Unfunny Bunny

by Kenan Thompson, Bryan Tucker, Tony Neal (Illustrator)

From the beloved longest-tenured cast member of Saturday Night Live, Kenan Thompson, comes a hilarious new picture book perfect for fans of Jory John and Grumpy Monkey.

Tomorrow is Bunny's first day of school, and everything is going to be perfect. All he wants is to be the funniest kid in class and make everyone else laugh. But when Bunny gets there, his jokes fall flat. What's an UNfunny bunny to do?

This laugh-out-loud tale about unexpected friendship and pursuing your dreams is a silly, lighthearted read-aloud stuffed with 30 "unfunny" jokes that are sure to send readers of all ages into fits of giggles.

Genres: Picture Books, Humor, Friendship, Childrens, Rabbits, Animals, School

40 pages, Hardcover

Published January 13, 2026

About the author

Kenan Thompson is an American actor and comedian. He has been a cast member on the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live since 2003, making him the longest-tenured cast member in the show's history. Outside of SNL, Thompson starred on NBC's sitcom Kenan from 2021 to 2022.

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bunny is looking forward to his first day of school, which he is convinced will be perfect. As Bunny tries out possible personas, he settles on one that features him as a comedian, and he fearlessly steps into the schoolyard to show off his skills. Unfortunately, Bunny’s jokes are not landing as well as he had hoped, and most of the other students are less than kind about it. Except for one particular friend who might be just what Bunny needs to turn his routine around. Written by real-life comedians, this picture book encourages young, intrepid performers to find their joy and be tenacious in its pursuit. The narrative primarily focuses on Bunny as he goes through his first day of school, including the highs and lows of the expectations he has and the fact that he does not meet those goals as he originally intended. Word bubbles and narrative text work together to tell the story, and readers will come away with a plethora of jokes they can attempt, themselves. Colorful, cartoon-like illustrations accompany the text and feature the anthropomorphic animals that make up Bunny’s community. Though there are no human protagonists, readers will likely recognize the environment and behavior depicted within the imagery. Lighthearted yet supportive, this amusing picture book is a pleasure to read aloud to classrooms and serves as a guide for readers who have the desire to put in the work needed to achieve their goals. This is a positive addition to library collections for preschool and early elementary school-aged readers.

[mads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to listen to this because Kenan narrated lol. So cute

[Jennifer Huberdeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an audio arc of this book from the publisher. Read my reviews at https://www.berkshireeagle.com/arts_a...

Tomorrow is Bunny's first day of school. Who should he be?

A cool bunny? No. A sporty bunny? No. A funny bunny!

But things do not go well once he gets to school. No matter how many jokes he tells, his classmates don't find him funny. He's an "Unfunny Bunny," his classmates tell him. Hedgehog tells Bunny that telling jokes isn't easy; that it takes practice. For the rest of the week, Bunny and Hedgehog practice writing jokes, telling jokes to each other and their families. After a lot of practice, Bunny and Hedgehog are ready to tell jokes to their classmates again.

Children will delight in listening to SNL's Kenan Thompson's emphatic reading of this fun tale of friendship. (Parents won't mind listening, either.) They'll also love the additional 30 jokes included at the end of the story. Listen to the audio alone, or pair it with the hardcover book ($19.99) featuring colorful, fun illustrations by Tony Neal.

[QuirkyTofurkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kenan, with all due respect, you were born to be a children’s book narrator. I am not a child, but the second your voice hit my ears, I was grinning like one. I could picture you saying every line. Having grown up watching you (from All That to SNL) I’m beyond thrilled to have you back in my life in a new way. Thank you for continuing to bring joy to so many people, now across generations.

The sound effects took an already fantastic audiobook and made it even better. Again, not a child, but I was engaged and locked in. I can only imagine how much kids will love it. Kenan’s voice just commands attention and sparks laughter.

The story’s message is wonderful, too: with a little perseverance (and the support of a good friend), you can accomplish anything.

Loved, loved, loved this!

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, Kenan Thompson, and Bryan Tucker for the advance audio copy. This review is voluntary and all thoughts are my own.

[Little Bitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a child of the 90s, I was excited to see a title from Kenan Thompson and even more so seeing that he narrated the audio version. Unfunny Bunny is a story about a bunny who is trying to figure out who he is and lands on being funny. Now being funny doesn't necessarily come easy and sometimes you need to practice. Follow the bunny on his journey to being funny. I loved that Kenan narrated this book. He has great inflection and tone and kept my kiddo's attention. It was super fun that there were extra jokes at the end.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ALC of this audiobook for an honest review.

[Manda Marigold · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars ✨

Bunny starts his first day of school with big dreams of becoming the class comedian. But when his jokes fall flat, he’s quickly labeled Unfunny Bunny, and now he’s got a mission to turn things around! Can he find his funny bone and win over his classmates? 🐇💭

Overall, this book is a fun and energetic read! The jokes are delightfully cheesy (in the best way) and show off Kenan's comedic wit. It's a lighthearted story about embracing who you are, even when things don't go as planned. The illustrations are super vibrant and eye-catching, which really bring the story to life. 🎨🌟

A solid, feel-good read for kids and anyone who loves a good laugh! 😄

[Krystal Kraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 6 year old thought these jokes were hilarious. Also not limited to her, I laughed out loud multiple times while we sat together and read it! Very cute book about friendship as well!! Thought it was so sweet seeing the two friends bond over jokes and gain traction to impress the whole class with their humor! Also felt like a lovely reminder that not everything is as it seems and we shouldn’t be so quick to assume we aren’t liked! Thanks for a wonderful book! Will be enjoyed for lots of years in our house!

