For children not quite old enough for the gore and horror of The Walking Dead but still wanting their zombie apocalypses, The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier is a riot of fun.
Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made
Follow the ups and downs of schoolboy Timmy Failure’s detective agency, Total Failure Inc. (the ‘Total’ part comes from the name of his agency partner, polar bear Total), as he negotiates the business obstacles of school and home life in his spectacularly oblivious way.
A slightly heartbreaking subtext is offset by an entertainingly written story. Additionally, the brilliantly judged illustrations ensure that this book by Stephan Pastis (the first of a best-selling series) is a real winner.
Julius Zebra
Gary Northfield’s latest book focuses on a lowly zebra called Julius who rises up through the gladiatorial ranks to give the people of ancient Rome a run for their money.
This book is full of wonderful illustrations and jokes, and is a masterclass in funny by one of Britain’s best comics artists. Julius Zebra: Rumble with the Romans is our first ever book of the month, and what a book it is!
The Donut Diaries
Why The Donut Diaries books by Anthony McGowan aren’t as famous as Wimpy Kid baffles me.
Our hero, Dermot, has a serious donut addiction. In fact it’s so bad he gets threatened with ‘fat camp’. Can Dermot fool his parents into thinking he’s changed his way? What do you reckon…
Seriously funny.
Milo and the Restart Button
Milo and the Restart Button by Alan Silberberg is perfect for fans of Wimpy Kid and Tom Gates, as it’s wonderfully illustrated. What it also has is a perfect mixture of humour and drama. It manages to be really funny whilst tackling some really serious subjects.
I thought this book was a smasher.
Fish-Head Steve
Albie, aged 8, seriously recommends Fish Head Steve by Jamie Smart, as Steve gets himself into the most hilarious scrapes. It’s a little bit bonkers, but an awful lot of fun.
Albie also loved the fact that the illustrations make it so easy to follow. Comics are great for that.
Jamie Smart is also the creator of Bunny Vs Monkey, and many other hilarious comics, which we’ll look at soon.
Good Dog, Bad Dog
Good Dog, Bad Dog by Dave Shelton is one of the most entertaining comic books I’ve ever read, and definitely one of the funniest.
Kirk Bergman and Duncan Mcboo are pedigree police: the finest canine cops in all Muttropolis, and their adventures are a joy to read. The perfect marriage of words and pictures, and definitely worth seeking out!
The Legend of Frog
Guy Bass won the Blue Peter Prize for a very good reason, he is masterful at creating ludicrous and highly entertaining stories, and ‘The Legend of Frog’ is no exception.
Our heroes quest takes him a mighty journey where he meets a wonderful cast of heroes and villains. If you love fantasy, but want something different…and funny, then this is the book for you.
Guy has also written other brilliant series like ‘Stitch Head’, ‘Secret Santa’ and ‘Gormy Ruckles’. We’ll look at all those in good time, don’t you worry…
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
Funny books are brilliant, but funny books with HEART are even better.
Joey Pigza by Jack Gantos definitely fits into the latter category. Joey is always in trouble both at school and at home, as he simply can’t concentrate on anything. It’s like bees are constantly buzzing in his brain.
I’ve never met a more flawed but loveable character than Joey, or a reader that hasn’t adored him. Seriously recommended (plus there’s more in the series).
You’re a Bad Man, Mr Gum!
The Mr Gum books by Andy Stanton are outright hilarious. What more is there to say?
With scratchy, energetic illustrations by David Tazzyman, and a truly comedic drive, I think there’s very little that beats these for laugh-out-loud silliness.
I excitedly read a passage from the first book to a load of adults at a Christmas party once, as I thought it was so funny. Sure, I got a few funny looks for it, but at least I practise what I preach!