Keen on exploring a light-hearted, funny collection of poems? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re getting your kiddos geared up to craft their own witty verses or wanting to dissect poetic devices using entertaining examples, we’ve got you covered! Our roundup will help you impart knowledge regarding stanzas, rhyme schemes, and more, whilst giving your class a good giggle. Jump right in to discover 43 comedic poems for kids!
1. “The Adventures of Isabel” by Ogden Nash
Through a dynamic fusion of fantastical imagery and whimsical rhymes, this vibrant poem tells the story of a courageous girl named Isabel. Nash’s language springs to life by painting images of various daunting entities; weaving a spirited narrative that inspires resilience and dauntlessness!
Learn More: YouTube
2. “Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out” by Shel Silverstein
Here, Silverstein employs a liberal use of hyperbole and cartoon-like imagery to narrate an uproarious and subtly cautionary tale. The poem, laden with whimsical language and zany metaphors, imparts a moral lesson about responsibility.
Learn More: Show Me
3. “Don’t Tell Me” by Shel Silverstein
This comedic poem playfully critiques the myriad of rules that children are often asked to obey. Silverstein’s humor, cleverness, and knack for capturing a child’s perspective shine through the poem- making it a relatable and engaging choice for young readers.
Learn More: Twitter
4. “The Dentist and the Crocodile” by Roald Dahl
In this poem, Dahl’s masterful storytelling blends playful humor with a tinge of dark satire. His imaginative narrative about a crocodile’s visit to the dentist encapsulates his eccentric and waggish style. The poem ultimately culminates in a surprise twist that only adds to the overall enjoyment of the reading!
Learn More: YouTube
5. “A Tragic Story” by William Makepeace Thackeray
Thackeray’s humorous verse recounts the tragic tale of a man who died from too much vanity. The playful tone, paired with an unexpected twist, makes this an engaging narrative that’s bound to impart a subtle moral lesson to your littles.
Learn More: YouTube
6. “Bleezer’s Ice Cream” by Jack Prelutsky
This poem, brimming with humor and creativity, narrates the tale of a man who sells ice cream in the most extraordinary flavors. Prelutsky’s playful use of language and imaginative descriptions create enchanting verses that are sure to have your kiddos begging for ice cream by the end of the reading.
Learn More: Slide Player
7. “Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll
Carroll’s fantastical narrative tells an adventure story that’s set in an imaginary world- one characterized by innovative and humorous use of language. The poem, brimming with invented words and playful nonsense, challenges both the reader’s understanding and their interpretation; making the reading experience as engaging as it is perplexing.
Learn More: YouTube
8. “The Quangle Wangle’s Hat” by Edward Lear
Lear’s poem recounts the tale of a peculiar creature, the Quangle Wangle, and its enormous hat. The whimsical language, silly rhymes, and humorous theme celebrate the fun of imaginative storytelling.
Learn More: Twinkl
9. “The Jumblies” by Edward Lear
This nonsensical poem narrates the adventures of the Jumblies- creatures who daringly venture out to sea in a sieve. Lear’s imaginative world, rich in absurdity and humor, coupled with light-hearted rhythm, creates a captivating, laugh-out-loud narrative.
Learn More: Best American Poetry
10. “The Owl and the Pussy-Cat” by Edward Lear
Here’s another awesome poem by Edward Lear! In The Owl and the Pussy-Cat, he weaves a whimsical narrative about the unconventional love story. His characters, borne out of fantasy yet infused with a human-like charm, embark on a journey through an enchanting landscape.
Learn More: TES
11. “My Shadow” by Robert Louis Stevenson
Stevenson, in his simple yet profound language, portrays a child’s innocent fascination with his shadow. The rhythmic verse and personification of the shadow convey a child’s sense of wonder and curiosity; making the poem a charming representation of a child’s perspective of the world.
Learn More: Yesterday’s Classic
12. “There Was a Young Lady” by Edward Lear
In this amusing limerick, Lear narrates the peculiar eating habits of a young lady; ending things off with a surprising twist. The brevity, rhythmic quality, and playful tone make it an entertaining piece for young readers of all ages.
Learn More: Royal Academy
13. “The Purple Cow” by Gelett Burgess
This brief yet wittily crafted poem presents the absurd premise of the poet’s desire to see a purple cow. The poem, written in a concisely rhymed couplet format, uses its absurdity as a vessel to carry its humor. Burgess’s unique blend of nonsense and playfulness makes the poem a lighthearted, enjoyable read for littles who are just getting familiar with the world of poetry.
Learn More: Poem Hunter
14. “Keep A Poem In Your Pocket” by Beatrice Schenk de Regniers
This heartwarming poem encourages children to carry both a poem and a mental picture to keep their spirits high. de Regniers’ gentle rhythm, uplifting theme, and imaginative imagery culminate to craft a comforting, joyous message.
