I realized something recently. Our 6 year old had lots of diverse books on his shelves, but so many of them were books about heavy topics. He needed more “everyday” multicultural books, ones that are just about kids being kids. After all, I didn’t want him thinking that the only thing people of color experience in life is oppression. Since our little guy loves to laugh, today I’m presenting 17 funny children’s books that are also multicultural.

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These multicultural kids books will have children laughing out loud! From mischevious children to out of control animals, kids will love these funny children's books that are also diverse. Click through for the full list of 17 picture and chapter books to tickle kids' funny bones. #funnybooks #weneeddiversebooks

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17 Funny children’s books that are also multicultural

Peeny Butter Fudge by Toni Morrison, Slade Morrison, and Joe Cepeda

Yes, this book is c0-written by THE Toni Morrison. It’s a playful tale of a wild day with a wacky grandma and her three adoring grandkids. When Mom’s gone for the day, she leaves a particular schedule and carefully planned meals. But as soon as she leaves, everyone is having so much fun that the house gets turned upside down. When Mom arrives home to see the kitchen covered in peanut butter fudge ingredients, will she lose it? (Recommended for ages 3 – 7)

Rudas: Niño’s Horrendous Hermanitas by Yuyi Morales

Rudas is Morales’ followup to the hilarious and silly luchador-themed Niño Wrestles the World. If you thought Niño had some smart tricks for defeating riduculous opponents like aliens and devils, you should see what his twin baby sisters can do! They have no respect for the rules of the game at all. Reading tip: if you don’t speak Spanish, be sure to read the end papers first, which have cute pictures and give helpful translations of some of the words used in the story. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7)

Catch that Goat! A Market Day in Nigeria by Polly Alakija

Ayoka’s mother is heading out for the day, and she tells her daughter to look after the family goat. Anyone who’s spent time around a goat knows that’s no easy job! As Ayoka chases the goat through the market, all kinds of things are going missing, from sunglasses to chickens and paint pots. This funny picture book also reinforces counting skills while kids try to guess what the goat will do next. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7)

Bob, Not Bob! by Liz Garton Scanlon, Audrey Vernick, and Mathew Cordell

The key to getting laughs from this funny children’s book is to follow the instructions on the cover: read it as if you have the worst cold ever. Little Louie is big enough that he doesn’t need him Mom all the time. But when he gets a terrible snuffed nose, all he wants is Mom. But whenever he calls out “Mom!” in his stuffed nose voice, Bob the dog comes running instead. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7)

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Indian Shoes by Cynthia Leitich Smith

I love how this sweet chapter book busts stereotypes about Native Americans while making kids laugh at the sticky situations Ray Halfmoon gets himself into. Our 6 year old was especially delighted by the chapter where Ray is supposed to be the ringbearer at a family wedding. When he discovers his tuxedo pants are nowhere to be found, he and Grandpa Halfmoon have to think of a solution quick! (Recommended for ages 6 – 10)

Please, Baby, Please by Spike Lee, Tonya Lewis Lee, and Kadir Nelson

How funny is it to watch parents beg a toddler to behave? Pretty funny, even to my 6 year old! Kadir Nelson’s illustrations of a spunky little girl who eats sand, draws on the walls, and splashes all the water from the tub make this book what it is: charming and hilarious! (Recommended for ages 2 – 5)

Mice and Beans by Pam Muñoz Ryan and Joe Cepeda

Rosa María isn’t going to let the fact that her house is small stop her from throwing a huge birthday party for her youngest grandchild. After, all her mother used to say “when there’s room in the heart, there’s room the house, except for a mouse.” As she makes party preparations each day, she sets out a mouse trap to keep the house clean, only to discover they’re gone the next morning. What could be happening? (Recommended for ages 4 – 8)

Pepper Zhang, Artist Extraordinaire! by Jerry Zhang and Trisha Hautea

Jerry Zhang wrote this book for his daughter because he wanted her to have a children’s book with an Asian girl heroine.

On the eve of her 3rd birthday, young Pepper has a meltdown to end all meltdowns after her parents say it’s time for bed. She pours all of her big feelings into a new paint set and easel that she got for her birthday. That night, an artist is born as she creates her first painting, “Red Dino Destroys Bedtime.” As Pepper’s fame spreads beyond her home, she has to figure out how to deal with all the attention her paintings are getting.

