Tom's Tweet by Jill Esbaum

Summary: When a cat finds a bedraggled baby bird that has fallen from its nest, an unlikely friendship develops between the two.

Little ones are sure to enjoy this book for its silly humor. I enjoyed the grumpy character, Tom.

Interest Level: ages 2-4
Reading Level: grade 3

Dinosaurs Don't, Dinosaurs Do

by Steve Björkman

Summary: Colorful illustrations of dinosaurs and simple text reveal lessons of etiquette for children, encouraging sharing, and demonstrating good manners.

This is an amusing story for discussing appropriate behavior with preschool age children. The illustrations of the dinosaurs are appealing to youngsters.

Interest Level: ages 2-4
Reading Level: grade 1

The Neat Line: Scribbling Through Mother Goose 

by Pamela Duncan Edwards

Summary: A young scribble matures into a neat line, then wriggles into a book of nursery rhymes where he transforms himself into different objects to assist the characters he meets there.

I love fractured fairy tales, and this book seems to be part of a new trend of fractured nursery rhymes. This story is a series of neat twists on old, well-known nursery rhymes strung together by a scribble. This is an excellent class read aloud that students will find humorous.  

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 3

Little Mouse Gets Ready

Little Mouse Gets Ready

by Jeff Smith

Summary: Little Mouse gets dressed to go to the barn with his mother, brothers, and sisters.

This easy reader graphic novel is winner of the prestigious American Library Association’s (ALA) Theodor Seuss Giesel award. It can be used to teach getting dressed with younger children. The book is worth reading for the humor at the very end!

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 1

Hugs From Pearl
 by Paul Schmid

Summary: A friendly porcupine figures out how to give hugs without hurting others with her sharp quills.

This is a quirky but fun book. Children will enjoy this book for its silly humor. The story allows for a “when there’s a will there’s a way” discussion.

Interest Level: ages 2-4
Reading Level: grade 2

The Pirates of Plagiarism 

by Kathleen Fox

Summary: A pirate crew's plan to capture Mrs. Finch, the librarian, and a treasure chest in the library is foiled when a group of students come into the library to do research.

The humorous aspect of this story will be enjoyed by young ones, but most likely not completely comprehended by primary school students. I recommend this book as a read aloud for older elementary school students. The story is wonderful for discussing values, especially cheating and plagiarism. 

Interest Level: grades k-6

Reading Level: grade 4

Goodnight iPad: A Parody for the Next Generation 

by Ann Droyd

Summary: A bedtime story for bidding electronic gadgets goodnight, from the Blackberry and the Nooks to the iPad and the MP3s.      

This is a humorous parody of Goodnight Moon, a classic bedtime story. Young children to adults will enjoy this book.  I enjoyed the last page the most.      

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 6
Reading Level: grade 4

What Animals Really Like: A New Song Composed and Conducted by Mr. Herbert

by Fiona Robinson

Summary: When the National Animal Chorus gathers to perform the immortal works of Mr. Herbert Timberteeth, the performance doesn't go exactly as planned due to certain preconceived notions of what animals like to do.

This is a silly and humorous tale that could be used to discuss a serious subject matter, stereotyping. The message is that people do not always like what you think they would like. The book has “song lyrics” amongst the text, but does not provide a melody. Nevertheless, a reader could read this book aloud in a sing-song voice or create a melody. This story could be made into a very interactive read aloud by asking children questions throughout the book, such as, “What do you think these animals like?” A great follow-up activity is to ask children to imagine what other animals not mentioned in the story may like. They may use their imaginations to draw a picture and or write about animals’ talents.

Interest Level: age 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 2

Levi Strauss Gets a Bright Idea:

A Fairly Fabricated Story of a Pair of Pants

by Tony Johnston

Summary: Retells, in tall-tale fashion, how Levi Strauss went to California during the Gold Rush, saw the need for a sturdier kind of trouser, and invented jeans.

The author formatted this book in a creative matter to present the history of jeans. This lengthy story presents facts and exaggerations about Levi Strauss’ life. The language may seem obscure to young children, therefore, I recommend this book to intermediate grade students. However, the engrossing pictures and silly storyline may appeal to younger ones. As I read this book, I could not help but think of researching the “real” Levi Strauss when I finished the story. Towards the end of the book, information about Levi Strauss and exaggerations used in the text are provided. However, not everything is explained, so this book allows for the curious, like myself, to do some fact finding. Adults may make this book interactive as a read aloud by asking children questions such as, “do you think that really happened? Do you think this part is possible?” A follow up talk about not believing everything one reads is appropriate as well.

Interest Level: grades K-6
Reading Level: grade 3

Thank You, Miss Doover

by Robin Pulver

Summary: Jack learns the value of revision as he practices Miss Doover's lesson on how to write a proper thank-you note.

