When you think of April Fools’ Day, what comes to mind? Hand buzzers? Frozen cereal? Brown Es (brownies)? Kids love opportunities to feel silly and some grown-ups do, too. Whether you love or loathe this holiday, here are some great April Fools’ Day books for kids. This includes books about the holiday as well as some great joke books for kids.
You can click on any of the covers below to learn more about each book or find all of these books for April Fools’ Day on my Amazon page.
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April Fools’ Day Books for Kids
April Fool! Watch Out at School!
by Diane deGroat
It’s April Fools’ Day, and Gilbert is looking forward to playing tricks on his friends. Unfortunately he’s the one getting tricked by everyone else, including Mrs. Byrd! But the worst prankster is Lewis the bully. In the end Gilbert outwits Lewis with the best trick of all.
April Fool, Phyllis!
by Susanna Leonard Hill
It might be April Fools’ Day, but Punxsutawney Phyllis knows that winter isn’t over yet. Her infallible instincts tell her that a blizzard is brewing. Too bad no one will believe her. Luckily Phyllis uses a combination of common sense and uncommon abilities to lead the April Fools’ Day treasure hunters back to safety when the storm comes on quickly. Once again Phylis gets the last laugh in this buoyant holiday tale.
Barnyard Fun
by Maureen Wright
When Sheep found out it was April One, he said, “It’s time to have some fun”! Sheep set his alarm an hour ahead. It woke up Rooster in his bed. Sheep plays April Fool’s jokes on Rooster, Dog, Pig and Cow. Then Horse decides to play a trick on Sheep-and the farm animals have the biggest laugh of all!
April Foolishness
by Teresa Bateman
It’s a spring morning on the farm. Grandpa is fixing breakfast for his visiting grandkids. Suddenly his grandson reports that the cows have got loose! He thinks Big Brown Bessie just stepped on a goose!
Arthur’s April Fool
by Marc Brown
Arthur worries about remembering his magic tricks for the April Fool’s Day assembly and Binky’s threats to pulverize him.
Ellie May on April Fools’ Day
by Hillary Homzie
Quirky and funny second grader Ellie May can’t believe her class is allowed to celebrate April Fools’ Day–so long as it’s done in good fun. She absolutely loves the idea of targeting a certain someone–the practically perfect Ava. Practicing on her parents and sisters, Ellie May begins to brainstorm harmless pranks. Soon enough, good intentions turn the classroom and her home upside-down when fake ants, trick tape, and hidden surprises don’t go as planned. Ellie May may not be perfect like Miss-Know-it-All Ava, or calm and rational like her best friend Lizzy, but she’s good-hearted and eventually realizes that the best trick is to make friends genuinely laugh–at no one’s expense.
April Fools’ Day from the Black Lagoon
by Mike Thaler
It’s the end of March, and Hubie is struggling to prepare his pranks for the big day. The whoopee cushion, the rubber tarantula, and the fly in the ice cube just aren’t good enough anymore — not when the worst joke comes from the place he least expects it. Grab some activities to pair with this book here.
Ready, Freddy! Best Prank Ever
by Abby Klein
Freddy is ready for second grade! April Fool’s Day is nearly here, and Freddy is sure Max will play a trick on him again. Maybe this year, Freddy can trick him back — but how? Then Freddy remembers his twin cousins, Kelly and Kasey. They always have great ideas! With their help, Freddy is sure to come up with the perfect April Fool’s Day pranks! Grab some activities to pair with this book here.
One Funny Day
by Kate McMullan
Wagner has been fooled by just about everyone this April Fools’ Day–his best friend Pearl, his teacher, and even the librarian. Tired of being on the receiving end of all the pranks, Wagner is determined to have the last laugh.
April Fools’, Mr. Todd (Judy Moody and Friends)
by Megan McDonald
April Fools’ Day just happens to be one of Judy Moody’s favorite days of the year. And this year she’s got one thing on her mind: the perfect prank she’s going to play on Mr. Todd, thanks to an awesome present from her brother, Stink. Gotcha, Mr. Todd! But in all the excitement over spaghetti trees, April fish, and fools’ errands, Judy worries that something else will be forgotten by Mr. Todd and Class 3T altogether: April 1 also happens to be Judy’s birthday! Gulp! Will her friends remember in time, or will Judy be the fool this year? And just what might Mr. Todd have up his sleeve?
April Fool’s Day (Rookie Read-About Holidays)
by Melissa Schiller
Introduces the history of April Fools’ Day and explains how it is observed today.
Joke Books for Kids
Whoppsy-Whiffling Joke Book
by Roald Dahl
This is a collection of hundreds of great jokes that would make even the Trunchbull laugh! Inspired by Roald Dahl’s wonderful world, these gigglesome gags are guaranteed to raise a chuckle from human beans young and old.
Lunchbox Jokes: Animals
by Deana Gunn & Wona Miniati
Add a joke and make lunch fun! Lunchbox notes are a great way to say I love you when your child is at school. Each tear-out page contains a joke that will add a smile to the lunch menu. Whether your kid relishes the fun alone or takes center stage and reads to the rest of the table, Lunchbox Jokes makes it easy, fun, and funny.
Laugh Out Loud Jokes for Kids
by Rob Elliott
This book is filled with one-liners, knock knock jokes, and tongue twisters. These good, clean jokes are perfect for the young comedian in your family.
Laugh Attack!
by Highlights Press
This book is filled with family-friendly, wholesome, and fun jokes for kids to share with friends, grandparents, and anyone who needs a laugh. With riddles, knock-knocks, tongue twisters, and cartoons, this book will keep kids giggling and grinning, as well as laughing and learning, for hours.
My First Joke Book
by Amanda Enright
Many young children are fascinated by jokes… but they can be so hard to understand! This book collects together a whole gaggle of gigglesome gags based on simple puns, clear vocabulary and easy-to-understand concepts.
Knock, Knock! Who’s There? My First Book of Knock Knock Jokes
by Tad Hills
Pull back the flaps and find out each hilarious punch line in this classic collection of knock-knock jokes!
Get the Giggles
by Bronwen Davies
These hilariously simple jokes will have beginning readers rolling on the floor with laughter.
Knock! Knock! Who Was There?
by Brian Elling
If you want to know exactly why Milton Hershey’s wife married him, look no further. (Because she wanted lots of Hershey’s Kisses!) This hilarious and original collection of jokes featuring all the subjects of the ever-popular Who Was? series will keep kids laughing right through history class!
You can find more of my favorite books to share with kids here.
Happy Reading!

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