[Jame_EReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read this book with a first grader during our reading time at the library and we both had fun reading and laughing together. The story is simple yet engaging because it reminded me of the movie “Sing”. You have to keep trying until you get better. Also, the illustrations, facial expressions, colors and the words are priceless and fantastic. As a high schooler reading with a first grader enjoyed this book, you know this is absolutely an amazing piece of art.

[AJ Easterday · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the few picture books written by a celebrity I've read that is actually good. It had me laughing all throughout the story, even when the jokes were supposedly bad. You can tell this is written by two experienced comedians, and I love that it's not only funny, but it has a great lesson about not giving up when others don't find you funny. This would definitely make a great read-aloud for kids.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

What happens when the first day of school comes around and the bunny is excited to flex his muscles with his humorous delivery of jokes.. until they all fall flat and he's trying to figure out why everyone thinks he's the unfunny bunny.

Luckily another animal befriends him and they are able to practice their skills together, especially the delivery for him to become a funny bunny. Helps with the first day of school jitters to find out who you are and make it work.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bunny is nervous about his first day of school so spends time figuring out what persona he wants to adopt. He decides on Funny Bunny, but, sadly, his new classmates don't laugh at his jokes. One of them, Hedgehog, helps Bunny see he needs to work on his timing and practice his style. By the end, Bunny is hilarious and Hedgehog is his best friend and partner. The illustrations capture the energy and loud style as Bunny tries too hard to be funny.

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up watching Kenan on Nickelodeon, so my inner child was super excited to discover that he wrote and narrated a children's book! This is pretty funny as an audiobook, he's got a great voice but I kind of want to see an actual physical copy of this book too!!

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations were fun and the friendship that developed between the bunny and hedgehog was a great example of real friendship. Unfunny to funny was a lesson on working hard for something you really want. It was all done in an easy to understand language, which is the magic of a good picture book. I see this as a book kids would read again and again.

[Angelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute kid's book that everyone should read. It shows if at first you don't succeed, try and try again. Bunny persist with telling jokes to become a Funny Bunny with help from his new found friend, Hedgehog. This shows kids as well as a reminder for Us, Adults sometimes things do not go as planned but if we practice to get better we will and it will work out in the end.

[CONSTANCE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by two of SNL’s best comedians this, of course, will provide some laughs. Bunny is heading off to school tomorrow for the first time and he decides he’s going to be the funniest kid in school except that may not be what happens. But he does find a friend who shares his love of laughter.

[Mama Bearian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bunny wants to be funny, but his jokes are all falling flat. He’s very discouraged until he is approached by Hedgehog, who thinks he can help. Together, they work on jokes and help Bunny get laughs. It was a good multi-message book that not everyone has the same sense of humor, it’s good to keep trying, and it’s ok to get help! We also really enjoyed the jokes in the back.

[Sadie-Jane Huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 083 of 365 ~ 2026

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

One star just for the absolutely brilliant @kenanthompson . He made this story come alive through his narration. It was a cute story but he made it a hoot!!

Must listen and read!! It will make your day

#book083of365 #amreading #thisbookfairyisreading #theSGtrekkiereads

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kenan Thompson, and I think his reading of his story Unfunny Bunny is hilarious. This poor bunny just wants to be a funny bunny and nobody is laughing! Turns out he needed a friend to make it all come together. The side effects were cute too.

[Cave's · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great audiobook. I loved the narrator, a well known voice, and use of sound effects and music. A fun and sweet story. Plus bonus jokes at the end too. Perfect for a young reader to follow along with or enjoy on its own.

[Ilonka Gangadin (masbookslessgluten) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute read! Perfect to combat back to school blues. Bunny is trying different personalities for his first day of school which shows he’s a bit anxious. He finds he fits in and can be himself. I loved the audio book for extra color.

[Polly Crandall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a few picture books I've read lately emphasize hard work over natural talent or luck. I like that. Reduces that sense of entitlement, that somehow you are owed success because you're a special little Snowflake.

[Reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ALC!

LOVED this one - it was so funny, quirky, and easy to follow. The author reading it was an added bonus, the delivery was so great.
I’ll be purchasing a hard copy for our home library too.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the rare celebrity-written picture book that is actually good. The story has entertainment value and a positive message about persistence, and kids who are getting into jokes will also enjoy the collection of additional jokes in the back.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A punny celebrity kids book that preaches practice makes perfect. Despite being the headliner on the cover, it seems pretty clear to me that Kenan Thompson didn't have a huge hand in creating this book, but it's probably for the best anyway.

[Renee Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for any kid who thinks they’re hilarious! 🤣

[Nichole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and fun. A nice lesson that everything takes time and practice and help.

[Haley Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

We listened to the audiobook and loved Kenan’s narration! The jokes at the end were great!

[Erin Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very punny book that will be great for first-day-of-school reading.
The jokes are genuinely funny (even the "unfunny" ones) and the message about friendship is a solid one.

[L.B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

It has a good message, but would be a bit hard to read at a story time. The jokes are cheesy, but for the most part make sense.

[John Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick fun read from a funny guy. I'll read it to my grandkids.