Are you a fan of puns? I sure am! I grew up in a really punny family so puns have always been one of my favorite things. Puns are a fun way to play with words and a terrific way for kids to develop a love of language.
Tara Lazar’s 7 Ate 9 (illustrated by Ross MacDonald) is an excellent example of fabulous punning for a number of reasons (and you can always count on it for a laugh).
Chicken Lily, written by Lori Mortensen, is full of clever chicken puns. The main character is a chicken who is too chicken to read a poem onstage at school.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving was the inspiration for this promotional postcard that I made back in 2011:
I even put a pun in The Three Little Pugs (a group of pugs is called a grumble):
Let’s pick a random topic and get started:
Cheese.
You don’t need to havarti supplies, just a pencil and paper will do. Immerse yourself in the subject and don’t let anything get pasteurize. Milk it for all it’s worth. Where there’s a will, there’s a whey. Get ready for some brie-lliant ideas to start rolling in. Have fun and be silly, before you know it you could have a pile of…
Thank you, Tara! Have a punderful day, everyone!
Nina Victor Crittenden is an artist, certified veterinary technician, scarf knitter, and tea drinker. She works traditionally using ink and watercolor on hot pressed paper. Nina is the illustrator of Cedric and the Dragon and Chicken Lily, and is the author/illustrator of The Three Little Pugs. She lives in the land of 10,000 lakes with her husband, daughters, guinea pig, bunnies, fish, and two little pugs.
Visit her at ninacrittenden.com or follow her on Twitter @NVCrittenden and Instagram @nvcrittenden.
Nina is giving away one copy of Chicken Lily and one copy of The Three Little Pugs. There will be two winners of one book each.
Simply leave ONE COMMENT below to enter.
You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below. Prizes will be given away at the conclusion of the event.
Good luck!
543 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 17, 2019 at 8:13 am
Barbara Senenman
Love puns and children will laugh with them too!
January 17, 2019 at 8:14 am
Paige Cunningham
You are so sweet to give books away. I was a chicken Lily my whole school life. Thank you for writing this book.
January 17, 2019 at 8:16 am
Jane Dippold
I love puns! They make a story even more fun to read!
Thanks for your post 😊
January 17, 2019 at 8:23 am
hallee2012
Nina, your art is so sweet and full of love! This post made me smile. I dont Havarti supplies to get started but I’m ready to Whiz (#authorfromphilly) through this exercise. 😉 Thanks for sharing.
January 17, 2019 at 8:25 am
michelemeleen
I love a good pun! Thanks for sharing😀
January 17, 2019 at 8:26 am
Louann Brown
I’m also a fan of Punny books! Thanks for the tip. I’ll try not to stumble over your suggestions!
January 17, 2019 at 8:27 am
Ashley Congdon
I need to read more puns. Love that the chicken is too chicken.
January 17, 2019 at 8:27 am
Kristin Crouch
Thanks for the chance…I’ll be bleu if I don’t win.
January 17, 2019 at 8:29 am
Clare Juliet Clare Bell
Favourite cheese joke: what did the cheese say when she looked at herself in the mirror? Halloumi!
Thanks for the post…
January 17, 2019 at 8:30 am
Sara Fajardo
Thanks for the laugh, going to need to play with puns more.
January 17, 2019 at 8:32 am
Tara Hannon
Too Funny! Yes, Puns are great! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 17, 2019 at 8:33 am
thecrowsmap
Lol! 😂 And a punderful day to you!
Gail Hartman
January 17, 2019 at 8:36 am
polly renner
What a pun post! Thanks Nina!
January 17, 2019 at 8:36 am
Kellie
I worked with a class last year that loved their puns! Chicken Lily would’ve been right up their alley. A very inspiring post.
January 17, 2019 at 8:38 am
Katie Engen
Gouda job!
January 17, 2019 at 8:38 am
Tina Cho
Great punny tips! I didn’t know you had other books, Nina!
January 17, 2019 at 8:40 am
Celeste Bocchicchio-Chaudhri
I love puns! thanks for the inspiration
January 17, 2019 at 8:41 am
DaNeil Olson
Loved the post! Thanks.
