Funnybones
By Allan Ahlberg and Janet Ahlberg
Friendly skeletons explore the darkness - but what surprising fun will they discover tonight?
Pageticker community rating
Average score: 4.69
From 133 readers
What do our readers think of Funnybones? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)
Children enjoy the silly skeleton family, the funny illustrations, the repeated words and guessing which animals the bones belong to. Some children find the night-time setting and skeletons a little spooky at first, but the playful humour usually makes them feel friendly rather than frightening.
What does the Pageticker team say about Funnybones?
We love the way Funnybones turns skeletons and the darkness of night into a gentle, playful adventure. Its catchy repetition, comic mishaps and bright illustrations make it especially enjoyable to read aloud and support children who are beginning to recognise patterns in text. And don't worry, the skeletons are friendly rather than frightening...
Genres
What is Funnybones about?
Meet the lovable skeletons in Funnybones! Join them on their night-time adventures as they explore the dark and share lots of laughs. With gentle humour and bright illustrations, this classic story is perfect for children who are just beginning to read. The Funnybones are not scary at all – they’re friendly, funny, and always find a way to have fun together. A delightful read that makes learning to read a joy!
About the author
Allan Ahlberg is a much-loved British author who has written many fun and imaginative books for children. He is famous for stories like 'Peepo!' and 'Each Peach Pear Plum', which he often created with his wife, Janet. Allan’s books are known for their clever rhymes, gentle humour, and wonderful illustrations.
Discussion ideas around Funnybones
Funny or frightening?: What makes the skeletons seem funny instead of scary, and which pictures or moments help you decide?
A family adventure: How do the big skeleton, little skeleton and skeleton dog enjoy their night together?
Repeating words: How does the repeated pattern of the dark hill, town, street and house make the story sound when you read it aloud?
Bones and bodies: What can the skeletons teach us about the bones in our bodies, and what would you like to find out next?
Making your own fun: When the skeletons cannot find someone to frighten, how do they turn the situation into a game?
Pages
32 pages
Reading age
Picture Book (2-7)
This edition
2010
First published
1980
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