Yoto Picks: Favourite Funny Stories
Words by Michelle Sartori, Licensed Content Manager
Some say laughter is the best medicine, and I couldn’t agree more.
My name is Michelle Sartori and I am the Licensed Content Manager for the U.S. at Yoto. As a child growing up, I loved anything that could make me laugh. To this day, I still have my collection of old vinyl comedy records that make me smile, and nothing brings me more joy than seeing my daughter’s face when she hears something that makes her laugh. Luckily, Yoto has many amazing titles that will tickle the funny bone! I am excited to share just a few of my favourites:
97 ½ Jokes for Kids (4 to 8 years)
What did the shark say when he ate the clownfish?
Hmmm, this tastes a little funny!
Who better than to tell jokes to kids than kids? Each card is jam-packed full of jokes with everything - animal jokes, school jokes, body jokes, knock knock jokes, music jokes, weather jokes, nature jokes, space jokes, sports jokes, food jokes - so many jokes! 97 and a half to be exact. Just what you need to have your ribs truly tickled, and your sides well and truly split. 97 ½ Jokes for Kids is aimed at kids ages 0-5 and 97 ½ Jokes for Big Kids is for kids ages 5-8 - unless you’re a lover of all jokes like me, this card had me giggling right along!
Ladybird Funny Stories Series (3 to 5 years)
With over an hour of audio on each card, these Funny Stories collections are filled with funny and engaging sound effects, guaranteed to raise laughs from little listeners everywhere.
Each card is aimed at children ages 3, 4, and 5, and are perfect for family listening and development for young minds.
Favourites in our house include:
“The Big Friendly Beanstalk” from Funny Stories for 3 Year Olds
“The Genie’s Wishes” from Funny Stories for 4 Year Olds
“Sleepwalking Beauty” from Funny Stories for 5 Year Olds
Puffin Funny Stories (6 to 8 years)
Each card in this collection contains between 4-5 silly, side-splitting stories that are aimed at children ages 6, 7, and 8. With characters like a comedic clown fish named Clowny McClownface, a cherished cat named Gracieboo Featherfluff Angel Eyes the Second (my personal favourite), and a mischievous monkey named Mr. Nibbles, kids can’t help but chuckle at these stories!
Diary of a Wimpy Kid (8 to 12 years)
Ah middle school days…full of times where kids are growing up, navigating puberty, and finding their place in the world. It’s a good thing we have characters like Greg Heffley to help us laugh along the way.
This collection features the first three stories of the laugh-out-loud Wimpy Kids series - from number one international best-selling author, Jeff Kinney.
In book one, Greg finds himself thrust into a new year and a new school where undersized weaklings share the halls with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. Greg records his first year in his diary with comic pictures and his very own words.
In Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, Greg tells about his summer vacation and his attempts to steer clear of trouble when he returns to middle school and tries to keep his older brother Rodrick from telling everyone about it.
Greg makes a New Year’s resolution to help others improve in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw, but it doesn’t go over well. Plus, Greg’s dad thinks military school might be just the attitude adjustment Greg needs.
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea - USA only (5 to 8 years old)
Dive into the fun with Narwhal and Jelly! This is one of my favourite early graphic novel series. Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal. Jelly is a no-nonsense jellyfish. The two might now have a lot in common, but they do love waffles, parties, and adventures. This card is the first in the collection and features three stories. In the first, Jelly learns that Narwhal is a really good friend. Then Narwhal and Jelly form their own pod of awesomeness with their ocean friends. And finally, Narwhal and Jelly read the best book ever - even though it doesn’t have any words…or pictures!
So, whether you’re in the mood for a quick joke (or 97 ½), a funny story, a middle school misadventure, or an ocean dive, we’ve got you covered. Shop now!