January 17, 2019 at 8:41 am
stiefelchana
LOL! So cheesy. I just wrote a punny story yesterday! Thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 8:43 am
Kathy Halsey
Puns have always been my thing, Nina. I grew up with them, too. Puny =funny.
January 17, 2019 at 8:47 am
Rona Shirdan
Puns are fun to incorporate into your work. I will have to try it! Thanks for the idea.
January 17, 2019 at 8:47 am
Alyssa Sinnen
I always love your puns, Nina! Never thought of using it as a way to brainstorm story ideas. Thank you for your pun-derful post!
January 17, 2019 at 8:51 am
andreesantini
Thanks for the inspiration!
January 17, 2019 at 8:53 am
kiwijenny
I LOVE PUNS. My son got me the tee shirt ..BAD PUNS ARE HOW EYE ROLL for Christmas. It’s my favorite.
January 27, 2019 at 5:34 pm
Terri Sabol
Haha! Love the shirt!
January 17, 2019 at 8:58 am
Jennifer G Prevost
I want to be better at puns!! I love how effortlessly they add humor… I’ll practice now, thanks for the cheesy post 🙂
January 17, 2019 at 8:59 am
Nancy Colle
Hi! Thank you. Love puns! What a fun post:)
January 17, 2019 at 9:00 am
MD Knabb
Thank you for a fun post about the power of puns, Nina.
January 17, 2019 at 9:08 am
mhklump
I love puns, but I’m so terrible at them! Can’t wait to give it a shot!
January 17, 2019 at 9:10 am
Mark Bentz
Love puns, soo punny. Kids love to laugh, and adults do as well.
Thank you for posting Nina. Great illustrations!
January 17, 2019 at 9:11 am
Manju B. Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Nina, your PBs cover art is very cute. Tara’s 7 Ate 9 deserved all the awards.
January 17, 2019 at 9:19 am
KATHY Z.PRICE
To pun or not to pun—I would have said– what a punny question, but someone beat me to the pun/chline.
January 17, 2019 at 9:20 am
Jessica Potts
Kids love puns! I’ve never tried the – but maybe I will!
January 17, 2019 at 9:21 am
C.L. Murphy
Extra sharp word play, Nina! Thank you.
January 17, 2019 at 9:28 am
narmo2400
Bravocado on a fun post!
January 17, 2019 at 9:29 am
Joan Swanson
Love puns!
January 17, 2019 at 9:29 am
storyfairy
OMG, I love puns! My husband is a pun champ! 😛
January 17, 2019 at 9:30 am
Margaret Flint Suter
Puns can be brilliant or big groan producing wonders, but they are always a lot of fun! Thanks Nina! Gouda of you to share!
January 17, 2019 at 9:30 am
pathaap
Loved your punny post, Nina! Will definitely be trying this out. Thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 9:31 am
ptnozell
Puns are so much fun! And kids love them. Thanks for the grate ideas!
January 17, 2019 at 9:32 am
Sally Lotz Spratt - Badass 2019🦋 (@SallyLotzSpratt)
This is great pun!
January 17, 2019 at 9:32 am
beckylevine
Wow! Great examples, thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 9:33 am
jheitman22
Love puns. My husband is a punster extraordinaire. Thanks for the reminder!
January 17, 2019 at 9:34 am
Jennifer Phillips
Ha! Love it. My husband tortures us with his puns. I need to be writing them down in my journal–that’s my takeaway. Thank you!
January 17, 2019 at 9:39 am
Deb Sullivan
Ooh…this should be a ton of pun! Thanks for the suggestion 🙂
January 17, 2019 at 9:39 am
Anita
Love it.
January 17, 2019 at 9:40 am
Nicole M
This was a fun read. I love puns!
January 17, 2019 at 9:41 am
gayleckrause
What punderful ideas. Thanks for reminding us to look for fun in our writing. 🙂
January 17, 2019 at 9:42 am
Andria Rosenbaum
Thanks for showing us how to milk those punny ideas!
January 17, 2019 at 9:47 am
Alexandra Hinrichs
Oh this had me laughing out loud this morning! Thank you, Nina!