Learn More: Buncee
15. “Eletelephony” by Laura E. Richards
Richards’ clever wordplay, rhythmic structure, and humorous theme create a delightful, lighthearted poem to engage budding poets. The poem presents a hilarious mishap involving a telephone wire and an elephant.
Learn More: YouTube
16. “Casey at the Bat” by Ernest Thayer
Calling all baseball fans! Thayer’s narrative poem presents a dramatic and humorous account of a baseball player named Casey- replete with his arrogance and unexpected downfall. The rhythmic cadence, coupled with vivid descriptions and a surprising climax, makes this poem an engaging and entertaining narrative that captures the uncertainty and thrill of a baseball game.
Learn More: Printable Word Searches
17. “How Not to Have to Dry the Dishes” by Shel Silverstein
Silverstein’s clever poem offers a humorous method for children to avoid the chore of drying dishes. The witty tone, relatable theme, and straightforward language create an amusing piece that’s sure to appeal to kiddos who loathe doing and drying dishes!
Learn More: Facebook
18. “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” by Ogden Nash
This light-hearted verse is sure to strike a chord with readers who appreciate the underdog! The piece is a jaunty ballad about an unassuming dragon named Custard. Nash’s endearing characters, with their playful antics and rhythmic language, intertwine humor with heroism.
Learn More: YouTube
19. “I’m Glad I’m Me” by Jack Prelutsky
This poem is a radiant celebration of individuality. Prelutsky’s verse, adorned with a childlike charm, is bound to resonate with your little readers. Invited into a heartening landscape, this poem provides a space in which they can bask in the warmth of self-acceptance.
Learn More: Weebly
20. “Homework, I Love You” by Kenn Nesbitt
Offering a tongue-in-cheek ode to homework, this poem cleverly camouflages a student’s lament with affectionate irony. Nesbitt’s crafty use of rhythmic structure and relatable sentiments culminate in the construction of an endearing piece that feels like a shared secret amongst students!
Learn More: Pinterest
21. “The People Upstairs” by Ogden Nash
Nash’s poem describes the annoying habits of the upstairs neighbors. His clever wordplay and rhythmic structure paint a relatable picture; making the poem an amusing read for anyone who has experienced a noisy neighbor!
Learn More: YouTube
22. “The Acrobats” by Shel Silverstein
Evoking the joyous energy of the circus, this poem pulls back the curtain on a group of high-flying acrobats. Silverstein’s vibrant depiction paints the performance with lively rhythm, humorous verses, and vivid imagery; resulting in a piece that cartwheels right off the page and into your readers’ imaginations.
Learn More: Pinterest
23. “Higglety, Pigglety, Pop!” by Mother Goose
Embracing a more anecdotal style, this succinct tale of a dog’s existence is told with the characteristic rhythm and simplicity of Mother Goose’s verse. It’s the kind of nursery rhyme that’s sure to echo in your ears and linger in your memory!
Learn More: Amazon
24. “The Crocodile” by Roald Dahl
This poem’s suspenseful atmosphere is perfectly balanced by Dahl’s dark humor. Presented in vivid, cinematic language, a sly crocodile is on the hunt. With a dash of danger and Dahl’s knack for using humorous language make this a thoroughly entertaining read.
Learn More: YouTube
25. “There Once Was a Puffin” by Florence Page Jaques
Filled with endearing whimsy, this charming verse spins a tale about a puffin’s peculiar appetite. Jaques’ light-hearted tone and the bird’s amusing antics result in a narrative that invites smiles and chuckles all around!
Learn More: Pinterest
26. “The Fly-Away Horse” by Eugene Field
Infused with a sense of wonder, this imaginative poem takes its readers on a thrilling journey with a mythical, flying horse. The vivid imagery, rhythmic lines, and dream-like scenarios will seamlessly transport your littles into a world of magical escapades!
Learn More: Facebook
27. “The Dong with a Luminous Nose” by Edward Lear
In this absurdly funny poem, Lear tells the story of a creature named Dong and his unusual luminous nose. The use of imaginative language, eccentric characters, and absurd humor make this a captivating nonsense verse that will leave your learners wanting to explore similar poems.
Learn More: YouTube
28. “Dreadful” by Shel Silverstein
Engaging us with its childlike lens, this humorous piece is an exaggerated spectacle of a child’s ‘catastrophes’. Silverstein’s clever wit and relatable scenarios are presented in a delightfully direct way- echoing the simplicity and honesty of a child’s worldview.
