Here is the thing, I have a kid that loves animals. And I have another kid who really likes funny books. So when it comes to reading books if I can get a book that is funny and has animals in it, there is a chance that I can get both of my kids to listen to that book. Which is a win-win for reading time at my house. Here are some great new picture books that feature animals that may also make readers chuckle. Enjoy!
By Corey R. Tabor
New York: Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2025. Picture Book.
In this book a very cranky (and crabby) crow keeps “kaw”ing at all the other animals to get them to go away. The other animals respond in various states of annoyance/offense to Crow’s response. Eventually readers see the reasoning behind Crow’s actions—which is where the chuckles will come in.
Written by Brooke Hartman
Illustrated by Anna Süssbauer
Salem, MA: Page Street Kids, 2025. Picture Book.
The narrator of the book is looking for the pet hamster. Each page they find something that looks just like the hamster (perhaps the paws or the tail) only to find out that it is most defiantly not the pet hamster! Instead on closer inspection the narrator finds a lion or a grizzly bear or the like. Readers will like not only being in on the joke but will enjoy guessing what each new animal could really be.
By Leo Timmers
Minneapolis, MN: Gecko Press, 2025. Picture Book.
Eric is a duck that is nervous to swim across the lake with all the other ducks—because there is a monster in the lake. The other ducks assure Eric that there isn’t any monster; however, readers will laugh as they can see more than the rest of the ducks do. This book will be especially funny for kids who can understand irony and all of Eric’s reactions based on what is said verse what is seen in the illustrations—and kids who can understand that will love this book.
By Jan Thomas
New York: Beach Lane Books, 2025. Picture Book.
Pig is smelly and needs a bath; however, Pig doesn’t think he does. With the help of some other animal friends, Pig finally decides to take a bath. This is a great book for young toddlers. There are bright illustrations and simple text that will engage young readers. And toddlers who have strong opinions about taking baths (if they like it or not) will chuckle as Pig changes his mind about getting clean.
By Ben Clanton
Toronto, Ontario: Tundra Books, 2025. Picture Book.
Comic book favorite character Jelly (from the Narwhal and Jelly books) is now starring in this picture book. In this book Jelly has readers do various things which in turn makes sea life a little more dangerous. With the over the top reactions for anxious Jelly, readers will laugh as each page turn creates more and more “danger” (similar to the danger Grover faced in The Monster at the End of This Book).
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