Just Add Laughter
For each Spotlight blog post, the CBC curates a themed selection from recent booklists, helping parents, teachers, librarians, booksellers, and children’s book enthusiasts discover standout titles from our member publishers.
Laughter is one of the most powerful encouragements we can offer young readers—it invites joy, builds curiosity, and can turn even the most hesitant page-turner into a willing participant. These books from our February Hot Off the Press list lean into wit, silliness, and hilarious surprises, proving that humor isn’t just entertainment—it’s a bridge to reading. When children giggle at a twist or howl at a quirky character, they’re also strengthening comprehension, confidence, and a love of language. These titles celebrate the kind of reading that feels effortless: lighthearted, irresistible, and just plain fun.
Attack Bunnies, by Laura Gehl; illustrated by Julia Patton (Beaming Books) — Friendships, Humor, Animals, Action / Adventure, ages 4-6.
A story about a mistaken first impression by two public-spirited bunnies
Carrot Cake and Pufftail are trained to protect their woodland friends and, if needed, to attack. When troublemaking Renard Fox moves to the forest, Carrot Cake and Pufftail know exactly what to do. But when their initial impression turns out to be wrong, how will they make things right?
A Bear, a Man, and a Donut Van, by Daniel Bernstrom; illustrated by Brandon James Scott (Astra Books for Young Readers / Hippo Park) — Animals, Food / Cooking, Humor, Action / Adventure, ages 4-6.
Hungry as always, Bear finally FINALLY feasts on DONUTS in his third picture book adventure.
With delightful art, perfect rhyme, and the series’ indelible screwball appeal, A Bear, a Man, and a Donut Van will have everyone in stitches and demanding repeat readings!
Everyone’s favorite hungry bear is back! This time, Bear discovers a van full of donuts—YUM! Bear climbs in the van, but the unsuspecting donut man doesn’t see what’s going on. Until… he looks in his rear view mirror, and OMG!!! What should a donut man do when a bear is eating donuts in his van?
Here is a road trip neither bear nor man will ever forget—with mooses, traffic jams, and a giant forest donut spill. With mayhem and fun on every page, the critically acclaimed duo of Daniel Bernstrom and Brandon James Scott are at their best in this high-stakes joyride through millions of donuts, perfect for toddlers and new readers alike.
Can You Find Steve?, by Highlights (Highlights / Highlights Press) — Animals, How-to / Activity, Humor, Friendships, ages 7-12.
Meet Steve, a tiny duck with a giant personality and a serious talent for hide-and-seek. That’s why he’s challenging you, the reader, to find him in every puzzle.
But when Steve’s not-so-stealthy dino neighbor, Hank, joins the fun, things go hilariously off track. Find Steve (and Hank!) in this Where’s Waldo meets TikTok duck-hiding adventure. Comes with five tiny Steves to hide in the real world.
Steve is a duck. A very small duck. And he lives for hide-and-seek—though his plans don’t always go as expected thanks to Hank, his sweet but clueless dino sidekick. In every photo-packed puzzle, readers will search for Steve’s latest hiding spot, laugh at his cheeky commentary, and enjoy the growing chaos as Hank tries (and fails) to stay hidden too. Can You Find Steve? delivers more than puzzles—it’s an interactive story about the humor and joy in unexpected friendships. Inspired by the viral duck-hiding trend on TikTok, Jeeps, and cruise ships, the book also includes five plastic Steves for kids to hide at home, in the classroom, or out in the wild.
Don’t Do It, Doug!, by Maudie Powell-Tuck; illustrated by Duncan Beedle (Tiger Tales Books) — Humor, Social Emotional Learning, Animals, ages 4-6.
A humorous story for children ages 3-7 of a lovable hamster named Doug, who has a penchant for curiosity but absolutely no impulse control.
From the creative team of Hank Goes Honk comes Don’t Do It, Doug!, the story of a lovable hamster with a penchant for curiosity—and a serious lack of impulse control.
Poor Doug. There’s not a lever he won’t pull or a button he won’t push. Will he ever learn to control himself?
Children will giggle at Doug’s silly antics and will love watching the unfortunate consequences of his actions unfold, while grown-ups will appreciate the themes of friendship and learning impulse control.
Hilo Presents: The Mighty, by Judd Winick (Random House Children’s Books / Random House Graphic) — Action / Adventure, Fantasy, Humor, Series, ages 7-12.
Miranda’s an average kid trying to make it through the school day—but is she also the SUPERHERO known as THE MIGHTY?! Get ready for mega-sized adventure and fun!