The bold, quirky illustrations in this book combine with the playful text to show us just how big little Pepper’s personality is! (Recommended for ages 3 – 6).

Bye, Bye Motabhai! by Kala Sambasivan and Ambika Sambasivan

Pavan Putra Ram Kishen Oont is a camel with big dreams. His greatest wish to become a racing camel who competes in the far off city of Dubai. Instead, he hauls a vegetable cart for the ungrateful merchant Motabhai. When grumpy Motabhai orders Pavan to take a group of excited children to school, Pavan realizes that now is his chance to escape! (Recommended for ages 5 – 9)

Dr. Potts, My Pets Have Spots! by Rod Hull and Miriam Latimer

Mr. Betts has lots of pets, and one day they all break out in spots. When he and his children take them to Dr. Potts, she’s sure she can solve the problem. But every cure seems to create a new symptom! The repetition, rhyme, and silly ailments are sure to make children laugh, as are the quirky details in the illustrations. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7)

Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book by Yuyi Morales

One day, the skeleton Señor Calavera shows up on Grandma Beetle’s doorstep, telling her it’s time for her to leave with him. “Just a minute,” Grandma tells him, while she finishes up a task after another. After sweeping one house, boiling two pots of tea, and making tortillas from three pounds of corn, he’s losing patience. What he doesn’t realize is that Grandma has outsmarted him and his ghostly demand, so that she can celebrate another birthday with her family. (Recommended for ages 5 – 9)

Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle, Glenn Murray, and Audrey Coleman

I suppose every list of funny children’s books needs one about bodily functions. Our son was delighted with poor Walter, who can’t stop his gassy-ness no matter what the family tries. After Billy and Betty’s dad tell them that Walter will have to go back to the pound, Walter’s determined to never fart again. But his flatulence turns out to be his greatest gift in an unexpected plot twist. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8)

Luke on the Loose by Harry Bliss

This early reader comic book is full of adventure and laughter as young Luke chases pigeons all over town. All he wants to do is coo with them, but instead he chases them into all kinds of mishaps. The adults who think it will be easy to find him don’t realize just how quickly Luke can move, all while screaming “Yaah!” at the terrified birds. (Recommended for ages 4 – 7)

Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan and Sophie Blackall

Rubina is thrilled when she’s invited to a friend’s birthday party for the first time. Her mother thinks that a birthday party sounds a bit odd, but says Rubina can go if she takes her little sister. Rubina tries to explain that that’s not how birthday parties are done.

Her little sister Sana’s behavior at the party is just what you’d expect. What’s even worse is what she does after the party to Rubina’s giant red lollipop that she received as a party favor. Any child who’s ever experienced sibling rivalry will appreciate this lively, funny story. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8)

The Chicken Chasing Queen of Lamar County by Janice F. Harrington and Shelley Jackson

Big Mama tells her granddaughter to leave the poor chickens alone, but she can’t help it! She’s the chicken chasing queen of Lamar County, and she’s determined to catch her favorite, Miss Hen. Even with outlandish leaps and carefully constructed plots (that will definitely provoke laughter), she fails again and again. Can she and Miss Hen ever come to an understanding? (Recommended for ages 5 – 9)

The Princess and the Pony by Kate Beaton

Princess Pinecone knows that she’s a brave warrior, so for her birthday she wants a strong, warrior horse. When she receives a tiny, bug eyed pony instead, Pincone is not pleased. Her attempts to train the pony are useless, but Pinceone decides to take the pony to the great battle anyway. The pony turns out to have it’s own secret weapon that will disarm all the opponents: cuteness. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8)

Monster Trouble! by Lane Fredrickson and Michael Robertson

Each night, monsters enter young Winifred Schnitzel’s room, determined to torment her. But she thinks monsters are so cute! Still, all their antics are keeping her awake, so she decides she must get rid of them. None of the tricks from her Monsters Beware book seem to work, but then Winifred discovers the one thing that all monsters fear most! (Recommended for ages 3 – 7)

Shopping with Dad by Matt Harvey and Miriam Latimer

Our family loves this funny, quirky book about what to do when we make mistakes. The heroine is a typical preschooler, so she finds it hard to sit still in the shopping cart when her Dad takes her to the grocery store. When she sees that it’s making her Dad “quite stressed,” she does her best to settle down. But an epic sneeze results in a disaster that has other shoppers mad at her Dad. What can they do to calm everyone down? (Recommended for ages 3 – 7)

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