Learn More: Slide Player
29. “The Walrus and the Carpenter” by Lewis Carroll
Woven with Carroll’s signature blend of humor and nuanced social commentary, this poem presents an intriguing encounter of deceit between a walrus, a carpenter, and a bed of innocent oysters. Its engaging rhythm and playful narrative style offer a reading experience as fascinating as it is thought-provoking!
Learn More: YouTube
30. “The Spider and the Fly” by Mary Howitt
This cautionary tale uses humor and rhyme to tell the story of a cunning spider and a naive fly. Howitt’s use of anthropomorphism, rhyming couplets, and dramatic tension results in an engaging and thought-provoking poem.
Learn More: Pinterest
31. “The Akond of Swat” by Edward Lear
Lear’s whimsical poem, filled with clever wordplay and absurd humor, humorously describes the peculiarities of the Akond of Swat. His use of nonsensical language, rhythmic verses, and silly themes make it a fun read for engaging new poetry enthusiasts.
Learn More: Abe Books
32. “Fleas” by Anonymous
In its brevity, this light-hearted verse delivers a surprising punchline that elicits instant chuckles. The simplicity of the language and the playful twist at the end make this an easily remembered, and often quoted piece, particularly among children who revel in its quirky humor
Learn More: Stack Exchange
33. “The Owl and the Astronaut” by Gareth Owen
Nesbitt’s poem humorously explores a fictitious encounter between an owl and an astronaut. The poem’s absurd premise, whimsical tone, and the poet’s knack for creating amusing scenarios make this an enjoyable read.
Learn More: YouTube
34. “On the Ning Nang Nong” by Spike Milligan
In this delightfully nonsensical poem, Milligan creates a world where all the sounds are jumbled. The silly language, rhythmic pattern, and playful theme craft an infectiously fun narrative, making this a favorite among children for its sheer absurdity.
Learn More: Twitter
35. “Captain Hook” by Shel Silverstein
This comical poem tells a tale of caution about the notorious pirate, Captain Hook. Silverstein’s use of clever rhymes, catchy rhythm, and humorous themes capture the essence of a child’s fascination with the notorious character. The punchline at the end makes for a hilarious surprise that just adds to the overall enjoyment of the piece.
Learn More: Raptis Rare Books
36. “Sick” by Shel Silverstein
Here, Silverstein recounts the embellished tale of a young girl trying to get out of a school day. The inventive list of ailments she presents is both hyperbolic and absurd- resulting in a poem that tickles the funny bone while exploring the universal desire to escape our day-to-day obligations.
Learn More: Pinterest
37. “The Man in the Moon” by James Whitcomb Riley
In Riley’s enchanting poem, the man on the moon comes down to Earth for a visit. His bizarre antics and human-like mannerisms, portrayed through Riley’s deft humor and vivid imagery, create an amusing narrative that’s sure to delight all readers.
Learn More: Etsy
38. “The Pig” by Ogden Nash
Nash’s whimsical poem humorously celebrates one of the animal kingdom’s less glamorous creatures- the humble pig. With his distinctive style of rhymes, Nash manages to create an amusing piece that exhibits a pig’s natural traits in a comically endearing manner.
Learn More: Pinterest
39. “For Sale” by Shel Silverstein
This lighthearted poem features a child attempting to sell his younger sister. Silverstein’s use of humor, relatable themes, and straightforward language adds a delightful charm to this amusing piece- resonating with anyone who has experienced the dynamics that come with having a sibling!
Learn More: Pinterest
40. “I’m Just No Good at Rhyming” by Chris Harris
This amusing poem, contrary to its title, displays a clever use of rhymes and rhythm. Harris’ humorous narrative, brimming with absurdities and unexpected turns, offers a playful take on the art of crafting poetry.
Learn More: The Book Sniffer
41. “The Yarn of the Nancy Bell” by W.S. Gilbert
In this macabrely humorous poem, Gilbert spins the tale of a shipwrecked sailor resorting to unthinkable actions. His comedic approach to such a grim scenario makes for a uniquely entertaining piece.
Learn More: YouTube
42. “Recipe for a Hippopotamus Sandwich” by Shel Silverstein
Recipe for a Hippopotamus is a humorous poem that offers a ridiculous recipe for preparing a sandwich out of a hippopotamus. The exaggerated scenario, coupled with a surprising punchline, results in a delightfully absurd piece; one that’s sure to leave your littles chuckling at its outrageousness!
Learn More: YouTube
43. “Mr. Nobody” by Anonymous
This anonymous poem humorously explores the mischief caused by an invisible entity aptly known as Mr. Nobody. A relatable theme, clever use of language, and personification culminate in a funny, yet insightful narrative about blame displacement.
Learn More: Poem Analysis
27 Captivating Children’s Books About The Moon