Funny books start school year off right

September has arrived. School is back in session. Parents and caregivers everywhere are looking for ways to alleviate stress and build healthy habits.

Reading a book before bed is a great way to calm the mind. Reading together also creates bonds between a child and their grown-up.

Reading a funny short book before bed is a perfect strategy to develop this habit (although it’s possible that some giggling will occur before sleep arrives).

Transitioning back to school can be difficult. But laughter and good habits can help start the school year right.

Three new children’s picture books combine appealing artwork and silly stories into books that are sure to captivate any young child.

“Barnacle Is Bored” (Scholastic, $14.99, age 3 to 5) by Jonathan Fenske is a story about observations. As the title clearly states, Barnacle is bored.

Each day he hangs out beneath the pier — just being a barnacle. The tide flows in and out. No fun. No action. No excitement.

Barnacle is envious of his fellow sea creatures — especially the “little polka dotted show off.” Everyone else gets to swim and play. They are colorful and free to explore the ocean.

But by the end of the story, Barnacle learns that the grass is not always greener. After he watches his polka-dotted friend get gobbled up by a larger fish, he excitedly exclaims, “I’m not bored!”

Jonathan Fenske uses cool ocean colors to set the tone. Smiling faces and cunning smirks bring playful sea creatures to life. The text is clear and easy to read.

Most importantly, “Barnacle Is Bored” teaches the valuable lesson that sometimes everything is just fine the way it is.

Self-love is a concept that both children and adults can benefit from embracing. “Hello, My Name Is Octicorn” (HarperCollins, $17.99, age 4 to 8) by Kevin Diller and Justin Lowe with additional illustrations by Binny Talib is a story for anyone who has ever felt different.

Octi is, well, an octicorn. His mother is an octopus and his father is a unicorn.

As you may have guessed, he just doesn’t blend in easily. Octi is an octopus with a unicorn horn, big eyes and a nervous smile.

Octi speaks directly to the reader, asking silly and charming questions such as “What? Haven’t you seen a octicorn before?”

He explains to readers that being different makes it hard to make friends sometimes. But his differences make him unique and fun.

During the story, Octi showcases his many talents. He is great at juggling with his many arms and roasting marshmallows for s'mores with his horn. After a series of fun and goofy examples he kindly asks the reader, “Will you be my friend?”

“Hello, My Name Is Octicorn” is an easy read that everyone can appreciate. Crisp white pages with thin allcaps text are flanked by simple Sharpie-like drawings.

Tiny pops of color such as bright red lipstick and puffy blue clouds brighten the illustrations. The child-like style is sure to inspire budding artists.

“Please, Open This Book!” (Simon and Schuster, $17.99, age 4 to 8) by Adam Lehrhaupt with pictures by Matthew Forsythe is a new picture book that is literally begging for attention.

Readers are greeted by a cast of creatures on the cover. Inside, the book almost reads like a game with the various animals speaking directly to the reader.

They explain what happens when the book closes. Bananas get bruised, pages shatter and the lights go out.

Two of the creatures — a monkey and a bear — even make an attempt to convince readers that they will create a great story. But the words on their typewriter just read “banana banana banana.”

As the pages run out, the band of creatures continues to beg the reader to keep the book open. But the final page reads “This book will be …”

And the final word is on the back cover: “CLOSED.” Of course, a side note asks the reader to turn the book over and open it again so the fun can start all over.

The artwork in “Please, Open This Book!” evokes a sense of wonder. Charcoal pages help the colorful characters pop, while burnt orange text create a sense of wonder and spookiness.

The illusion of a closed book filled with living creatures sparks the imagination. This playful book will intrigue even the most reluctant reader.

So, visit your local library today to find these titles (or others to tickle your funny bone) and get the school year off to a fun and silly start.