Top 5 Funny Short Stories for Nursery Kids

Short stories for kids

When it comes to sparking joy and igniting the imagination of little ones, there’s nothing quite like a funny short story. At Wimbledon Day Nursery, we believe in the power of laughter and the joy it brings to our children. Whether it’s a silly animal tale or a humorous adventure, these stories not only entertain but also help develop language skills and foster a love for reading from an early age. 

This blog explores the top 5 funny short stories for nursery kids—perfect for bedtime or a light-hearted read during nursery hours. Let’s dive into these delightful tales sure to leave your children giggling! 

1. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson 

One of the most famous short stories for kids, "The Gruffalo," is a true classic that never fails to amuse. This hilarious tale follows a quick-thinking mouse as he strolls through the deep, dark wood, outsmarting all sorts of predators by inventing a fearsome creature called the Gruffalo. Little does he know; the Gruffalo might not be as imaginary as he thinks! Kids at our Wimbledon nursery schools adore the cleverness of the mouse and the unexpected twist that has them in stitches every time. It’s a perfect story that combines suspense and humour, making it a must-read for every nursery in Wimbledon. 

2. Aliens Love Underpants by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort 

Who knew that aliens were so obsessed with underpants? "Aliens Love Underpants" is a silly and fun story that’s a huge hit among young readers. This story takes us on a wild ride where mischievous aliens come to Earth not to conquer it but to steal everyone's underwear! The colourful illustrations and the outrageous concept are enough to tickle any child’s funny bone. It’s the kind of story perfect for capturing children’s imaginations and is often a favourite when we’re looking for short story ideas for kids at our nursery. 

3. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! -  Mo Willems 

This tale is as ridiculous as it is delightful. The premise is simple: a bus driver leaves his bus, and the pigeon tries every trick in the book to convince the reader to let him drive it. With each plea, the pigeon gets more and more desperate—and that’s where the humour lies. The interactive nature of this story makes it particularly engaging for children, who love saying “no” to the pigeon’s outrageous requests. This book is often requested during story time at Wimbledon Day Nursery, proving that the simplest ideas are the funniest sometimes. 

4. The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak 

At first glance, "The Book with No Pictures" might seem like an odd choice for a nursery, but it’s a guaranteed laugh-out-loud read. The genius of this story lies in its concept: even without pictures, a book can be hilarious. The book forces the reader to say silly words and phrases, much to the amusement of the listening children. It’s a brilliant way to show kids that reading is not just about looking at pictures. Rather, about how words can create fun and laughter. This book is a favourite for encouraging interaction and is one of the short stories for kids that’s become a staple in our storytelling sessions. 

5. I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen 

This is a story with a very dry sense of humour, making it a hit with both kids and adults. The plot revolves around a bear who has lost his hat and is on a mission to find it. The deadpan delivery and subtle humour are what make this book stand out. The twist at the end is both surprising and funny, making it a memorable read for children at our nursery in Wimbledon. It’s a great example of how humour can be simple yet highly effective, leaving the kids eager to hear it again and again. 

Bringing laughter into learning 

Incorporating humour into learning is essential for creating a joyful and engaging environment for children. These famous short stories for kids are perfect for fostering a love of reading while bringing smiles to the faces of young learners. At Wimbledon Day Nursery, we understand the importance of laughter in early childhood development, and we strive to make every storytime session as enjoyable as possible. 

If you’re looking for a nurturing and fun-filled environment for your child, our Wimbledon nursery schools offer the perfect blend of education and entertainment. We invite you to visit us and see firsthand how we incorporate stories like these into our daily activities.