Lots of Laughs and Plenty of Heart: The Importance of Humor in Children’s Books

Soccer, space, and tasty mistakes—no topic is too out there for these creators of laugh-out-loud children’s books! Abby Hanlon’s Dory Fantasmagory #7: Center of the Universe finds beloved rascal Dory navigating her first soccer season with friends… until she realizes her fairy godmother’s magic may have opened a phone line to outer space. Meanwhile, Eliza Kinkz’s debut picture book Mistaco: A Tale of Tragedy y Tortillas follows Izzy, whose terrible day turns into a hilarious family feast when her lito shows her how to turn mistakes into delicious mistacos. Together, Hanlon and Kinkz share how they spin everyday mishaps, problems, and big feelings into entertaining stories that keep readers giggling, and why funny stories are an important part of the world of children’s literature.