Books About Absurdity

The Best Absurdity Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about absurdity? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

#5 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Absurdity

Sale price

$901

Board Book · Ages 2–5 · 1996

Ketchup on Your Cornflakes?

Mix and match meals for endless culinary chaos.

24 pages· 181 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 167 ratings

$9.48Save 5%

Spiral

Summary: Dive into a world of culinary chaos where split pages let you concoct fantastical food combinations. Will you dare to put ketchup on your cornflakes? Unleash your creativity and laughter as you explore endless meal possibilities in this playful adventure. Perfect for those who love to mix things up and see what unexpected dishes they can create. Get ready for a deliciously fun experience that will have you questioning your taste buds and giggling at the results. What bizarre meal will you serve up next?

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1997

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly

By Simms Taback

Discover the chaos inside the old lady who swallowed a fly.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (1997)Caldecott Honor (1998)

36 pages· 375 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

5.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 64,159 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Peek inside the chaos of an old lady's stomach as she swallows a fly, a spider, and more. This inventive take on a classic poem reveals the unexpected and whimsical world within, leaving you to wonder what she'll swallow next and why. Experience the familiar tale with a fresh, eye-popping twist that will captivate and amuse readers of all ages.

Sale price

$1994

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2011

Stuck

By Oliver Jeffers

A boy's kite gets stuck in a tree, leading to a series of absurd events.

32 pages· 500 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 11,620 ratings

$20.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Floyd's kite is stuck in a tree, and his attempts to free it spiral into chaos. From shoes to an orangutan, nothing is off-limits in his quest. Will Floyd's determination lead to success or more hilarity? Discover the absurd lengths he'll go to in this vibrantly illustrated tale of persistence and creativity.

Sale price

$474

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2009

Officer Spence Makes No Sense!

By Dan Gutman, Jim Paillot (Illustrator) · Book #5 in the My Weird School Daze series

A school security guard goes on a wild goose chase to solve the mystery of a missing peanut butter and jelly sandwich, leading to a series of absurd events and unexpected revelations

112 pages· 7,283 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,228 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: At Ella Mentry School, chaos reigns as Officer Spence, the security guard, frantically arrests students over missing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. With everyone a suspect, A.J. and his friends must unravel the mystery before someone ends up in jail. Can they uncover the truth behind the bizarre thefts, or will the real culprit remain at large? Dive into this hilarious adventure where nothing is as it seems, and every clue leads to more confusion. Join the gang as they navigate the weirdest school day ever, filled with unexpected twists and laugh-out-loud moments.

Sale price

$379

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1996

We Eat Dinner in the Bathtub

By Jacqueline Rogers (Author/Illustrator), Angela Shelf Medearis

A boy explores a friend's topsy-turvy house.

30 pages· 190 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 244 ratings

$3.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: A young boy steps into a world of delightful chaos when he visits his friend's house, where cars park in kitchens and dinners are served in bathtubs. What other surprises await in this topsy-turvy home?

Sale price

$1398

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 1980

Not Now, Bernard

By David McKee

A boy discovers a monster, but no one believes him.

32 pages· 155 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,895 ratings

$14.95Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: Bernard discovers a monster lurking in his garden, but his parents are too preoccupied to notice. Determined to make a new friend, Bernard approaches the creature, only to find that befriending a monster is more complicated than he imagined. As Bernard navigates this unexpected friendship, he must figure out how to handle a monster that might just take his place. Will Bernard find a way to be seen by his parents, or will the monster become a permanent part of his life? Dive into this whimsical tale of friendship and family.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2016

You Must Bring a Hat

By Simon Philip, Kate Hindley (Illustrator)

A boy and his animal friends face quirky rules to enter a hat-themed party.

40 pages· 590 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

5.1/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 664 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: A young boy, eager to attend the biggest hat party, must navigate a maze of bizarre entry rules. Alongside a quirky group of animal friends, he embarks on a whimsical journey filled with unexpected challenges. Will they crack the code and join the festivities, or will the rules keep them out? Discover the delightful surprises hidden in the vibrant illustrations as the boy's adventure unfolds. This hilarious tale promises laughter and a twist that will keep young readers guessing until the very end.

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1994

The Dumb Bunnies

By Dav Pilkey · Dumb Bunnies series

A clueless family faces an unexpected intruder. Chaos ensues.

32 pages· 494 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,052 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Meet the Dumb Bunnies, a hilariously clueless family who do everything wrong. From eating lunch in a carwash to ice-skating under a lake, their antics are endless. But when an intruder sneaks into their home, the bunnies are baffled. Can this silly family outwit their unwelcome guest, or will their antics lead to more chaos? Dive into a world of absurdity and laughter as the Dumb Bunnies tackle their latest misadventure. Prepare for a side-splitting journey where nothing goes as planned!

Sale price

$674

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1981

The Stupids Die

By Harry G. Allard Jr., James Marshall (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the The Stupids series

A family believes they're dead when the lights go out.

32 pages· 288 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

3.8/5 Goodreads · 446 ratings

$6.95Save 3%

Paperback

Summary: When the lights go out, a quirky family hilariously assumes they've met their end. As they navigate this absurd predicament, will they uncover the truth or remain in the dark? Discover the unexpected twists in their comical journey.

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1997

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie

By Alison Jackson, Judy Schachner (Illustrator)

An old lady swallows a feast, leading to a surprising holiday twist.

32 pages· 519 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,936 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: An old lady swallows a dry Thanksgiving pie, then a squash, salad, and turkey, growing larger with each bite. As her family watches in shock, the children are amused. What unexpected role will she play in the holiday festivities? Discover the humorous twist in this delightful tale.

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