Open the Magic Through Laughter
There’s something magical about hearing your classroom erupt in giggles during read aloud time. Funny picture books do more than make students laugh—they build connection, strengthen comprehension, and create unforgettable Confetti Moments. Whether you’re teaching 5th grade or gathering your class for a quick Open The Magic read, these titles will energize your readers and bring joy into your day.
Let’s dive into five classroom-tested, teacher-approved funny picture books that will have your students begging for “just one more page!”
🤪 Where’s My Butt? by Donald Budge
Summary: A hilarious quest begins when a boy realizes he’s lost his butt and searches high and low to find it.
Activity: After reading, have students design their own imaginative “missing” posters for silly body parts or items they’ve “lost.”
📢 The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak
Summary: This book tricks readers into saying ridiculous words out loud—all without a single illustration.
Activity Idea: Have students invent their own silly word scripts to “trick” their teacher into reading aloud, encouraging creative writing and oral fluency.
🐻 Hey Bruce and the Bruce Series by Ryan T. Higgins
Summary: Bruce, the grumpy bear, navigates a world that won’t stop interrupting his peaceful life—whether it’s goslings, neighbors, or surprise vacations.
Activity Idea: Use a class anchor chart to compare Bruce’s personality across the books in the series. Then, write a diary entry from Bruce’s perspective on “the most chaotic day ever.”
🎈 On Account of the Gum by Adam Rex
Summary: A kid’s bad hair day turns into full-blown mayhem thanks to a stuck piece of gum and a parade of well-meaning but disastrous helpers.
Activity Idea: Use my On Account of the Gum Reading Comprehension Companion to deepen understanding! It’s packed with vocabulary, summary skills, and creative extensions—perfect for your ELA block, sub plans, or even early finishers.
I go into ALL of the details here, but here’s a sneak peak of what it includes:
- Vocabulary word study
- RACE response activity
- Comprehension questions
- Morning meeting prompts
- Teacher tips & more
🍨 Parfait, Not Parfait! by Scott Rothman
Summary: Two hilarious characters argue the difference between things that sound the same but are not alike—think parfaits and perfects!
Activity Idea: Create a class anchor chart of funny homophones and misheard words, then have students illustrate their own “parfait/not parfait” confusion comic strips.
Why Funny Picture Books Matter
Humor is a powerful tool for engagement and comprehension. These books don’t just bring belly laughs—they offer opportunities for higher-level thinking, writing responses, and social-emotional learning. Plus, they help students feel that reading is fun, which is the foundation of lifelong literacy.
So go ahead—Open the Magic. Let the laughter roll. These funny picture books for the classroom will leave your students begging, “Read it again!”
Let the giggles lead the way to meaningful reading magic.
