Kids' Corner

Books That Will Make You Laugh!

Spring is a good time to read lighter, funnier books.  Some authors, such as Judy Blume, Kate Klise, Daniel Pinkwater, and Jon Scieszka are well-known for making readers chuckle.  Here are a few picture books and chapter books by some others that I think you’ll enjoy:

Once Upon a Banana  by Jennifer Armstrong
A monkey steals a banana and sets off an hilarious chain of events in this (mostly) wordless picture book illustrated by Caldecott Award winner David Small.   Preschool – grade 4

Juliet Dove, Queen of Love  by Bruce Coville
Ever since she’s been wearing a mysterious necklace, Juliet has been irresistible to everyone she meets.  A couple of wisecracking rats help her figure out how to remove the necklace.  Grades 4 – 7

Dooby Dooby Moo  by Doreen Cronin
Duck organizes Farmer Brown’s animals (you remember them from Click, Clack, Moo:  Cows that Type) to enter a talent show at the County Fair:  singing cows and sheep, dancing pigs!  Preschool – grade 3

Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money  by Christopher Paul Curtis
This humorous, fast-paced mystery involves 9 year old Steven, his blind neighbor Mr. Chickee, and a quadrillion dollar bill!  Grades 3 – 6

Cowlick!  by Christin Ditchfield
Finally, an explanation for the wild hair that kids wake up with in the morning, told in humorous rhyme.  Preschool – grade 1.

Serious Farm  by Tim Egan
Edna the cow decides that Farmer Fred needs to lighten up, so all the animals try to make him laugh.  Will they succeed?  K – grade 3

Diary of a Killer Cat  by Anne Fine
Tuffy the cat (who happens to be the narrator of this story) doesn’t understand why his normal cat behavior is so upsetting to his family. Grades 2 – 4

Fashion Kitty  by Charise Harper
An accident transforms Kiki into Fashion Kitty, whose superpowers enable her to help with fashion emergencies.  Grades 4 – 7

Just a reminder,  registration for summer programs at HPL begins on Tuesday, June 19.  This summer’s theme is Get a Clue @ Your Library.

Happy Reading!
Ellen Xydias
Children’s Librarian
May 2007