Are you in need of a giggle? Five Favourite Funny Books

People often ask me what my life is like with three children under five. Well, to be honest, most days I feel like a zoo keeper or, at best, a referee. My two eldest have just entered the dreaded squabbling phase and now our lives are full of dilemmas such as, who gets the "Frozen" plate? Or, who needs that piece of red Lego the most? I admit that sometimes the bickering seems relentless!

One of my solutions to these situations is distraction and there is no better distraction than reading a funny book together. So the next time you're having "one of those days", try reading one of our top five choices to lighten the mood and get you giggling...

1. Oi Frog! Kes Gray and Jim Field

This is a super rhyming book with fantastic illustrations about a frog who is learning that every animal has a special place to sit. Cats may sit on mats and mules may sit on stools but this frog does not want to sit on a log! Izzie (4) loved the rhyming verse and Theo (2) loved the funny pictures. Both children thought it was a hilarious story. We borrowed this book from our local library and reluctantly returned it several weeks ago, yet both children still regularly shout "Oi Frog! Sit on a Log!" at each other. We simply can't wait to get our hands on a copy of "Oi Dog!" which is published later this year*. (*now released!)

2. I Am Bear - Ben Bailey Smith and Sav Akyuz

A fantastic rhyming tale about a very cheeky purple bear who loves to play and do magic tricks. The illustrations, couldn't be bolder or brighter and they capture the bear's expressions and mischievous nature brilliantly. This quickly became a firm favourite in our house and always gets a giggle!

3. Betty Goes Bananas - Steve Antony

An amusing tale from Steve Antony with great characters and superbly bold illustrations. Betty has a lot in common with my banana obsessed, two year old. They are both stubborn and determined to do everything by themselves. Then when things don't quite go to plan the tantrums follow! The sequel "Betty Goes Bananas in her Pyjamas" is just as funny.

4. The Book with No Pictures - B.J. Novak

This is a children's book with a difference, it has no pictures! However, it certainly is not boring, just simply full of silliness. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book out loud to Izzie and Theo and by the end Izzie was actually rolling around on the floor giggling. Definitely give this book a go, it's totally unique. Just don't be shy when reading it, the more you put into the daft noises the more enjoyable it is! Good luck!

5. The Day The Crayons Came Home - Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers 

The brilliant sequel to one of my favourite children's books, "The Day The Crayons Quit". This time the disgruntled crayons have been misplaced and have sent postcards home. Learn how each one got lost and find out if they will ever get back. Just as clever and witty as the first book, it will definitely raise a smile. We really didn't want to take this one back to the library either!

There are so many funny children's books out there. 

We would love to know which ones get you giggling?

Until next time... HAPPY READING!

Kate & the Mini Reviewers xx

Disclaimer: These five books have already been included in our 366 Books in 366 Days reading challenge. We were fortunate enough to win copies of "I Am Bear", "The Book With No Pictures" and "Betty Goes Bananas" through various giveaways on social media. "Oi Frog!" and "The Day The Crayons Came Home" were both borrowed from the library. All the opinions expressed above are my own.