January 17, 2019 at 9:48 am
Nancy Riley
Such gouda ideas! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 17, 2019 at 9:49 am
Shelly Hawley-Yan
Awww – GRATE ideas! Puns ARE a wonderful way to encourage love of language and have FUN at the same time!
January 17, 2019 at 9:50 am
lizricewrites
Cute & punny — thanks you for the inspiration!
January 17, 2019 at 9:52 am
Carole Calladine
Puns. What a great way to inspire fun stories. Thanks for sharing.
January 17, 2019 at 9:53 am
Kim Pfennigwerth
This post made my heart happy 💞 so much fun!
January 17, 2019 at 9:54 am
authoraileenstewart
If I were a cat I would say this was purrfect :0)
January 17, 2019 at 9:57 am
ryanrobertsauthor
Aw, the pun. Where would Dad jokes be without them?
January 17, 2019 at 9:58 am
Darcee A Freier
Great post. So punny!
January 17, 2019 at 9:59 am
tanyakonerman
My family likes to take puns to the extreme too, and we have a gouda time when we cover cheese!
January 17, 2019 at 10:05 am
tanjabauerle
My daughter is a very talented pun-stress. Love it. T
January 17, 2019 at 10:06 am
Li’vee Rehfield
Thank you Nina for the examples😊
January 17, 2019 at 10:09 am
vijikc
Our family loves puns too!
January 17, 2019 at 10:10 am
Nadine Gamble
Very punny! Thanks for the laughs!
January 17, 2019 at 10:11 am
smpeace
Very funny! Great ideas – thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 10:16 am
David McMullin
Fun, fun, fun. Thanks. Nina.
January 17, 2019 at 10:16 am
Jessica Kulekjian
What a pun post! Thanks for the inspiration.
January 17, 2019 at 10:17 am
Pamela Harrison
I love puns and these examples are certainly punny! Great idea! Thank you!
January 17, 2019 at 10:19 am
kcareywrites
What a great way to play! I love the idea of sliding some puns in to a story! Thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 10:21 am
Lori Mortensen
Egg-cellent, Nina!! Loved your punny blog. (But then I would!)
January 17, 2019 at 10:24 am
Janice Woods
So much fun! Thanks for the ideas! I love that promo postcard! hahaha
January 17, 2019 at 10:24 am
Susan Nicholas Korstanje
Thanks for the pun ideas!
January 17, 2019 at 10:24 am
Ink Bottle Studio
Bahahahaha! I’ll never look at cheese the same way again!😂 Thanks for the fun advice!
January 17, 2019 at 10:25 am
Aimee Isaac
I love puns! And puns in picture books are a gift to the grown up reading 😉
January 17, 2019 at 10:26 am
Claire W Bobrow
Pasteurize. Haha – good one! Just like this post! Havarti got a few new ideas…thanks, Nina!
January 17, 2019 at 10:27 am
Arlene Schenker
Thank you, Nina. I know that kids just love puns. and I love your punny books!
January 17, 2019 at 10:27 am
Writer on the run
Thanks Nina for a great post! Now it’s back to the rind of working!
January 17, 2019 at 10:41 am
Le Anne Brown
Back in 1972, I wrote and illustrated a slideshow story of how eight was mean and ate the other numbers that walked by his house. This will be a challenge as that was the only punny thing I have done that was no accident.
January 17, 2019 at 10:29 am
Denny Side
Puns are fun!
January 17, 2019 at 10:30 am
Cathy Morton
I have 2 little pugs, Maude and Henry. We all love your illustrations!
January 17, 2019 at 10:32 am
Juliana Jones
Thanks for starting my day with a laugh. Time to go whip up some cool ideas!
January 17, 2019 at 10:33 am
Amy Houts
What fun! My dad was great at puns. Always made me laugh. Thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 10:35 am
Jay
Can’t get enough puns. Thanks for the smiles!
January 17, 2019 at 10:36 am
Juliana Lee
Hi Nina. Can’t wait to read Three Little Pugs. Love that the little pugs ‘grumbled’ under the ‘love’ seat, another punny idea! We’re under another snow emergency here, luckily I have snow where else to go so I can stay home and plow through on my piles of ideas.
