Funny books are fire starters.
Often dismissed as 'not proper books' by adults, funny books are the tinder that can ignite a love of reading in an otherwise disengaged reader. In the library, when confronted by a child who announces that they 'don't like reading' it's always a funny book that I'll reach for first. By reading something that makes them laugh, the reader gets a lovely endorphin boost, that little feel good factor that makes them want to try again, & can fan the flames of RFP.
I despair when I hear adults saying that they wish their children would read a 'proper book'. Rejoice in all reading for it will foster a love of reading for pleasure that WILL lead to more varied texts as time goes on. Just because a book is funny doesn't mean it's not full of rich language, compelling storytelling and delivering an important message. I've read so many funny books that have compelled the reader to keep on trying in the face of failure, make new friendships (and value the ones they have), and to believe in themselves.
My own daughter is a HUGE fan of funny books, and they are always her go to when RFP. Over the years she's loved Horrid Henry, Mr Gum, Clarice Bean, Pippi Longstocking, DOWK, Tom Gates, Danger is Everywhere, Charlie Changes into a Chicken and Ed Wickes (to name a few). She delights in reading aloud to me from the books, giggling so much she can barely get the words out, and at night when she's reading to herself in bed I can often hear her snorts and giggles all the way downstairs :)
Recently I teamed up with authors Martin Howard and Rachel Delahaye to develop a blog in praise of funny books - you can see the result SNORT and follow the funny on our site: https://www.snortblog.com and until then - pick up a funny book and read it with your child tonight, it will be the best bonding experience of your day!
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