Indies GO ALL IN: 6 Fun/Funny Children's Books for April

What mischief did you get up to for April Fool’s Day? Did you pull a good prank or get pranked on? Either way, we hope you had a great laugh. This month, our indies booklist for the National Year of Reading is showcasing 6 funny children’s books from indie publishers that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. What would you do if you were Prime Minister? Why does my grandma wear mismatched socks? Who’s hogging the loo and is there an alien in the school library? Find out the answers (or more mysteries?) in these imaginative and funny stories. 

Our March booklist spotlighted children’s books all about women and girls. This month, we are joined by Wacky Bee, Scallywag Press, Red Robin Books, Book Island, and Dinosaur Books. All the recommended titles are available for purchase here! Next month, our booklist will celebrate mothers and grandmothers from all kinds of families. Stay tuned! 

1. If I Were Prime Minister

Written by: Trygve Skaug

Illustrated by: Ella Okstad

Translated by: Rosie Hedger

Published by: Lantana Publishing

Buy this book: If I Were Prime Minister

Reading age: 2-5

A young boy gives his perspective on several things the grown-ups running the country could do differently.

How much happier would we be if all the adults went to nursery once a month to remind themselves how to play? How much safer would we be if Christmas lights were left up all year round to light everyone’s way home?

2. Grandma's Odd Socks

Written and illustrated by: Marta Taylor

Published by: Wacky Bee

Buy this book: Grandma’s Odd Socks

Reading age: 3+

“I love my grandma. But there’s one thing about her that I don’t understand. She always wears odd socks!”

Grandma likes to stand out from the crowd. She chooses colourful clothes, covered in flowers, and her hair is bright red. AND she wears mis-matching socks. Everyone laughs at her, but when it’s YOUR grandma, it’s really not funny at all and something needs to be done!

3. Don't Be Silly! 

Written and illustrated by: Padmacandra

Published by: Scallywag Press

Buy this book: Don’t Be Silly

Reading age: 3+

Bouncy Bo and Little Smudge live in a sombre castle with their serious father. They are full of laughter and mischief, but it seems as if all the adults have forgotten how to smile . . . until an eye-opening visit to their grandparents proves otherwise!

An entertaining romp involving two lively children, one canny cat, one world weary Judge, a castle, two surprising grandparents, a caravan, and any amount of mice, this theatrical story has a strong repeating rhythm and repeating phrase, that encourages fun participatory reading together.

4. Hey, who's in the loo?

Written and illustrated by: Harmen van Straaten

Translated by: Laura Watkinson

Published by: Red Robin Books

Buy this book: Hey, who’s in the loo?

Bear can’t hold on much longer, he’s desperate, but the door is locked and the toilet is occupied. He is soon joined by Pig, Elephant, Tiger, Penguin, Monkey and Giraffe who are all needing to go too! When will their patient wait finally come to an end? Who is in the loo and why are they taking so long?

5. The Fantastic Forest

Written and illustrated by: Sebastián Ilabaca

Published by: Book Island

Buy this book: The Fantastic Forest

The Fantastic Forest is a large concertina board book that invites readers on an immersive journey into a magical world. Unfolding to an impressive almost three and a half meters, this wordless book encourages readers to lie down and explore its beautiful details.

On one side, readers will discover the secret life of the forest's enchanted flora and fauna. The other side introduces the humans who live in harmony with nature, with hidden creatures peeking out from behind flaps.

The Fantastic Forest depicts the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of caring for our planet and its inhabitants. It's a must-have for curious minds of all ages, offering a truly magical and educational experience.

6. Undercover Alien

Written by: N.S. Blackman

Illustrated by: Clare Brienza

Published by: Dinosaur Books

Buy this book: Undercover Alien

Reading age: 8-12

What is going on in the school library?

When Col sees something that definitely doesn't look human hiding among the shelves, he thinks it must be his imagination (or his love of all things Space-related) getting the better of him.

But his classmate Alicia is not so sure – and she’s determined to get to the bottom of the mysterious disasters that keep befalling their school.

It’s a lot more than Col bargained for at secondary school – and a lot more fun! Until now, life beyond primary school has proved to be quite difficult and the library has been a great refuge for him. But now it looks as though Col, and his new friend Alicia, are about to have an adventure that’s out-of-this-world!

We hope you'll love these funny children's books as much as we did!