to us from Mo Willems (written and illustrated). A 2005 Caldecott Honor Book, it is also available in a board book edition for toddlers and preschoolers.
6 – I Love My New Toy!
Also from Mo Williams is I Love My New Toy! – an Elephant and Piggy book. If you enjoy this book you’ll be very happy to know that the series is expansive and includes many books. We were kindly introduced to the Elephant and Piggy books many years ago by a mom we met at a library. Quite of few of these books have been awarded the Theodor Seuss Geisel Medal.
7 – Tubby
Leslie Patricelli wrote and illustrated the darling board book Tubby. The book is also available in a bilingual Spanish edition. If you enjoy Tubby, I recommend her other books including No, No, Yes, Yes and Potty.
8 – The Monster at the End of This Book
The Monster at the End of This Book rounds out this list of kids books that adults also find funny. Written by Jon Stone and illustrated by Michael Smollin, this book is an oldie and a goody from the grand days of the Little Golden Books. First published in 1971, the fact that it’s still published today is a testament to its humor and the enduring high quality of the storytelling.
In Closing
I hope these books truly introduce you to the kind of brilliance that exists in children’s publishing. Especially in board and picture books.
These books are the tip of the iceberg. There are many more enjoyable reading moments to be found in books. Many are funny, like the books on this list. Or they may evoke different emotions. Quite a few will touch your heart. Or stay with you long after you finish reading them. As you continue the reading adventure, your libraries and librarians will be a good source to find more well-written books.
Happy Reading!
Publication History:
- First published April 28, 2020.
- Updated December 15, 2024. Clarifying text, links to purchase the books, and affiliate disclosure links added.
Babe the Gallant Pig