Sleepovers, Sheep, and Scary Monsters—Ruth Ennis chooses picture books to raise a cackle
Creating a funny picture book is far more difficult than you’d think. Not only do you have to understand and appreciate the humour of a two-year-old, it also helps to include jokes that cater to the grown-ups who are reading the books aloud. I find that some of the best are the ones with clever illustrations that not only support the text, but purposefully elevate it. After careful consideration, the six picturebooks I share with you today embody this ethos well. As a result, they are certainly able to get a giggle, chuckle, or cackle out of any reader.
Who Ate Steve? written by Susannah Lloyd and illustrated by Kate Hindley (Nosy Crow) really ticked a favourite storytelling style of mine. The book is eager to teach the reader all about size; Marcel the bird is big and Steve the worm is small. But the narrator keeps getting interrupted by Marcel’s repeated attempts to eat Steve (and his little hat). Despite the persistent scolding from the narrator, Marcel is determined to enjoy his snack.
With an excellent twist at the end, this is a fun story from start to finish
With an excellent twist at the end, this is a fun story from start to finish. The illustrations of the two protagonists are bursting with personality and the layout is cleverly designed. This book is perfect for readers who love a bit of narrative obstruction and fourth-wall-breaks, which it executes wonderfully. Best read in a very serious voice for optimal chaos.
Would You Like a Banana by Yasmeen Ismail (Walker Books) is a regular hit with young readers. Gorilla is very hungry, and you and I both know that gorillas love bananas, so that is what our storyteller suggests he eats. But Gorilla is adamant that he does not want a banana, no matter what way you slice it. Even if you serve it in a bun, with a friend, on top of jelly, absolutely nothing could convince Gorilla to eat this banana. But when the storyteller says he doesn’t have to eat the banana, well then that’s a different story.
it will resonate with young readers who are in the habit of saying no to everything
This book would go down a treat during library or classroom story time with its simple, snappy plot and big, clear illustrations. The illustrations are made in a creative mix of paint, pencil, and photo collage that lend a dynamic style perfectly suited to the text. It is a great book that will resonate with young readers who are in the habit of saying no to everything as the first port of call. Best read in both a soothing and a grumpy voice.
I think this list would be incomplete if I didn’t include a fart book. Fart Zoo by Leigh Hodgkinson (Walker Books) is exactly what it says on the tin (of beans). Introducing the Fart Zoo, where farts of all shapes, sizes, and smells reside. But when one fart escapes its enclosure, panic ensues as visitors worry where it will turn up.
This book is gas (last one, I promise), full of puns and genuinely hilarious visual gags
This book is gas (last one, I promise), full of puns and genuinely hilarious visual gags. Some of my favourites include whoopy cushions being sold in the gift shop, and information cards at each enclosure that include the Latin origin for the type of toot. I’ve yet to meet a young reader who doesn’t love a good fart joke, so I know this book is guaranteed to be thoroughly enjoyed and regularly requested for repeated readings. Best read in a silly voice with lots of funny noises.
Next up is a favourite among many bookseller and librarian friends, for good reason; Brenda is a Sheep by Morag Hood (Two Hoots). Brenda is not actually a sheep, she’s a wolf (in a very nice woolly jumper). Furthermore, she’s a wolf on a mission to find the perfect meal to pair with her mint sauce recipe. Brenda spends time with the sheep who are oblivious to her true nature. But over time, Brenda realises that these sheep are her friends, and reconsiders her meal plans.
This book is made for readers who love pointing out inconsistencies in an unreliable narrator
This is an excellent example of two different stories being told by the text and illustrations. The art shows Brenda hunting the sheep, the text claims it to be a game of tag. This book is made for readers who love pointing out inconsistencies in an unreliable narrator, making for an undeniably engaging experience. With a surprisingly sweet conclusion, this will be loved by children and adults alike. Best read in any voice you’re comfortable with, Brenda won’t mind.
Should you need a giggle before bedtime, this next book might be up your alley. This Is Not a Bedtime Story is written by Eoin McLaughlin and illustrated by Robert Starling (Pavilion Children’s Books). Fluffy “Terror” McFluff and his band of monsters are on a mission to spook you. They are convinced they are the scariest creatures and there’s no way you’d fall asleep after reading this super creepy book. The only thing is, they’re not as terrifying as they think they are. As Fluffy tries to convince you of his ability to frighten you, the other animals are getting ready for bedtime. Eventually, Fluffy realises he’s sleepy too and can’t fight it any more.
Should you need a giggle before bedtime, this book might be up your alley
Another fun story where readers will enjoy noticing small contradictions happening in the background while Fluffy tries to demand your attention. The character designs are endearing which, while it makes for an unintimidating monster, does add to the humour of the story. Best read in a monstrous but ultimately unscary voice.
Lastly, we have Duck and Penguin Do NOT Like Sleepovers by Julia Woolf (Andersen Press). Betty and Maud are best friends, and they are excited to have a sleepover in a tiny tent in the back garden. They’re bringing along their teddies too, Duck and Penguin. They are less excited because they can’t stand each other. As the two girls play together, Duck and Penguin can be seen in the background fighting, arguing, and tripping each other up. But when the girls leave them behind in the tent in the middle of the night, Duck and Penguin venture out into the scary woods where a watchful creature is lurking.
A fabulous book that comes highly recommended
Equal parts adorable and hilarious, the duo are constantly at odds with each other in an endlessly entertaining manner. The illustrations are beautifully cosy and charming. A fabulous book that comes highly recommended. Best read in a sympathetic voice, poor Duck and Penguin have been through enough at this sleepover.