Welcome to Willow City—home to the one and only Miranda Luna!
Miranda loves her life in Willow City exactly as it is. But lately everything seems to be changing. Crime is up in the city. Bullying is up at school. Even Miranda’s family is acting weird. It feels like everything is out of her control…even her own body! (What’s with all this hair? And where did this super-strength come from?!) The world needs someone to fix things. There’s a local legend about a giant, furry, mythical creature who has always kept Willow City safe in times of need. But that doesn’t have anything to do with Miranda…right? Does Miranda have what it takes to be the hero that Willow City needs..and the person she was born to be?
With Hilo Presents, Judd Winick, the beloved creator of Hilo, brings his signature action-packed storytelling, laugh-out-loud humor, and irresistible heart to brand new stories and worlds—perfect for fans of Hilo and for anyone who has ever needed a hero!
Mr. Norton’s. New Truck, by Huw Lewis Jones; illustrated by Corey Egbert (Tiger Tales Books) — Humor, Friendships, Construction / Transportation, ages 4-6.
In this humorous story for children ages 3-7, Mr. Norton finds that a bear has borrowed his bicycle and accidentally ruined the wheels. How will Mr. Norton get to work now?
One Monday morning, Horace Norton finds that a bear has accidentally broken his bicycle, and now he doesn’t have a way to get to work.
As the week progresses, Mr. Norton tries different vehicles for his journey with limited success: The bus is too busy, his roller skates slip too much, his scooter is too small, and his little red wagon is too wobbly!
Luckily, Mr. Norton remembers that his grandfather’s old truck is in the barn. What could possibly go wrong . . .?
Revenants Return, by James Riley (Random House Children’s Books / Labyrinth Road) — Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Humor, Series, ages 7-12.
The fate of magic rests in the hands (and claws) of a cranky dragon, a feisty apprentice…and a prince who may not be all he seems? Get ready for the sequel to the hilarious New York Times bestselling fantasy adventure The Dragon’s Apprentice—from the beloved author of the Story Thieves series!
You were warned to stay away from THE DRAGON’S APPRENTICE. It was forbidden for a good reason, as it told the story of a village girl named Ciara finding her own book of magic and learning spells from a dragon of all things. These are dangerous ideas, and no one should be allowed to see them.
Fortunately, Ciara’s story didn’t end there, or she might have doomed us all. No, thankfully, a true hero to the Draconic Empire, Prince Aiden, has come to Ciara’s village to stop her and her teacher, Scorch the dragon. The prince, like his father the Emperor, is a powerful magic-user. And Aiden uses his power to keep us safe from strange, forbidden books. If anyone can stop Ciara from teaching others magic and therefore summoning the horrible Revenants that once defeated the Dragon Mage herself, it’s the Empire’s beloved prince.
Let’s just hope that Ciara can’t spread her knowledge of magic before the prince can find her and put an end to her evil deeds once and for all…
There Was an Old Granny Who Got a Tattoo, by Anne Sawan; illustrated by Diobelle Cerna (Phoenix International Publications, Inc. / Sunbird Books) — Family / Community, Humor, Imagination / Play, Social Emotional Learning, ages 4-6.
“I’m old, and alive, and there’s so much to do!
I want to do everything! How about you?”
Tattoos, pink hair, and black leather boots are only the start of this grandma’s adventure! Follow a rock ‘n’ roll granny as she embarks on the journey of a lifetime. This lively rhyming story will inspire readers to try new things – no matter their age. The perfect gift to read with any awesome granny!
Tomorrow I’m in Charge!, written & illustrated by Jörg Mϋhle; translated by Melody Shaw (Lerner Publishing Group / Gecko Press) — Social Emotional Learning, Humor, Imagination / Play, Friendships, ages 4-6.
When Weasel comes home, he can hardly believe his eyes: Bear and Badger are playing. But Badger is Weasel’s friend!
Badger suggests the three friends play together. But Bear and Weasel can’t agree on anything: not football, not memory, not hide and seek.
Weasel never follows the rules. Bear always wants to be in charge.
Set in a charming outdoor forest house, this picture book is a brilliant battle of wills between friends. Readers will enjoy every twist and turn of this very funny argument about a very familiar problem.
For more great book suggestions, be sure to check out the full February Hot Off the Press list!
List compiled by CBC’s resident children’s book aficionado, Brooke Pisarsky. Check out other Spotlight booklists on our blog.
