
Reach for this book when your child is looking for a way to break the ice at a new school or simply wants to be the life of the party. It is an essential toolkit for the middle-grade child who uses humor to navigate social dynamics and build self-confidence. More than just a collection of jokes, this book explores the mechanics of wit and the joy of shared laughter. Funny Business provides a curated selection of puns, wordplay, and comedic scenarios that help children understand the rhythm of storytelling and social timing. It is an excellent choice for kids who may feel socially hesitant, as it gives them a tangible 'performance' skill to lean on. The tone is light, encouraging, and perfect for building a bridge between solitary reading and active social engagement.
The book is entirely secular and focuses on lighthearted, observational humor. There are no depictions of death, divorce, or heavy trauma. The approach to social mishaps is realistic but handled with a 'laugh it off' attitude that encourages resilience.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewAn 8 to 10-year-old who is perhaps a bit of a 'class clown' or, conversely, a shy child who wants a structured way to interact with peers. It is perfect for the child who enjoys being the center of attention but needs high-quality material to keep their audience engaged.
This book can be read cold. Parents should be prepared for their child to practice jokes on them repeatedly. It is a great 'car ride' book for family participation. A parent might reach for this after seeing their child struggle to join a group conversation or hearing their child express a desire to be 'more popular' or 'funnier' at school.
Younger readers (ages 7-8) will delight in the literal wordplay and simple riddles. Older readers (ages 11-12) will appreciate the nuances of timing and the more sophisticated social commentary found in the anecdotes.
Published in the late 70s by Puffin, it carries a classic, slightly British wit that feels more substantial and 'literary' than many modern, mass-produced joke books. It treats humor as a craft rather than just a punchline.
Unlike a standard narrative novel, Funny Business functions as a curated anthology and instructional guide for the aspiring young comedian. It contains a vast array of jokes, riddles, word games, and humorous anecdotes designed to be performed or shared. The content is organized to help children understand different styles of humor, from the quick-fire pun to the longer situational story.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.