Growing up, most of my favorite books were those that included a good amount of humor. Humor brings in light moments when they are needed and, often, makes stories more memorable. With our April Master Class on humor coming up soon, I wanted to recommend a few of my childhood favorites that I think incorporate humor well.

My Lucky Day by Keiko Kasza

My Lucky Day by Keiko Kasza is one of my favorite picture books. The story follows a piglet who “accidentally” stumbles into the house of hungry Mr. Fox. But the piglet is not as ignorant as he first seems. He convinces Mr. Fox that, in order for him to become the perfect meal, he needs a bath, a good meal to fatten him up, and a massage.

‘“What a bath! What a dinner! What a massage!’ cried the piglet. ‘This must be my lucky day!’”

The end of the story reveals that the piglet’s visit with Mr. Fox may not have been by accident… you’ll have to read it to find out what happens!

Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish

Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish is a children's classic. Children can’t help but laugh at the way Amelia Bedelia takes everything literally.

There are many Amelia Bedelia books available now for a variety of ages. My favorites are the classic ones, but I also enjoy the chapter books.

‘“Thanks, sweetie,’ said her mother. ‘Do we need glasses?’

‘Not yet,’ said Amelia Bedelia. ‘Only Dad wears them.’

‘Right again,’ said her mother. ‘I’ll get you some water glasses to put out on the table.’” (Amelia Bedelia Unleashed by Herman Parish, page 3)

Meghan Rose by Lori Z. Scott

One of my favorite chapter books is Meghan Rose Has Ants in Her Pants by Lori Z. Scott. Like Amelia Bedelia, Meghan Rose has a tendency to take things a little too literally.

‘“Which is bigger, twelve inches or one foot?’

I know how big twelve inches is, because I have a ruler. A ruler has twelve inches on it. It makes a nice sword when you play pirates with your friends.

I looked at my foot. Not sword material.

I wrote, ‘My one foot is smaller than twelve inches.’” (Meghan Rose Has Ants in Her Pants by Lori Z. Scott, pages 35-6)

I enjoy the Meghan Rose books because of their humor and the way that Meghan learns important lessons (about prayer and patience in Meghan Rose Has Ants in Her Pants) through the story as well.

Ramona Quimby by Beverly Cleary

Another one of my favorite chapter book series is the Ramona Quimby series by Beverly Cleary. Ramona is always getting into trouble, and children will enjoy laughing at her antics. At the same time, the series addresses challenges such as Ramona’s father losing his job that children will be able to identify with.

“Ramona looked at the list she had begun so happily and wondered how much the presents she had listed would cost. Too much, she knew. Mice were free if you knew the right person, the owner of a mother mouse, so she might get some mice.” (Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary, page 30)

A Few Other Write2Ignite Recommendations

Check out Pam Halter’s review of We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins and Marci Whitehurst’s review of Remmy’s Sticky Situation by Cindy Lynn Sawyer.

And don’t forget to check out the Iggy and Oz series by our upcoming Master Class teacher, JJ Johnson.

What are some of your favorite children's books that use humor? Let me know in the comments below!

Kathryn Dover enjoys writing short stories and has been blogging for Write2Ignite since 2019. She graduated as valedictorian from Presbyterian College with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics while also minoring in history and creative writing. In addition, she served on the school’s newspaper staff for two years, completing over a dozen articles and photo essays. In her free time, she enjoys reading, photography, playing with her pets, and growing houseplants. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.