We are huge book readers in our house. Like, HUGE. Charlie gets three books before nap and bed every day. Any time he says, “Mama, will you read me a story?” I will literally drop everything I am doing and sit on the floor and read whichever stained, creased, sticky book he has brought over to me.

My favorite books to read to him are the award winning, well-written, elegantly illustrated children’s books with some kind of social message or meaning. His favorite books for me to read to him are fun, simple, and make him laugh. He has a really active sense of humor, and while he can’t get enough silliness, I can’t get enough of his little body’s big belly laughs.

I have decided to create a list of our 7 favorite books (lately) that we read together. Most of these I have memorized–we read them that often. For all the parents out there looking for inspiration, hopefully this list will inspire your next library visit or book buying spree. I’m hoping the joy and laughter inspired by these books will continue to foster a love of reading in my preschooler.

1. The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak

As you can tell from the title, The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak has no pictures. However, don’t let this deter you (or your kid) because it is legitimately hilarious. I mean, my three year old was skeptical at first, but was soon laughing his head off. B.J. Novak, famous for his stand-up and role as a writer, producer and actor on The Office, really hit the nail on the head with this one, so it will hold our number 1 slot.

2. The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone and Michael Smollin

Honestly, what isn’t to love? Definitely a classic that I remember from my own childhood. Lovable, furry old Grover insisting that we not read on because he is afraid of the monster at the end? Yeah you and your child will have the muppet inspired warm fuzzies for sure. To be honest, this is at number 2 because I love it so much, where as my son would probably argue for our next book on the list.

3. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri

Anything by this duo is gonna be awesome, but since we ourselves are super taco lovers, Dragons Love Tacos is a hit. Completely quotable with awesome illustrations, this book will leave you with a hankering for crunchy tacos (boatloads of tacos). And who wouldn’t laugh at all of the poor dragons spewing fire from spicy jalapenos?

4. There’s a Giraffe in My Soup by Ross Buroch

Another simple premise, but one that garners some serious giggles. A boy visits a fancy restaurant, but ends up with a zoo’s worth of animals on his plate. From a giraffe, to an elephant, and even a whale, the poor kid can’t catch a break and just eat some soup. The matre d’ is a little frazzled as well. What preschooler can’t relate to not being happy with what’s on his plate?

5. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers

Crayons writing letters to their owner to protest their working conditions? I think our favorite part is Orange and Yellow’s feud about who is the actual color of the sun. Pretty silly, but it appeals to a preschooler’s strong sense of fairness. plus it is a great opportunity to read in different voices.

6. Potty by Leslie Patricelli

We bought this book about a year and a half ago when we first started potty training, but I think we read it about once a week even now. Every time the poor potty training baby toots, our preschooler can’t stop laughing. Just one simple word in a very simple book (yet effective potty training tool), and our little guy is cracking up.

7. Don’t Touch This Book by Bill Cotter

I knew my preschooler would love this one simply because of all the times I tell him not to touch the various things in our house. His baby sister’s face, the stove, knives, electrical outlets etc. After hearing “don’t touch the (whatever)” so many times, it is pretty funny to have it be a joke. He gets it.