However, whilst I would never actively discourage any child from reading something they are enjoying (unless it was seriously inappropriate for their age), there is quite a bit of popular children’s comedy fiction that I do not feel is of sufficient quality to justify spending school time reading it aloud.
In contrast, the titles below are amongst those that are are not only hugely entertaining, and often LOL funny, but also carry important and wholesome messages for children. I would love sharing any of them from the ‘story chair’.
YEAR 3 / YEAR 4 :
British children from Muslim families are still sadly underrepresented in children’s fiction. Burhana Islam’s is just one of a number of books thankfully starting to put this right. In Mayhem Mission, Yusuf’s riotous antics are hilarious and the story is insightful without ever being cruel. Children from similar background will delight in seeing themselves and their culture reflected so entertainingly. However, children who are not will also learn a lot about a different culture. Not least, through identifying strongly, they will see that Yusuf is like them in far more ways than he is different.
It is the turn of a black British girl to take the lead in Maz Evans’ Vi Spy Licence to Chill. Again, this is such a funny book, but also has lots of heart. Beneath the comedy it valuably treats of a child trying to deal with divorced parents. It is a sure-fire hit with girls and boys, black and white. For any children who are hooked after hearing it, and many may well be, there is a continuing series to go at.
Here is a ‘golden oldie’ to throw into the mix. Eva Ibbotson is an outstanding children’s writer from a few years back and her books are still well worth getting to know for both children and teachers. Her first novel, The Great Ghost Rescue is a spooky (but not scary) romp with plenty of laughs, as well as an important message about children finding their own strengths rather than trying to be someone they are not. Others of this author’s early comedy books would also be a good match for this age group.
Charlie Changes into a Chicken by Sam Copeland is another award-winning book that is absolutely hilarious but also deals with important themes. This very silly story of Charlie, who has the ability to change into animals but no control over when it happens, bursts with kid appeal but is wise and compassionate too. There are follow-on titles, which, like this one, have copious illustrations by Sarah Horne that make them look and feel very accessible.
Each of these four books would probably work with some slightly older children too
YEAR 5 / YEAR 6 :
The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh, the first book from Helen Ritter, a rising star of contemporary children’s fiction, is warm, wise and very touching - oh, and very funny indeed. About a boy with a stammer, it not only deals sensitively with this issue but carries wider messages about overcoming difficulties and triumphing over perceived handicaps. A gem of a book.
A hugely important and valuable novel, throwing the focus on a culture rarely represented in UK children’s fiction, Maisie Chan’s Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths also succeeds in being very funny and entertaining. It reads aloud engagingly and will open a door for discussion of, amongst other things, the dangers of racial stereotyping.
With a pleasingly diverse range of very engaging characters, The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates by Jenny Pearson is another hilarious rollercoaster adventure, but with a lot of heart. This book, too, touchingly and sensitively deals with some very real children’s issues. Brilliantly imaginative and inventive it will prompt those who hear it (or read it) to question many things, including the difference between a miracle and a coincidence.
Frank Coterell Boyce is a superstar of children’s comedy fiction and this book, The Astounding Broccoli Boy is outstanding even amongst his many triumphs. Superficially very silly, the story of a boy who obtains superpowers, at the expense of turning green, overlays some very pertinent truths about friendship, tackling bullies, the power of difference and, above all, self-belief. Oh, and that’s even without mentioning a hugely entertaining penguin.
(Practical tips and helpful suggestions for planning regular ‘Story Time’ can be found in the NOTES PAGES of this blog.)