January 17, 2019 at 10:36 am
nataliecohn0258
I love Puns! I hope I can create a story with them!
January 17, 2019 at 10:37 am
Helen Matthews
I got a bit of a surprise with the email about this blog, because my children are Nina and Victor. And Nina has just written a story where everything is to do with cheese. Brie-lliant indeed! And yes, we love puns
January 17, 2019 at 10:37 am
Alice Carty Fulgione
I always enjoy stories that include puns. It will be fun adding puns to some of my stories.
January 17, 2019 at 10:38 am
Johnell DeWitt
Awesome. I love a grate pun. 🙂
January 17, 2019 at 10:39 am
GettingrealwithPTSD
I wrote a story many years ago with probably way too many puns. But once I got started i just couldn’t stop!
January 17, 2019 at 10:40 am
Danna York
So adorable-yes kids love laughing and want to read again!!!
January 17, 2019 at 10:45 am
Mardi Edwards
That cheese focus made a block turn to crumbles. It is fun!
January 17, 2019 at 10:49 am
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Too early in my part of the kingdom to think of a punny response, but they are a fun aspic of humor. Okay, maybe not.😇
January 17, 2019 at 10:51 am
Amy Bradshaw
Everyone loves a good pun! Thanks for the fun morning read!
January 17, 2019 at 10:52 am
Paula Puckett
Cheesy and punny, too. What a grate whey to start the day. You’ve turned my tickle box UP side down. Thanks.
January 17, 2019 at 10:57 am
authoryvonafast
Brielliant ideas
to start the day
gouda all the whey!
Cheese, whiz, hooray!
January 17, 2019 at 10:59 am
Janie Reinart
Love your idea to just pick a topic and be punny. “Grate” example with the cheese!
January 17, 2019 at 11:00 am
Sharron Magyar
Love a pun, have to practice at it.
January 17, 2019 at 11:03 am
Joan Longstaff
Gotta love a pun. Thanks for the prompt.
January 17, 2019 at 11:03 am
Angie
Love puns! You have to get into the pun zone, and once you’re on a roll, cheez whiz! It really happens!
January 17, 2019 at 11:03 am
Rebecca Thill (@rkthill)
Love it! Thanks for the great ideas.
January 17, 2019 at 11:05 am
nrompella
Thanks for the laugh this morning. Will have to show my punny 9 year old daughter as well!
January 17, 2019 at 11:05 am
Aimee
This is the punniest read !
Love your examples.
Congrats on your books☺️
January 17, 2019 at 11:05 am
June Sengpiehl
This is a clever, well written post that educates and makes us laugh. A good
lesson for all picture book writers.
January 17, 2019 at 11:06 am
Cinzia
Great post! I love puns. This will get ideas flowing. Thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 11:07 am
Carolyn Currier
Thank you for sharing your ideas.
January 17, 2019 at 11:09 am
Krista Harrington
Puns are so fun! I love writing humorous books, and puns go right along with that. Thanks Nina!
January 17, 2019 at 11:10 am
Barbara Kupetz
Kids love them. I think I love them MORE! Thanks for sharing.
January 17, 2019 at 11:11 am
Heather Stigall
Puns are usually difficult for me, but I tried to push myself in the last manuscript i wrote and include as many as I could! We’ll see what my critique group thinks of it!
January 17, 2019 at 11:13 am
Lisa Billa
Thanks for sharing some pun and inspiration!
January 17, 2019 at 11:13 am
Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer
I have a small collection of favorite puns which I’m been trying to figure how to work into a PB. The books you shared offer great examples. Thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 11:14 am
thelmakat
Bahaha! Thanks for sharing!!
January 17, 2019 at 11:14 am
CindyC
Thanks Nina! Chicken Lily is one of my favorite books. You’re awesome!
