Silly Books

Hearing a child laugh is a gift. Hearing a child tell a joke is hilarious! Check out these books for some serious laughter.

Such a Silly Baby! by Steffanie and Richard Lorig, illus. by Amanda Shepherd (Chronicle Books). Note: Do not pick up this book at bedtime. Every time this silly mom takes her baby on an outing, she brings home something else. They visit the zoo, the circus, the farm and, of course, the Wild West Show. Each time, the mistake is corrected, but the animal noises and giggles over the wacky mother never end. (2 – 4)

Barry the Fish with Fingers by Sue Henda (Knopf Books for Young Readers). By this time of the summer, most kids are getting bored of swimming. Meet Barry the Fish who has the same problem. What can you do when you are bored? Bubbling with silliness and laughter, this book will cheer up any little fish. ( 3 – 8)

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger (Amulet Books). The cover alone will make you laugh. Sixth grader Tommy tries to decide whether the wisdom from the Origami Yoda is believable. He compiles evidence of each piece of sage advice to determine the truth of the matter. Yoda’s response? “Cheetos for everyone you must buy.” Includes instructions on making your own Yoda. Frank Oz’s voice not included. (8 – 12)

Boom! by Mark Haddon (David Fickling Books). By the author of The Curious Case of the Dog in the Night, this story follows two boys who have overheard teachers speaking a strange language. Hold on tight as you follow an abduction, a cross-country motorcycle chase and aliens on the Isle of Skye. (10 and up)

Julie Hubble tries to be funny in Leawood but needs to work on her timing.