5 of the Funniest Books for Kids, According to Authors

“The ‘Peanuts’ comics, by Charles M. Schulz (ages 8+), made me want to write things that contain comedy with melancholy and heart.”

—Jory John, author of The Good Egg and The Bad Seed

“I bought Imogene’s Antlers, by David Small (ages 3 to 7), with my own money in second grade. The story and art were so funny and got me excited about writing and drawing my own books too.”

—Lauren Castillo, author of Our Friend Hedgehog

“When I was 5 and my sister was 7, I didn’t know how to read. I watched as she lay on the couch, giggling and refusing to tell me why. I sulked and vowed that my future would hold the paradise of reading Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, by Betty MacDonald (ages 8 to 12), on the couch. It did.”

—Annie Barrows, author of the Ivy + Bean series

“As a kid, I collected soda bottles and turned them in for a nickel, which allowed me to buy comic books. My favorites were ‘Prince Valiant’ comics, by Hal Foster. Being courageous and determined became a mantra for me growing up in a poor, segregated community.”

—Jewell Parker Rhodes, author of Black Brother, Black Brother

“My children and I read the Arabel and Mortimer series, by Joan Aiken (ages 5 to 10), aloud together over and over. They were just insane for it, laughing harder each time.”

—Sara Pennypacker, author of the Clementine series