January 17, 2019 at 11:15 am
Kimberly
Great post! Thank you!! 🙂
January 17, 2019 at 11:17 am
Michele Helsel
I think you have the write idea 😉
January 17, 2019 at 11:17 am
Melanie Ellsworth
Love puns! My first 2 picture books coming out in 2020 (HMH) are very punny, and I adore Tara’s 7 ATE 9! A group of pugs is a grumble – who knew? Thank you for giving me official permission to brainstorm via puns!
January 17, 2019 at 11:19 am
mariaordish
Thanks for the post, Nina!
January 17, 2019 at 11:21 am
Kathy Mazurowski
The wheels are turning, thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 11:22 am
Carol Gwin Nelson
Thanks for my morning giggle! Love the puns. What a fun idea.
January 17, 2019 at 11:25 am
Jennifer Bower
What a great post Nina! Puns are definitely fun!
January 17, 2019 at 11:25 am
Debra K Shumaker
I LOVE puns. It is my goal to someday have a pun-filled PB published. Thanks for a great post!
January 17, 2019 at 11:27 am
Kaylynn Johnsen
Puntastic! I, too, love puns!
January 17, 2019 at 11:29 am
matthewlasley
Puns are great. My wife groans at mine, that is how I know they are good!
January 17, 2019 at 11:29 am
debbeauchamp
Love this post! Puns are the best. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 17, 2019 at 11:29 am
andromeda515
The word slip was punintentional.
January 17, 2019 at 11:33 am
jenabenton
I somehow missed these books but am now looking them up. I love a good pun!
January 17, 2019 at 11:33 am
Michelle Schaub
This post was so pun! Thanks for sharing!
January 17, 2019 at 11:35 am
melissamiles1
I used to groan and roll my eyes at my dad’s puns, but they’re great for picture books, for sure! 🙂
January 17, 2019 at 11:38 am
Elizabeth Saba
Very funny, love your work as well! Thank you.
January 17, 2019 at 11:39 am
Mike Wohnoutka
Nice post, Nina! There’s no doubt this will muenster up some great ideas. Thank you!
January 17, 2019 at 11:40 am
lindaschueler
I love puns. Thanks for the inspiration—and the laughs.
January 17, 2019 at 11:45 am
Anjali Amit
Pun fun is a writer’s right. Thank you for enriching our note-taking process by showing us how to (w)ring every meaning from a word. I’ve inked in this thought with my trusty pencil, for a pun in need is a pun indeed.
January 17, 2019 at 11:47 am
Marie Sanderson
Hmmm. Now my brain is running through all the punny jokes I know! Provocative way to find a story!
January 17, 2019 at 11:50 am
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
Definitely love my puns. Lots of great ideas. Thanks for the post!
January 17, 2019 at 11:54 am
Alicia
Punny! Thanks.
January 17, 2019 at 11:55 am
Maritza M. Mejía
I love to Grate Ideas! Thank you.
January 17, 2019 at 11:56 am
Danielle Dufayet
What a fun post! I admire people who write puns well – it’s such an art. Thanks for sharing and congrats!
January 17, 2019 at 11:57 am
Stephen S. Martin
Thank Ewe 4 opening R I’s 2 this.
January 17, 2019 at 12:02 pm
Amy Harding
It’s true…The best books make kids AND adults laugh!
January 17, 2019 at 12:06 pm
heidikyates
I love puns. Thank you for this fun post Nina.
January 17, 2019 at 12:10 pm
Antje
Oh how I wish I could do puns…! Thanks for this awesome post. It sure made me laugh.
January 17, 2019 at 12:11 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
I can write about cheese all day. Well, if I could write, I would. Instead, I will think about cheese, beg for cheese, and spend a ton of energy trying to steal cheese. That’s how I do…
Love and licks,
Cupcake
January 17, 2019 at 12:11 pm
Lori Dubbin
Your post is like a juicy hamburger between two puns.
January 17, 2019 at 12:12 pm
Ellen Sirianni
Great post! Thanks for sharing.
January 17, 2019 at 12:14 pm
Poupette Smith
hmmm…
January 17, 2019 at 12:14 pm
Jonathan Bing
Love seeing you here, Nina!
January 17, 2019 at 12:16 pm
Susan Macartney
Thanks – yet another great, fun way to play with language – may the pun be with you!!
