Literacy Leaders in PreK-5 — you’re in for a treat!
Kids Read Now is thrilled to bring you our latest blog article by celebrated (and hilarious) author Hayley Rose.
As one of our favorite authors, Hayley Rose is near and dear to Kids Read Now. In fact, her book *Gomer the Gassy Goat* is available on our Wish List for students to choose, receive in the mail at home, and keep forever.
In this article, Hayley shares her insights on the importance of humor in children's books. Her perspective perfectly aligns with our mission to spark a lifelong love of reading while supporting literacy development year-round.
She shows how humor not only keeps kids turning pages, but it also strengthens comprehension, builds social connections, and offers an emotional outlet — all things that make Hayley’s books and Kids Read Now’s program so impactful.
Get ready to discover how laughter makes learning contagious!
Engaging readers through humor in children's books
Humor in children's books is more than just fun — it’s vital for their development.
Laughter may be the best medicine, but it’s also a secret weapon in teaching, bonding, and sparking a lifelong love for reading.
Emotional and social advantages of learning through laughter
Not only does humor keep kids interested, it positively impacts their school experience in measurable ways, like...
- Learning through laughter: language developmentFunny books often use wordplay, jokes, and clever situations that challenge young readers to think critically and develop language skills.
- Learning through laughter: cognitive skillsUnderstanding a pun or a humorous scenario requires quick thinking, which helps cognitive development.
- Learning through laughter: student engagementPlus, it’s always more fun to learn new words when they come from a talking llama who wears pajamas.
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Engaged readers are better learners
Strengthening comprehension through humor
Studies show that children who regularly read funny books score 20% higher in reading comprehension than those who don’t.
Why? Because humor grabs their attention.
It’s hard to zone out when a pigeon is throwing a tantrum about not driving a bus...
When kids are laughing, they’re engaged, and engaged readers are better learners.
Fostering connections through shared laughter
And let’s not forget the emotional benefits. Life can be stressful, even for kids. Funny stories offer a much-needed escape.
They can turn frustration into laughter, helping children deal with emotions like fear or sadness.
Using humor to tackle tough topics
A good laugh lightens the load...
This is especially helpful in books that address serious topics with a touch of humor — suddenly, those big, scary problems seem a little more manageable.
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Who says education can’t be hilarious?
Humor also improves social skills. Sharing a laugh over a funny book brings kids together.
In the end, humor in children’s books isn’t just about fun — it’s about learning, growing, and, yes, even fart jokes.
Because who says education can’t be hilarious?
About the Author
Hayley Rose is a chocolate-loving writer and goat yoga enthusiast. As a former entertainment business manager, Hayley Rose, has now embraced the exciting world of publishing with creative, interactive books for kids.
Hayley has been a featured author at the Children's Learning and Play Festival, presented keynote presentations for the Readers Favorite International Book Awards and the Desert Nights, Rising Stars Conference, and has been interviewed on the Author Learning Center alongside authors Stan Lee and R.L. Stine.
Hayley is involved with several writers groups across the country but spends most of her time in Scottsdale with her cookie-obsessed mini schnauzer, Blanche.
Source: https://hayleyrose.com/
Humor in children’s books supports Kids Read Now’s goals
At Kids Read Now, we know that fostering a lifelong love of reading starts with providing students with access to books that engage, inspire, and bring joy.
Isn’t it amazing how something as simple as laughter can make such a big impact?
As Hayley Rose beautifully shared, humor in children's books is much more than just a way to entertain; it’s a powerful tool for enhancing comprehension, fostering emotional resilience, and bringing kids together through joyful shared experiences.
For Literacy Leaders like you, funny stories can be a gateway to engaging reluctant readers and deepening the love of reading for all types of PreK-5 students.
Ready to bring more laughter into your classrooms? Explore the Kids Read Now Wish List for Hayley’s books.
Don’t forget to check out our Discovery resources for strategies to strengthen comprehension and create meaningful connections with every book.
Together, we can make reading not just a series of skills, but a lifelong adventure filled with smiles and giggles!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is humor important in children's literature?
Answer: Humor engages young readers, improves comprehension, supports cognitive development, and helps children process emotions like fear or sadness.
How does humor boost reading comprehension?
Answer: Funny books grab children’s attention, keeping them engaged with the story. Further, attaching reading to an emotion like joy and a physical response like laughing can improve retention. This active engagement leads to better understanding of what they read — and a stronger ability to recall it from memory.
How does humor support emotional development in kids?
Answer: Funny stories can provide an escape from stress, turn frustration into laughter, and help children tackle tough topics by lightening the mood and creating a safe, shared experience.
Are humorous books effective for reluctant readers?
Answer: Absolutely! Humor is a great way to engage reluctant readers by making books enjoyable and accessible, sparking their interest in reading.
Where can I find humorous books for my students?
Check out the Kids Read Now Wish List, our catalog of books from which PreK-5 children are able to choose. It includes a variety of funny, engaging books like Hayley Rose’s Gomer the Gassy Goat — a popular and well-loved choice among program participants.
