10+ Best Funny Chapter Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to keep your 7-year-old giggling through their reading time? Look no further! Our roundup of funny chapter books for 7-year-olds is packed with stories that promise loads of laughter and delightful adventures. Whether your little one is a budding bookworm or just starting their reading journey, these books are sure to keep them entertained. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that will not only entertain but also foster a love of reading.

Fun Funny Chapter Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Sophie befriends a gentle giant, and together they embark on a mission to stop the other giants from eating children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with whimsy and wonder, sparking imagination while teaching lessons about friendship and courage.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magical adventures and quirky characters.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book follows Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges of middle school with humor and a bit of misadventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its relatable humor and unique diary format keep readers engaged and entertained, making it a great choice for reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good laugh and stories about school life.

• Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Humor, Superhero Fiction
  • Synopsis: Two prankster kids, George and Harold, accidentally turn their grumpy principal into the unlikely superhero, Captain Underpants.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines action, humor, and playful illustrations, which are especially appealing to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate slapstick humor and superhero adventures.

• My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett, illustrated by Ruth Chrisman Gannett
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy sets out on an adventure to rescue a baby dragon from a distant island filled with wild animals.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its simple yet engaging narrative and imaginative plot make it an excellent introduction to fantasy for early readers.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and animal lovers.

• The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney
  • Genre(s): Animal Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Humphrey, a classroom hamster, shares his observations and adventures from the confines of his cage in a schoolroom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable life lessons through the eyes of a small but wise hamster, engaging children with humor and heart.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animals and stories from unique perspectives.

• Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Mercy Watson, a porcine wonder, lives with Mr. and Mrs. Watson and gets into all sorts of buttered-toast-fueled escapades.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its lively illustrations and hilarious plot make reading fun and engaging for young children.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy lighthearted, whimsical tales.

Educational Funny Chapter Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Humor
  • Synopsis: When young Nick Allen invents a new word for what we all know as a "pen"—calling it a "frindle"—he ignites a series of events that captures the nation's attention.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary building, understanding of linguistics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever exploration of language and innovation, wrapped in a humorous and engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are curious about words and love creative challenges.

• The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Kevin Cornell
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Humor
  • Synopsis: Four young chicken detectives, with little experience but a lot of heart, set out to solve their first big case.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, basic detective work
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny, action-packed mystery that encourages critical thinking and collaboration.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy animal characters and mystery-solving stories.

• Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Wayside School was supposed to be built with thirty classrooms all on one floor; instead, it was built sideways with the rooms piled on top of each other—except for the 19th floor, which doesn't exist.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, empathy, understanding unconventional storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a uniquely zany collection of stories that are as bizarre as they are hilarious, perfect for sparking imagination.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate absurd humor and quirky tales.

• The Adventures of Captain Underpants: Color Edition by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Humor, Superhero Fiction
  • Synopsis: This is the full-color edition of the first book where George and Harold create a comic book that accidentally turns into a real-life adventure when their principal turns into the superhero Captain Underpants.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading engagement, artistic appreciation (through color illustrations), narrative development
  • Why we recommend this book: The vibrant, full-color illustrations bring a new dimension to this beloved series, making it even more appealing to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Fans of superheroes and comic book style storytelling.

• Judy Moody Was in a Mood by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Humor, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Not a good mood. A bad mood. Judy Moody is starting third grade, and she's got plenty of attitude to go around, but things start looking up when she gets an exciting school project.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, school life adaptation, creative projects
  • Why we recommend this book: It perfectly captures the ups and downs of school life with humor and a relatable heroine.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are navigating their own moods and school experiences.

Challenging Funny Chapter Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Skottie Young
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: This wildly entertaining story follows a father who goes out to buy milk and comes back with wild tales of aliens, pirates, and time travel.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex narrative structure with multiple fantastical elements that intertwine, challenging young readers to keep track of the various threads.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that sparks imagination with its creative storytelling and whimsical illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories packed with adventure and a touch of the absurd.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Milo is bored until a mysterious tollbooth appears in his room. Driving through it, he finds himself in a fantastical world that rekindles his appreciation for learning and discovery.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich with puns, wordplay, and sophisticated themes about the importance of curiosity and learning, which can be intellectually stimulating for advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a deep appreciation for language and learning, making it both entertaining and enlightening.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who delight in puzzles and word games.

• The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Andy and Terry live in a treehouse that might just be a kid's dream come true, complete with a see-through swimming pool, a marshmallow machine, and a lot more. Their zany adventures are just as crazy as their home.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story's fast pace and inventive scenarios require quick thinking and a good grasp of logic and sequence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a laugh-out-loud funny book that encourages creativity and the joy of inventing.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love building, designing, or dreaming up their own adventures.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her parents are too caught up in their foolishness to notice. At school, the monstrous headmistress Miss Trunchbull makes life difficult for everyone. Matilda discovers she has a special power and decides to use it to bring about justice.
  • Why this book is challenging: The themes of neglect, rebellion, and justice are explored in ways that are accessible yet thought-provoking for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of triumph over adversity, featuring a protagonist whose intelligence and kindness lead to extraordinary changes.
  • Perfect for: Intelligent young readers who feel misunderstood and dream of making a difference.

• Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater, illustrated by Robert Lawson
  • Genre(s): Humor, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mr. Popper, a house painter obsessed with the poles, unexpectedly receives a penguin in the mail. Soon, one penguin turns into a dozen, and the Poppers must figure out how to manage the chaos.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel introduces concepts of responsibility and adaptation to new challenges, wrapped in a humorous narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a heartwarming story, encouraging empathy and a love for animals.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animals and zany, out-of-the-ordinary stories.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-year-old develop some solid reading habits while diving into funny chapter books, I've got some engaging exercises that can make reading even more enjoyable. These simple activities are designed to enhance their reading experience and build a lifelong love for books. Let's check them out!

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy spot dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and enjoyable activity.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions or toys.

• Book Character Dress-Up
  • What it is: Dress up as a favorite character from the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages deeper connection with the story and characters.
  • Tips: Plan a small role-play session where they can act out scenes from the book.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Before reading a chapter, guess what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Enhances imaginative thinking and anticipation.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions and see how they match up as you read along.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters based on the reading.
  • How it helps: Helps with comprehension and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Use a variety of art supplies to make it more fun and engaging.

• Reading Buddy System
  • What it is: Pair up with a friend or a family member for a shared reading session.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a social activity and can improve communication skills.
  • Tips: Choose books that both buddies will enjoy and discuss them afterwards.

• Book Club Mini
  • What it is: Organize a small book club with a few friends.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and sharing perspectives.
  • Tips: Have each child come up with a question or talking point about the book.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can not only make the process more fun but also enhance their understanding and appreciation of the books. Remember, the goal is to foster a love for reading, so keep the activities light and enjoyable. Happy reading!