January 17, 2019 at 12:17 pm
Brooke Hollon
Great, article! Thanks for sharing examples of puns from some fantastic books. Can’t wait to pick up Chicken Lily and The Three Little Pugs!
January 17, 2019 at 12:20 pm
karammitchell
Ha! Thanks, Nina! I’m horrible at puns but I know I should include them when possible. I’m gonna do it!!
January 17, 2019 at 12:23 pm
Mary York
GRATE cheese puns!!
January 17, 2019 at 12:26 pm
Cortney Benvenuto
Thank you for the punny inspiration! 🙂
January 17, 2019 at 12:29 pm
Judy Sobanski (@jkspburg)
Great job on the cheese puns! But I don’t think I could Feta nother one in!
January 17, 2019 at 12:30 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Thank you! Humor is a very weak area for me, so am hoping this exercise will help.
January 17, 2019 at 12:30 pm
Tanya Shock
I love it! Thanks for sharing.😊
January 17, 2019 at 12:32 pm
Tempy
Punderful ideas!
January 17, 2019 at 12:32 pm
Krista Maxwell
Love this! Thank you for the punderful advice.
January 17, 2019 at 12:35 pm
mlflannigan
Funny – Thank you – great idea!
January 17, 2019 at 12:36 pm
judyrubin13
Thank you, Nina, for sharing your pun ideas. I may try a few today.
January 17, 2019 at 12:37 pm
Rebecca Colby
Love it! I’m feeling punstoppable now! 😉
January 17, 2019 at 12:40 pm
Juliann Caveny
I love puns and kiddos love to learn them! Thanks for the sharing your insights with us.
January 17, 2019 at 12:48 pm
storycatcherpublishing
I chuckled all the way through this as it was very punny indeed!
Great post!
January 17, 2019 at 12:48 pm
Marie Powell
Very punny — thanks for the ideas!
January 17, 2019 at 12:54 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
I love puns! And I love this post! Thanks, Nina!
January 17, 2019 at 12:57 pm
M.A. Cortez
Brilliant! And I got an idea. Thanks.
January 17, 2019 at 12:59 pm
Aurora K
What a great post! I will be smiling all day.
Thank you, Nina!
January 17, 2019 at 1:00 pm
Stephanie Shaw
Land of the brie. Home of the wheys. Thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 1:02 pm
Hank Dallago
Puns were a fond part of growing up too. I love them! Thanks for the reminder and the book examples.
January 17, 2019 at 1:03 pm
Angie
Love it – thank you!
January 17, 2019 at 1:03 pm
rimna
Thanks for a great post – thanks for the laughs! .
January 17, 2019 at 1:08 pm
Sara Matson
This made me smile. And yay for the land of 10,000 lakes! Thanks, Nina!
January 17, 2019 at 1:10 pm
Susan Wroble
What fun! My head is starting to spin with ideas. Thanks.
January 17, 2019 at 1:13 pm
Cassie Bentley
I’m grateful for the cheesy puns. Started a pile of ideas. Oops. I need to practice more to make this punny.
January 17, 2019 at 1:14 pm
Robin Brett Wechsler
Punequivocally hilarious. Thanks for the laughs and inspiration, Nina!
January 17, 2019 at 1:14 pm
Gabi Snyder
I grew up in a punny family, too. And while I groaned at my dad’s puns, I secretly loved them. And now, of course, I’m the punny parent eliciting groans. Thanks for the great post, and I loved learning that a group of pugs is called a grumble. So perfect!
January 17, 2019 at 1:14 pm
Kay Phillips
Very fun, every pun. Thank you!
January 17, 2019 at 1:15 pm
Lillian Heckinger
You have the greatest ideas ever. They’re a great help. I love Chicken Lily.
My nickname is Lily.
Thanks… Lillian
January 17, 2019 at 1:16 pm
Melissa Escobar
Seriously I love puns!!! The cornier the better! Among the favorite ones I have read relating to cheese, “The curdish rebellion.” I had no idea group of pugs was called a grumble. These all made me smile and laugh today.
