Read on for our must-have book list. It’s packed with trending kids’ books, from funny stories to engaging nonfiction—and so many Read-to-Me picks!
Looking for your child’s next favorite read? Check out these funny, fast-paced, and totally unforgettable trending kids’ books! From junior comics packed with kitten hijinks to monster-filled bedtime tales, picture books to middle-grade adventures, these books are flying off the virtual shelf.
And the best part? Most of the books on this list includes Epic’s Read-to-Me feature, so kids can follow along as the story is read aloud. They’re perfect for young kids who can’t read yet, reluctant raiders, or any young reader still building confidence.
Trending Kids’ Books for 3-5 Year Olds
From funny books to adorable nonfiction, young readers are loving these picks.
1. Kitten Ninja Versus The Spot
Written by Colleen AF Venable
Before he was the protector of Metro City, Cat Ninja was an adorable kitty getting into all sorts of trouble. In Kitten Ninja Versus the Spot, our tiny superhero faces off against a sneaky spot of light that zips, bounces, and hides everywhere. It’s goofy, playful and full of giggles—perfect for preschoolers who love cats, surprises and a dash of ninja flair.
2. Once Before Time: Pterapunzel
Written by Christy Webster
What do you get when you mix fairytales, friendship, and flying reptiles? Pterapunzel reimagines the classic story with a prehistoric twist. Stuck on a cliff by an overprotective aunt, Pterapunzel dreams of the open sky. Enter a brave archaeopteryx with big wings and even bigger ideas. With lots of heart (and hilarious dino puns), this one reminds kids that even the wildest dreams are worth chasing.
3. Cute Animals: Kittens
Written by Arun Mrithyunjay
Tiny paws, twitchy whiskers, and the sweetest little mews—Cute Animals: Kittens is pure joy for animal-loving kids. With adorable photos and simple facts, this book gives young readers a close-up look at curious, cuddly kittens. Perfect for early readers who can’t get enough of their furry friends!
4. Scribbles and Ink
Written by Ethan Long
What happens when creativity clashes, and then connects? Scribbles and Ink is the story of two wildly different artists who learn to collaborate (after a few hilarious mishaps). With bold, playful illustrations and a fun storyline about teamwork, this book shows kids that art—and friendship—can be messy, magical, and way more fun when shared.
5. Watermelon Madness
Written by Taghreed Najjar
Noura loves watermelon more than anything. But what happens when she decides it’s the only thing she’ll eat? In Watermelon Madness, young Noura throws a juicy tantrum that leads to an unexpected adventure. This playful, culturally rich story mixes humor and heart as it gently explores self-control, imagination, and the value of a balanced plate—yes, even if watermelon is your favorite!
Trending Kids’ Books for 6-8 Year Olds
Quirky reads and joke books about animals are super popular with this age group.
1. Scribbles and Ink: Out of the Box
Written by Ethan Long
What happens when imaginations go wild? Scribbles takes ordinary doodles and turns them into big adventures. With quirky illustrations and endless creativity, this one shows kids that thinking outside the box can make anything possible.
2. Animal Jokes: Comical Cats!
Written by Arun Mrithyunjay & Arjun Satheesan
Ready for a purr-fect laugh? This joke book is packed with cat puns, hilariously off-the-wall one-liners and illustrations that make every punchline pop. Great for kids who love telling jokes at the dinner table.
3. Red Cat Blue Cat
Written by Taghreed Najjar
Red Cat and Blue Cat just can’t stop arguing—but deep down, each one wishes they could be more like the other. What follows is a hilarious back-and-forth full of sneaky plans, silly disguises and one big realization: being yourself is pretty great. With bold illustrations and a heartwarming message, Red Cat Blue Cat is a fun reminder that friendship comes in all colors.
4. How I Met My Monster
Written by Amanda Noll
Turns out, the perfect bedtime routine might include… a monster under the bed! When Ethan meets Gabe, a not-so-scary creature with claws, drool and a lot of charm, bedtime takes a wild and silly turn. How I Met My Monster is a funny, slightly spooky tale that helps kids face nighttime jitters with a smile. They might even look forward to lights out!
5. Andy, Also
Written by Maxwell Eaton III
This quirky early-reader graphic novel comes from the Jump Into Chapters series—which provides a bridge for kids moving from picture books into chapter books. The story follows Andy the alligator and his pal Preston, who insists on being called “Andy also,” leading to silly mix-ups and plenty of laughs. Kids love the zany, off-beat humor, cartoonish art and short episodic chapters.
Trending Kids’ Books for 9-12 Year Olds
Older readers are super into sports biographies, middle-grade adventures and our Cat Ninja book series.
1. Cat Ninja Book 1: The Great Hamster Heist
Written by Matthew Cody
Cat Ninja is one of the most popular books on Epic and has been read over 100 million times! In this first book of the series, our whiskered hero springs into action when Master Hamster and his Critter Commandos threaten Metro City. With sharp humor and clever twists—plus fun voiceover, music and sound effects—Cat Ninja is a graphic novel middle-grade readers can’t get enough of.
2. Master Hamster Super Science: Mold
Written by Matthew Cody
Is mold a monster, a zombie, or just… fungus? Master Hamster (who kids will remember from the Cat Ninja series) and friends set out to investigate with experiments, science know-how and plenty of laughs. The result is hands-on learning wrapped in humor and adventure, perfect for curious readers who love mixing science with story.
3. Sport Biographies: Kobe Bryant
Written by Kenny Abdo
Real-life stories can be just as thrilling as the big game—and Kobe Bryant’s is proof. From a kid who never stopped practicing to one of the greatest to ever play, this biography shows how drive, discipline, and heart can take you far. Perfect for young readers who love sports and believe in going after big dreams.
4. Animal Rescue Friends Tales: Daphne and the Ducklings
Written by Megan Kearney
Ducklings on the loose? Sounds like a job for teamwork—and maybe a very helpful pup. Animal Rescue Friends is a graphic novel filled with laughs, chaos and heart as the crew scrambles to keep their feathered friends safe. A fun pick for kids who love animal adventures and working together to solve a problem.
5. Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Book 1)
Written by Jeff Kinney
Ending on a high note with a book that keeps kids laughing out loud. In Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Greg Heffley’s hilarious misadventures turn everyday middle school life into nonstop comedy. With doodle-style illustrations and quick, funny chapters, it’s a page-turner that makes reading feel like pure fun.
We hope these popular picks inspire your kids to get reading! Remember: Kids don’t just want books—they want adventures that make them laugh, wonder, and say, “Just one more chapter!”
Frequently Asked Questions
▶ What are Read-To-Me books on Epic?
Read-to-Me books are some of the best books for early readers, allowing kids to read on their own even if they can’t read yet. They feature human narration and sound effects to bring the story to life, plus the book pages with text highlighting so kids can enjoy the pictures and follow along while they listen. Read-To-Me books have a green audio icon at the bottom-right corner, so you can identify them right away.
▶ What are the best Read-to-Me books on Epic for kids?
Epic has thousands of Read-To-Me Books, from comics to chapter books to nonfiction titles.
Popular Read-To-Me books: Cat Ninja Book 1: The Great Hamster Heist, How I Met My Monster, and Scribbles and Ink: Out of the Box.
▶ Which funny books for kids are trending this month?
So many of the most popular books this month are packed with humor, from joke books about animals to funny comics and beyond.
Kid favorites: Animal Jokes: Comic Cats!, Kitten Ninja Versus the Spot, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
