Kids gravitate toward funny books for the same reason adults binge comedy specials after a long day—laughter feels good, and it makes hard things easier. Reading requires effort, especially for developing readers or kids with learning differences. Humor provides an emotional reward that keeps them turning pages.

There's also something validating about humor that speaks directly to a kid's experience. Books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Wonder (yes, it's funny despite the tears) capture the absurdity and awkwardness of childhood in ways that feel seen. And for younger kids, the gross-out humor and irreverence of series like Captain Underpants or The Bad Guys give them a safe space to explore "naughty" content that's actually harmless.

Plus, let's be real: funny books are often more accessible. They tend to have:

If you're wondering whether you should be pushing your kid toward "better" books instead of letting them read the same silly series over and over, here's what reading research tells us: volume matters more than we think.

Kids who read a lot—even if it's "low-brow" content—develop:

A kid who devours 30 funny books will likely become a stronger reader than one who grudgingly slogs through 3 "quality" novels. And here's the thing: kids who develop a reading habit through humor often naturally graduate to other genres when they're ready. The Percy Jackson series is a perfect bridge—it's genuinely funny but also introduces mythology, complex plots, and deeper themes.

Ages 5-7: Early Readers

Ages 7-10: Building Confidence

Ages 9-12: Middle Grade

Ages 12+: YA Humor

The potty humor phase is normal and temporary. If your 7-year-old is obsessed with Captain Underpants and every page with the word "poop" sends them into hysterics, that's developmentally appropriate. They're exploring taboo language in a safe way, and they'll move on. Don't shame it.

Graphic novels and hybrid books "count" as reading. If you're worried that Dog Man is too visual or not "real reading," research disagrees. The visual literacy skills kids develop from graphic novels are valuable, and these books often have more complex vocabulary than you'd expect.

Series reading is actually strategic. When kids find a funny series they love and read every single book, they're not being lazy—they're building fluency and confidence. The familiar format lets them focus on comprehension and enjoyment rather than decoding every new structure.

Your humor and their humor are different. What you find clever and what your 8-year-old finds hilarious may not overlap, and that's fine. Trust that they know what speaks to them.

In the battle for your kid's attention, funny books are secret weapons. They prove that reading isn't a chore—it's entertainment that happens to build vocabulary, empathy, comprehension, and a lifelong habit.

So yes, let them read the "silly" books. Let them reread the same series five times. Let them cackle at potty humor. Because a kid who's laughing while reading is a kid who's learning that books can be just as engaging as screens—and that's worth celebrating.

If your kid is a reluctant reader: Start with graphic novels or heavily illustrated books like Dog Man. Success breeds motivation.

If they've outgrown their current series: Try moving them to something with similar humor but slightly more complexity—like from Captain Underpants to Wayside School, or from Wimpy Kid to Percy Jackson.

If they only want to read one type of book: That's fine for now. But you can also try reading aloud together from a different genre—sometimes hearing a funny book read with expression opens them up to new styles.

If you want more specific recommendations: Ask our chatbot about funny books for your specific kid's age and interests—it can get way more granular than this list.

And remember: the best book for your kid is the one they'll actually read. Even if it involves talking toilets.