My Dad Thinks He's Funny

My Dad Thinks He's Funny

Katrina Germein
Tom Jellett

Did your Dad ever make weak jokes and puns?  Did you moan and groan?  Did you do the "eye roll?"  If any of this rings a bell then you will find this book to be pretty funny and you will be able to pass on this character building to your children. You're welcome!

Julia's House for Lost Creatures

Julia's House for Lost Creatures

Ben Hatke

 Julia's House for Lost Creatures is the latest release from the author of the legendary Zeta the Spacegirl series of comics (essential reading).  Julia's has the same style of dreamy, imaginative illustrations as Zita but in a picture book format along with a simple story to boot.  Our toddler is so captivated by all the creatures that it is on heavy rotation at storytime and we love the signature Hatke strong female lead character.

That's Disgusting

That's Disgusting

Pittau/Gervais

 Another gem from Pittau/Gervais.  This time they explore all the disgusting things you perhaps shouldn't try at home.  My nephews thought this book was the best thing since sliced bread; my sister, not so much...

Zoom

Zoom

Istvan Banyai

Zoom is a wordless picture book which slowly "zooms" out of the original image in surprising and captivating ways.  It's the kind of book you will get out now and again and be entranced all over again at the detail and beauty of the illustrations.  There is a sequel too called Re-Zoom but we like the original best.

The Paper Bag Princess

The Paper Bag Princess

Robert Munsch
Michael Martchenko

 

Written in the '80's before The Spice Girls and "Girl Power" was a thing, The Paper Bag Princess is a fantastic story of a feisty princess who uses determination and clever wit to get what she wants.  Michael Martchenko's illustrations are bright and fun (I just love the dragon's smarmy grin) and bring a great story to life.

KICK!

KICK!

Rufus Butler Seder

This almost wordless book is made up of pages which animate when turned.  A very clever concept.  Kick! is the original book in a series of 'Scanimation' books of differing themes.  Simple but magical for kids of all ages.

My First Batman Book

My First Batman Book

David Bar Katz

 Your toddler needs to learn about one of the world's greatest super heroes ever and this book is a fantastic introduction.  From basic facts from his alter ego to his side kick it's all in here with interactive elements and super bright, simple illustrations. And if Batman isn't your cup of tea then check out Downtown Bookworks website for the full range of DC Superhero board books.

The Odd Egg

The Odd Egg

Emily Gravett

Another gem from this creative author/illustrator.  We love her watercolour drawings and the creative way she cuts up the page to create new drawings from existing ones.  And the punchline is very surprising!!

 

 

A Dragon in a Wagon

A Dragon in a Wagon

Lynley Dodd

 This simple rhyming book is a lot of fun as it plays with animal names and possible scenarios with said animal.  And you might learn something too!  We learned what a gnu was from "A gnu with the flu".  The punchline is a little weak but it's really the animals in the middle which are the fun of this book and the illustrations are colourful and clear.

Silly Spider

Silly Spider

David Wood
Richard Fowler

It looks like this gem of a book is out of print which is a darn shame because it is truly great.  It comes with cardboard spider which you thread through holes and under flaps and it goes through to the next page.  Basically the spider makes his way through the bathroom until he scares himself in the mirror.  Both our kids LOVED this book and begged and pleaded to read it again and again.  Come on Red Wagon Books - bring back Silly Spider!!!  Until then I wish you great luck on your quest to find a good enough copy on the second hand market for a reasonable price...

The Cake

 The Cake 

Dorothee de Monfreid

 

 A very simple story with bright illustrations and a great punchline.  We do love good punchlines!

 

Spells

Spells

Emily Gravett

 

A twist on the fairytale genre with a pretty classic punchline.  The artwork has a collage feel to it and so detailed you find a new element hidden each time.  Some fun interactive elements too.

The Lazy Friend

The Lazy Friend

Ronan Badel

 A very sweet wordless story about unconditional friendship.  Great full page drawings.  In the tradition of "The Chicken Thief"

The GIANT Jam Sandwich

The GIANT Jam Sandwich

John Vernon Lord

 

 This is a classic rhyming story from my childhood and it has a magic to it which I can't put my finger on but there is certainly something awesome about seeing how you would go about making and cooking a giant loaf of bread, cutting it and making it into a sandwich.  Cool colourful illustrations too.

The Gas We Pass

The Gas We Pass

Shinta Cho

Who said education had to be dull and boring right?  This book combines facts with hilarious illustrations and sometimes laugh out loud text.  It's a favourite at our place but only because we love anything fart related.  Teeheeheee farts!  It looks like this one is out of print (WHAT!) but Amazon has copies and there's sure to be some out there in the second hand universe...

Honourable mention here for Everybody Poops and Who's Poo.  Both mildly amusing but not good enough for their own posts here sorry. (In our opinion anyway)

Press Here

Press Here

Herve Tullet

 

 

Herve Tullet has produced many graphically simple books for young kids but this one has to be his best.  Such a simple concept but produced so creatively and effectively.  Your toddler will be enthralled by the variety of activities in this gem.

BANG

BANG

Leo Timmers

 We fell in love with the BRIGHT and clever illustrations in this cute picture book so we had to buy it.  I have since bought it for my 4 year old nephew and he and his little sister enjoyed it so much repeatedly it had to be repaired after a couple of days.  Aunty win!  There are so many little details in the pictures you will find new things every time you open it.

Red Sled

Red Sled

Lita Judge

 The best way to read this (almost) wordless story is with great vigour.  The more over the top you are, the more your kids will enjoy it.  I think it's charming and we all love the two page spread illustrations.  Lita Judge has also done a second book along the same lines called "Red Hat" which is sort of a sequel but we like the sled one best.