I asked for your votes on the funniest books for kids, and you responded — thanks!

To get kids interested in books and reading, check out the suggestions below submitted by fellow readers of this column. Most are meant as “read-aloud” books, but that will depend on individual ability.

Remember, too, that just because a book may be suggested for an age younger than your child, it doesn't mean that book wouldn't be thoroughly enjoyed by older kids. After all, providing the humor isn't too sophisticated, funny is funny for many ages!

Age 3 to 4: “Tickle the Duck” by Ethan Long;

“Mr. Men and Little Miss” series by Roger Hargreaves;

“Pigs Ahoy!” by David McPhail;

“Old Cricket” by Lisa Wheeler;

“Duck Soup” by Jackie Urbanovic;

“We Share Everything” by Robert Munsch;

“Go Home, Mrs. Beekman!” by Ann Redisch;

“Minnie and Moo” series by Denys Cazet;

“Pete's a Pizza” by William Steig;

“Alligator Baby” by Robert Munsch.

Age 5 to 7: “Pirates Don't Change Diapers” by Melinda Long;

“Parts” by Tedd Arnold;

“Who's a Pest: A Homer Story” by Crosby Bonsall;

“The Enormous Crocodile” by Roald Dahl;

“Bunnicula” by Deborah & James Howe.

Age 8 to 9 and older: “The BFG” by Roald Dahl;

“Shredderman” series by Wendelin Van Draanen;

“Barry Boyhound” by Andy Spearman;

“Matilda” by Roald Dahl;

“James and the Giant Peach” by Roald Dahl.

The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>“Matilda”</B> by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake, Puffin Books, 240 pages; read aloud: age 8 and older; read yourself: age 10 to 11 and older.Matilda is a genius, only her family doesn't recognize it. Her father is a loud, obnoxious shyster who rips-off the townspeople by selling crumby used cars. He thinks Matilda is an idiotic troublemaker. Her mother is a bingo-addict and doesn't give a hoot about Matilda or much of anything else save her addiction.Then there is Miss Trunchbull, the headmistress of Crunchem Hall, where Matilda has just begun school. Miss Trunchbull is an Olympic hammer thrower and a living nightmare. She is unspeakably cruel to the students and has singled-out Matilda as no-good. Matilda's teacher, the sweet Miss Honey, recognizes Matilda's incredible intelligence and innocence. When she takes Matilda under her wing, Miss Trunchbull goes into a tailspin. But it isn't long before Trunchbull is scrambling for cover.One of his very best accomplishments, Dahl has done it again with this enormously entertaining book, page after outrageous page!

<B>Library: </B>North Trails Public Library, 1553 W. Sunbury Road, West Sunbury<B>Library Director: </B>Kathy Kline<B>Choices this week: “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?”</B> by Bill Martin, Jr.; <B>“Valentino” </B>by Andrea Wolf; <B>“The Tale of Despereaux” </B>by Kate DiCamillo

The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>“Fortune Cookies” </B>by Albert Bitterman, illustrated by Chris Raschka, Beach Lane, 2011, 26 pages, $14.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 4 to 5; read yourself: age 6 to 7.A box of seven fortune cookies arrived in the mail for the little girl — one for each day of the week. Who would have guessed that a simple cookie could predict so much and bring such good fortune?With seven fun pull-tabs revealing the fortune in each cookie, this selection is sure to bring smiles and requests for repeated readings.<B>“Press Here” </B>written and illustrated by Herve Tullet, Chronicle, 2011, 60 pages, $14.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 3 and older; read yourself: age 6 to 7 and older.“Press here and turn the page.” Viola! One yellow dot becomes two! Each successive page presents a new set of simple instructions (to press, rub, shake, tap and more), and the next page shows the subsequent transformation. The “interactive” nature of this book takes place in the imagination of the reader (not by way of a battery-operated or other “mechanical” means), and that's what makes this book so wonderful.Prepare to be amazed, engaged and invigorated as this seemingly simple book ignites the power of the imagination for young and old alike.Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached at her website: www.greatestbooksforkids.com.<B><I></B></I>