January 17, 2019 at 1:17 pm
Rinda Beach
I love punny and funny! I’ll look for your books at my local library, and if they’re not there, I’ll make a request.
January 17, 2019 at 1:20 pm
Teresa Klepinger
I love puns, but have never tried them out much myself. This is a real challenge!
January 17, 2019 at 1:23 pm
Marge Gower
I laugh at puns all the time, but never have thought of using them in my own writing. This is definitely an avenue to explore in my writing adventure. Thanks for the interesting and punny post.
January 17, 2019 at 1:25 pm
Debra Daugherty
Thanks, Nina, for reminding me how much I like a good pun. Puns are fun!
January 17, 2019 at 1:29 pm
Sarah Meade
Love puns! Thanks for the post.
January 17, 2019 at 1:29 pm
nicolesalterbraun
I love puns but definitely need to work on my technique. Thank you!
January 17, 2019 at 1:31 pm
Mariana
Making stories funny and witty is a great way to connect with kids and to engage them with the book. Thanks for the reminder, Nina. Loved your post.
January 17, 2019 at 1:31 pm
Mary Worley
So clever. Glad I was done with my coffee before I read this one.
January 17, 2019 at 1:36 pm
curryelizabeth
So fun! Thanks for a great post. I love a good pun for sure! 🙂
January 17, 2019 at 1:38 pm
littledbl
My son would love you! He’s working on title Pun Prince. Thanks for the post!
January 17, 2019 at 1:38 pm
Jennifer
Great way to add some humor to our manuscripts! Thank you for the idea. I love the photo of you and your pugs.
January 17, 2019 at 1:40 pm
aidantalkin
Love your new books, Nina! Not being a pun-master myself I had a hard time playing it, but perhaps you’d enjoy a game our punster-neighbours are loving – Punderdome. best wishes for a book-project-filled 2019
January 17, 2019 at 1:41 pm
Lucy Staugler
Nina,
Baaahaaaa!!! My soul needed this funny post today!!
Thank-you!
January 17, 2019 at 1:44 pm
Nicole Vuong
I love puns!!!
January 17, 2019 at 1:47 pm
Betsy Parkinson
This is just the motivation I needed today. The cheese puns were grate!
January 17, 2019 at 1:47 pm
Jenifer McNamara
Enjoyed your post about puns. Another way to be humorous.
January 17, 2019 at 1:48 pm
jeanjames926
What a fun post! Who doesn’t love a good pun? Your artwork is delightful. Thanks for an inspiring post.
January 17, 2019 at 1:48 pm
bevbaird
I love puns – and kids do as well! Great post!
January 17, 2019 at 1:50 pm
carol w Munro
I wrote a punny story about a cat and dog. Had a ball! Thanks for reminding me of the fun. Must write more. P.S. Loved Chicken Lily!
January 17, 2019 at 1:53 pm
Aimee Satterlee
I love puns. I’m inspired to put even more puns into my WIP because of your cheesy examples. 🙂 Thanks Nina!
January 17, 2019 at 1:54 pm
Tracey Brown
I love puns! Thank you for the post, Nina
January 17, 2019 at 1:54 pm
sarahheturadny
I love the ideas of puns. Unfortunately, I have been told that when I try to be funny, I’m not (per a family member). My critique group thinks I’m funny, so that’s a plus! I think I’m only funny accidentally. My seven year old is funny, though, I’ll have to watch him and record what he says. I guess pun-ny is different than funny… will have to practice….
January 17, 2019 at 1:55 pm
Lynn Baldwin
Fun with puns. Love it!
January 17, 2019 at 1:56 pm
annjex
Puns are so fun for kids–thanks for the inspiration
January 17, 2019 at 1:59 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
That’s *Gouda* list of puns, Nina! Thank you.
Suzy Leopold
January 17, 2019 at 2:00 pm
BrookeVS
I love when articles make me laugh out loud! Thank you, Nina, for your amazing insights. This was a fantastic read! 🙂
January 17, 2019 at 2:01 pm
Monica A. Harris
Definitely drop dead punny!
January 17, 2019 at 2:02 pm
Carmen White
Yeah. . . I’m going to have to brainstorm with my husband on this one, get him going and….
