10+ Best Funny Children's Books for 8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for a way to keep your 8-year-old giggling through their reading time? You're in the right spot! Our roundup of funny children's books for 8-year-olds is packed with stories that promise to bring laughter and joy to your young reader. From whimsical tales to quirky characters, each book has been chosen to tickle their funny bones and keep those pages turning. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that are sure to bring smiles and laughter to your home!

Fun Funny Children's Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Humor, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: A hilarious account of a boy's crayons who express their grievances and demands through letters, each sharing their frustrations and feelings about how they are used.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and creative story that encourages empathy and understanding through the crayons' diverse perspectives.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love colorful stories and those who appreciate a good laugh.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures and misadventures of middle-schooler Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges of school and family life, all documented in his diary with drawings and handwritten notes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of being in middle school with a humorous twist that keeps readers laughing and engaged.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about school life and those who like diary format books with illustrations.

• Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Humor, Action, Adventure, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Two prankster kids, George and Harold, accidentally turn their grumpy school principal into Captain Underpants, a superhero with a penchant for running around in his underwear.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its unique blend of humor, superhero antics, and the power of friendship makes it a captivating read for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love superheroes and hilarious antics.

• Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
  • Genre(s): Humor, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: A persistent pigeon dreams of driving a bus, but needs the reader's help to get permission. Throughout the book, the pigeon tries every persuasive tactic to get a chance behind the wheel.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's interactive and funny, encouraging children to participate in the story and learn about persuasion and decision-making.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy interactive stories and those who like animals with big personalities.

• The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Lane Smith
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tale, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book offers a humorous retelling of the classic "Three Little Pigs" story from the perspective of the misunderstood wolf, who insists on his innocence and tells his version of the events.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces the concept of perspective and encourages readers to think about different sides of a story.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy classic stories with a twist and those who appreciate a funny, alternative viewpoint.

• Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Set in a bizarre school built vertically with one classroom on each floor, this book follows the strange and funny events that happen to the students of Wayside School.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its absurd and surreal humor is perfect for sparking imagination and keeping readers entertained with its quirky characters and unexpected plot twists.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy whimsical tales and those who like stories about school life.

Educational Funny Children's Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Andy and Terry live in a 13-story treehouse with everything you can imagine: a bowling alley, a see-through swimming pool, and even a marshmallow machine that follows you around and shoots marshmallows into your mouth whenever you're hungry.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, problem-solving, and reading engagement
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with whimsical inventions and zany adventures that spark the imagination and keep readers laughing.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love creative stories and over-the-top humor.

• Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein
  • Genre(s): Humor, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Little Chicken can't help interrupting storytime, jumping into the stories to save the characters from making mistakes. But when it's time for her own bedtime story, a surprise twist awaits!
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, prediction, and understanding story structure
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, interactive story that encourages participation and teaches the importance of patience and listening.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy playful reads and those who can't help but jump into the middle of a story.

• The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak
  • Genre(s): Humor, Concept Book
  • Synopsis: This innovative book proves that words alone can be fun and entertaining as it forces the reader to say silly and ridiculous things out loud.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading fluency, verbal skills, and creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges the traditional format of children’s books and engages readers in a unique and hilariously interactive way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate humor and those looking for a different kind of reading experience.

• Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Stink buys a jawbreaker that doesn't break his jaw and writes a letter of complaint, leading to a series of funny exchanges and unexpected outcomes.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Letter writing, persuasive writing, and problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a lesson on consumer rights and the power of the written word.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy funny stories with a message and those interested in writing.

• Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Skottie Young
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: A father goes out to get milk and comes back with wild tales of aliens, pirates, and time travel, trying to convince his children (and the readers) of his extraordinary adventure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, storytelling, and narrative skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a wildly imaginative story that is as funny as it is thrilling, showcasing Neil Gaiman’s unique style.
  • Perfect for: Children who love fantastical tales and those who enjoy stories with a dash of absurdity.

Challenging Funny Children's Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures of Sophie and her giant friend, the BFG (Big Friendly Giant), as they set out to save the world from man-eating giants.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features playful use of language and complex themes of friendship and courage.
  • Why we recommend this book: Dahl’s unique linguistic style and creative storytelling captivate and challenge young readers, enhancing their vocabulary and comprehension.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love magical adventures and quirky characters.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Bored young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest full of puns, wordplay, and wisdom.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is rich in wordplay, puns, and philosophical ideas that require advanced comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and creativity, making it a delightful read that challenges the mind.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy puzzles, word games, and thinking deeply about the world around them.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her talents are constantly belittled by her crude family. This changes when she meets her nurturing teacher, Miss Honey, and discovers she has a very special magical ability.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with themes of family dynamics, justice, and personal strength, layered with rich language and character development.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a story of empowerment and triumph over adversity, encouraging readers to believe in their own abilities.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood and those who appreciate stories of justice and personal courage.

• The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Humor, Satire, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The Willoughby children hatch a plan to become "deserving orphans" after being neglected by their selfish parents, leading to unexpected adventures and family configurations.
  • Why this book is challenging: It employs a sophisticated satire of classic children’s literature tropes, requiring a higher level of inferential reasoning and understanding of context.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a humorous yet poignant look at family and societal expectations, wrapped in a clever narrative.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy clever twists on classic tales and those with a sharp sense of humor.

• Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by K.G. Campbell
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story follows Flora Belle Buckman and a squirrel named Ulysses who gains superpowers after a vacuum cleaner accident, leading to various humorous and poignant adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex characters and themes, integrating graphic novel elements that require interpretative skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines humor with touching moments, encouraging readers to explore deeper themes of hope and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals, superheroes, and stories that blend fantasy with reality.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Reading can be a blast, especially with funny children's books that tickle the funny bone! For 8-year-olds, developing good reading habits can be both fun and rewarding. Here are some engaging exercises designed to enhance their reading experience and make those giggles even more meaningful.

• Create a Laughter Log
  • What it is: A special notebook where kids can write down the jokes or funny parts they loved.
  • How it helps: Encourages attentive reading and helps them appreciate humor.
  • Tips: Encourage them to share their favorite laughs with family or friends.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book using costumes or props.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and brings the story to life.
  • Tips: Use household items for props to make it more creative and engaging.

• Draw the Scene
  • What it is: Drawing scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Boosts imagination and helps with visual memory.
  • Tips: Display their artwork at home to celebrate their effort and creativity.

• Story Predictor
  • What it is: Guess what happens next before turning the page.
  • How it helps: Develops analytical thinking and anticipation skills.
  • Tips: Discuss their predictions and the actual outcomes to enhance understanding.

• Book Club Mini
  • What it is: A small group discussion about the book with friends or family.
  • How it helps: Improves verbal skills and helps them articulate thoughts.
  • Tips: Prepare simple questions to guide the discussion and keep it lively.

Incorporating these exercises into your child's reading routine can make reading funny children's books an interactive and beneficial experience. Not only will they be laughing out loud, but they'll also be building strong reading habits that will last a lifetime. So, grab those books, get set, and let the fun reading begin!