I really love that my kids can appreciate a good nonfiction book and I really love reading them stories that are profound, that they find relatable, that inspire, that teach and a million other things. However, sometimes we are simply in the mood for a book that is silly and fun. One where we can just have a good laugh and enjoy story time and the joy of the absurd. Below is a list that I have compiled of new and upcoming releases that are the perfect “silly and fun fixes” for just such times. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do. I plan to add to this list so check back from time-to-time!
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“A Couch for Llama” by Leah Gilbert- When a couch “magically” appears in llama’s field he doesn’t know what to make of it at first. However they soon become fast friends and are happy together until the family that lost it returns. What happens then is a fun solution that is sure to have kids delighted.
“Natalies Hair Was Wild!” by Laura Freeman- Natalie’s hair was wild. So wild in fact that various animals decide to live in it! She is completely unbothered by it at first, but eventually desires that her new host of friends simply has to go. This book is also a playful way to start a conversation with your children about caring for their hair.
“A Bear Sat On My Porch Today” by Jane Yolen and Rilla Alexander- This story is about a little boy who is surprised one day by a bear sitting on his porch. As absurd as that is, it is only the beginning. Visitor after visitor shows up in this delightful book that has compounding text that repeats over and over again. Silly and fun in the most wonderful way.
“Lots More Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing” by Judi Barrett (Author), Ron Barrett (Illustrator)- This follow-up book features a lot of animals looking positively silly in various articles of clothing. Just the notion alone is enough to make kids giggle. Simple in text and fabulously illustrated, it’s a blast all around.
“Old MacDonald Had a Boat” by Steve Goetz and Eda Kaban- We loved Old MacDonald Had a Truck so much that we couldn’t wait for this one to be released. We weren’t disappointed! Old MacDonald and Mrs MacDonald are back with their incurable sense of adventure and we love singing along to this book as much as the latter. Well done Steve and Eda!
“Fred and the Bedtime Elephants” by Caroline Crowe and Claudia Ranucci- Instead of counting sheep to help him fall asleep, Fred decides to count Elephants. However, with each additional elephant that he counts the more his home fills up with the is bumbling, mischievous visitors! They are causing a silly and ginormous mess before Fred decides that maybe he should stick to counting sheep.
“My Worst Book Ever” by Allan Ahlberg and Bruce Ingman (released April 17th)- This is the story of how an author created a book. However, he had various disruptions during his writing and publishing process that produced a book that is absolutely silly and quite ridiculous. It is actually quite an informative book about publishing as well as a riot to read. Love it!
“Once Upon a Zzzz” by Maddie Frost- In this book the illustrator decides to hijack the story and make it their own. However, did they get more than they bargained for? When the author rejoins the story things really get fun and who knows what will happen next.
“Who Was That?” by Olivier Tallec- This book has a unique format that is not only interactive, but educational. Young children get to practice their memory and inferring skills as each turn of the page asks them a question about the illustration that they just viewed. It is loads of fun and creates a special experience.
“My Bed” by Anita Bijsterbosch (out April 1st)- One by one the woodland animals are off to bed and one by one Moose tries a bed only to be told that that one isn’t his. In the very end he finally gets a bed to sleep in and all is well. It is such a playful book that would also make a great conversation starter for children about sleeping in their own bed.
“3, 2, 1 Go!” by Virginie Morgand (out May 22nd)- I love a fun counting book or number book and this one is no exception. It is centered around a sports theme and is a fun new twist on a classic format.
“People Don’t Bite People” by Lisa Wheeler and Molly Idle (out April 3rd)- This book takes a more serious topic (you know, that people shouldn’t bite people) and delivers it in a fun and silly format that is sure to have kiddos smiling. The bright illustrations and winsome text do nothing but add to the charm and makes it a definite winner.
“Let’s Go!” by Sarah Williamson- This darling, silly trip follows an Elephant driving a vehicle that picks up item after item along it’s way. Pretty soon it is piled high with balancing odds and ends as well as new friends until simply no more will fit. With a surprise ending and bright illustrations, this one is a new hit at our house.
“Take a Hike Miles and Spike!” by Travis Foster and Ethan Long (Releases August 14)- Miles and Spike are off to have fun and as they say goodbye to all their friends it takes them a while before they catch on that all their friends want to come too. In the end we are reminded that adventures are often best when shared. Our favorite part of this book is all the clever goodbyes that include spin off’s from “See you later alligator!” such as “Take Care, Grizzly Bear!” and “In a Shake, Rattle Snake!”.
“Dino Moon” By Morgane De Cadier and Etienne Gerin- What if there were dinosaurs on the moon? Would they slide off its tip when it’s a crescent? Would they play hide-and-seek in the craters? Of course! All that and more! This book is silly fun that imagines what a fun loving group of dinosaurs might do if they lived on the moon.
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