Laugh-Out-Loud Funny: Part 3

Anthropomorphic animals are nothing new to picture books. But animals that shoot documentaries, sing in the opera, and wear underwear? The picture book tradition is getting wider in scope as it embraces quirky humor, books that engage the reader directly, and turn concept books on their heads. Check out these new favorites:

This is a Moose
Author: Richard T. Morris
Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld

A director is set on filming an authentic moose documentary. The only problem is that the moose has other plans. The eye-popping illustrations combined with the outrageous (and director-infuriating) storyline creates a still-frame cinematic experience.  There's even a glossary with job descriptions for all that happens behind-the-scenes on a film shoot.

The Bear's Song
Author/Illustrator: Benjamin Chaud

Papa Bear goes on a journey to find Little Bear, who is "too caught up in honey thoughts to hear winter's whisper." Isn't that lovely? Super-detailed illustrations draw the reader in. Can you find Little Bear on each page? For us, the laugh-out-loud part came when Papa Bear finds himself on the opera stage and decides to sing  "a lullaby that all bears love."

Backstage at the Opera

One Big Pair of Underwear
Author: Laura Gehl
Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld

This is a counting book. An unconventional counting book. It's also about sharing. But all a preschooler wants to know is why are there two bears in a pair of underwear? And why is the underwear so BIG? There's never enough to go around in this book, so someone is always feeling like they got the short end of the stick... Until a group of pigs decide to go "Piggyback!" so they can all play. Cleverly written, this more-than-a-concept book also tickles the funny bone.

You may have noticed that Tom Lichtenheld is the illustrator of this book and This is a Moose. Check out his website for some great resources and a listing of his fabulous books.