This is an amusing story. Before a teacher first requires children to write several drafts, this book would be an excellent read aloud.

Interest Level: grades k-3
Reading Level: grade 3

I Want a Party!

by Tony Ross

Summary: Little Princess discovers that she can have a lovely party with just one guest.

A new addition to the A Little Princess Story series, this book is entertaining. I did not like this book in beginning because of the princess’ demanding behavior. However, the ending has a very nice message.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 2

What to Expect When You're Expecting Joeys:

A Guide for Marsupial Parents

by Bridget Heos

Summary: Explains the life cycle of marsupials using the format of a question-and-answer guide written about human pregnancy.

Although this book contains cartoon like illustrations and is written as if speaking to marsupial parents, you may find this book in the nonfiction section of your library. The true intended audience is children seeking information about marsupials. I recommend this book to advanced primary grade readers. However, it may be appreciated by older elementary students who are interested in the subject matter. I enjoyed the humorous elements of this story.

Interest Level: grades k-6
Reading Level: grade 4

If You Give a Dog a Donut

by Laura Numeroff

Summary: Chaos might ensue if you were to give a dog a donut.

From the author of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and many other title’s beginning with “If you give a,” this story continues the formulaic format of the series. Parents may tire of the same premise, but young children enjoy consistency and predictability. The dog desires to do things that other lead animals in the “If you give a” series have not done.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 2

Ten Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break if You Want to Survive the School Bus

by John Grandits

Summary: Before Kyle rides a school bus for the first time, his older brother gives him a list of rules he must follow, but after breaking every single one the first day, Kyle discovers the rule his brother left out. (Catchy summary!)

This is a humorous read for parents to share with children who are having school anxiety. This book is not ideal for reading aloud because of its length and occasional use of crude words.

Interest Level: grades k-3
Reading Level: grade 4

A Wish for Elves

by Mark Gonyea

Summary: A picture book in which a boy makes a wish for a little holiday help. He gets more than he bargained for and Santa pays the price.

This book is formatted in a similar fashion to graphic novels. The elves are depicted in an unusual way, but children will enjoy this book for its humorous aspect.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 2

A Bad Kitty Christmas

by Nick Bruel

Summary: After destroying all of the gifts and decorations at home, Bad Kitty escapes from the car on Christmas Eve and finds a new friend, who helps her learn the true meaning of Christmas.

I love this book! The book contains three alphabetical lists, including naughty things kitty did. The rhyming lists are woven beautifully into this heartwarming story. The text is lengthy, and may be most enjoyed when read one-on-one with a child. Like other books in the Bad Kitty series, this holiday story involves humor.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 4

 

Oh, What a Christmas! 

by Michael Garland

Summary: After Santa loses his reindeer midflight on Christmas Eve, he improvises by seeking the help of some barnyard animals to complete his trip.

This original Santa story is slightly off-beat, but humorous. Children will enjoy the bright, vibrant illustrations that make the night come alive.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 4

Snowed Under and Other Christmas Confusions 

by Serge Bloch

Summary: A snow storm the day before Christmas causes a boy many worries, which are not helped by such confusing phrases as: "Don't be a wet blanket" and "That's the way the cookie crumbles."

This is a terrific book for discussing idioms and figures of speech. The story’s light humor makes it a fun read aloud whether it is used as a teaching tool or not. Children who enjoy this holiday treat may enjoy Michael Dahl’s Monster Street series, Tedd Arnold’s Parts series or Amelia Parrish’s Amelia Bedelia series. 

Interest Level: grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 3

Monkey with a Tool Belt and the Seaside Shenanigans

by Chris Monroe

Summary: Chico, the clever monkey, helps his friend Clark, the elephant, (Maybe include an adjective to describe Clark in order to keep it parallel to your description of Chico) solve a problem at a seaside resort.

This is a humorous “who-done-it” mystery. Since it is a fairly lengthy story and written partially in graphic novel format, I do not recommend this book as a group read aloud. This book may be enjoyed by an advanced primary school student who reads it to his/herself, or when read one on one to a younger child. The only flaw in this story is that the clues do not match with the general behavior of the culprit, which makes it difficult to guess which animal did it. This is the newest book in a series.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 3

Limelight Larry

by Leigh Hodgkinson

Summary: A peacock called Limelight Larry wants to be the star of the book named for him. But soon other animals are cluttering the pages. When the star finally has his moment in the spotlight, what has happened to all his friends?

This is a comedic story about friendship, arrogance, and sharing. This book is best read one on one with a child who is experiencing difficulties in these character areas, but it is also a fun read aloud for primary age children. If a child is starting to get lost in the dialogue, he/she will be drawn back in by the beautiful spread of our peacock star.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 3