Here are some of the children’s books about April Fools' Day that I recommend. They include picture books and children’s books for beginning readers. These books will tickle your child’s funny bone with their amusing stories. They are also good read-alouds for young children. I found all of these children's books at my local public library. Several of them are also available from bookstores.
It’s April Fools' Day in this rhyming picture book by Teresa Bateman. One by one his grandchildren run into the farmhouse to warn grandpa of a disaster – the cow stepped on a goose, the chickens are loose, and more. No matter what they say, grandpa remains calm. He thinks the kids are just trying to fool him, but it’s grandma who gets the last laugh. Nadine Bernard Westcott’s illustrations will keep your 4-8 year old laughing throughout the book. (Albert Whitman & Co., 2004. ISBN: 9780807504055)
This early Arthur adventure by Marc Brown pits Arthur against Binky Barnes, a big bully at school. While Arthur is rehearsing his magic act for the school April Fools' Day assembly, Binky takes Arthur’s favorite pen. Nightmares keep Arthur awake the night before his performance and his worst fears come true when Binky becomes his magician’s assistant. How Arthur turns the tables and makes Binky an April Fool makes for a satisfying story. (Little, Brown and Co., 1983. ISBN: 9780590964050)
3. Mud Flat April Fool
The animals in Mud Flat spend April Fools' Day playing tricks on one another, some successful, some not, in this entertaining chapter book for young readers. The 49-page book for beginning readers was written and illustrated in pen and watercolors by James Stevenson. Check your local library for this book. (Greenwillow Books, 1998. ISBN: 9780688151638)4. Look Out, It's April Fools' Day
Frank Modell’s amusing book will delight beginning readers. With cartoon-like pen and watercolor illustrations, along with one or two sentences per page, this book is also a good read-aloud. The story about two boys, Marvin and Melvin, is a simple one. Although Marvin loves to fool Milton, none of his imaginative attempts work as the two friends take a walk on April Fools' Day. Then, while kidding one another, each boy inadvertently fools the other. Look for this book at your local library. (William Morrow & Co, 1985. ISBN: 9780688040161)5. April Fool!
This Level One Easy-to-Read book is a simple story for beginning readers. It’s April Fools' Day, and as Willy rides his skateboard to school, he invites his friends to walk along while he tells them a story. Willy’s story gets more and more outlandish as it turns into an April Fools' Day tall tale. The rhyming text is by Harriet Ziefert and the colorful watercolor and ink sketches are by Chris Demarest. Although the book is out of print, it can be found in many public libraries. (Puffin Books, 2000. ISBN: 9780141305820)