January 17, 2019 at 2:02 pm
Stef Wade (@Stef_Wade)
I’m going to need a lactaid after all those dairy puns. But I’m here for it.
January 17, 2019 at 2:06 pm
Katie Williams
I also was raised in a family full of one-liners, puns, and sarcasm; luckily, I survived ; )
January 17, 2019 at 2:11 pm
Susan Johnston
Queso … now I’m hungry. Thanks for the gouda tips, Nina!
January 17, 2019 at 2:14 pm
Robin
Loved ChIcken Lily, and love puns 😉
January 17, 2019 at 2:17 pm
Laurie Kaiser
Love puns and also pugs! I have one. She is loyal,, stubborn, and loud.
I haven’t used puns in my children’s writing but may now.
January 17, 2019 at 2:18 pm
betlw
Love your post, Nina. There is a whey to be punny. Thanks for the ideas. I love the pun ideas in your books. I’ll have to think up some puns myself, and you got me started.
January 17, 2019 at 2:21 pm
Daryl Gottier
Thanks for sharing, your books look adorable.
January 17, 2019 at 2:27 pm
K.A.Steed
Great idea. I will get started on some puns.
January 17, 2019 at 2:28 pm
Lori Alexander
Great post, Nina. Congrats on Three Little Pugs!
January 17, 2019 at 2:29 pm
Nicole Loos Miller (@beautify_life)
OMG the cheese puns! Love it.
January 17, 2019 at 2:29 pm
writersideup
Nina, what a “cheesy” post. I mean REALLY 😉 LOVE your Ichabod ad 😀
January 17, 2019 at 2:34 pm
Cathy Ogren
Thanks for a “grate” post, Nina! I love using puns!
January 17, 2019 at 2:35 pm
Bronte Colbert
Thanks, Nina. Love this! And perhaps it’s time to change #1 on the list of “People’s Greatest Fears” from “public speaking” to “laying an egg” while speaking!
January 17, 2019 at 2:36 pm
Julie Mondi
Great suggestion! My wheels are spinning!
January 17, 2019 at 2:37 pm
Katie L. Carroll (@KatieLCarroll)
LOL! Very puny!
January 17, 2019 at 2:38 pm
Michelle Kashinsky
Very punny! Ha! Thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 2:40 pm
karengreenwald2985
Fantastic post! Thank you! (Now, I’m going to make myself a grilled cheese and pun–yup, it’s now a verb!)
January 17, 2019 at 2:41 pm
Lisa Riddiough
Love the puns!!
January 17, 2019 at 2:47 pm
Rebecca
I never knew a group of pugs was called a grumble!
January 17, 2019 at 2:47 pm
leeanimator
What a fun post!!! We love puns at our house too. When my son was growing up he and a friend made a list of all the different kinds of cheese they could think of like mean cheese, cheese man, and I don’t even remember all of their ideas but it was fun hearing them come up with the list.
Thanks so much!!!
January 17, 2019 at 2:51 pm
hmmmmm
Thanks for the timely (punctual?) post, Nina!
January 17, 2019 at 2:51 pm
teacherwriteracker
Oh how I love puns and your books. Thanks for sharing.
January 17, 2019 at 2:57 pm
sherilyncook
Most really enjoy a good PUN! I sure do, thanks for your post.
January 17, 2019 at 3:04 pm
Debbie Huard
If puns don’t make you smile, nothing will. I Love PUNS! Thank you for a fun and inspirational post!
January 17, 2019 at 3:08 pm
RebeccaTheWriter
OMG! Chicken Lily is one of my FAVORITES! LOVE puns! Awesome post! Thank you!
January 17, 2019 at 3:09 pm
diana delosh
Love love love your puns and fun word plays
January 17, 2019 at 3:19 pm
marsha e wright
Nina! Your idea is NOT CHEESY at all. Your post will help me quickly SHRED ideas that are PEPPERED with creativity, which I will SLICE and MOLD into stories. Your post is GRATE!.I’m off to the library this week to read Chicken Lily–a very punny book! Thanks for reminding me about another language tool that makes children laugh!
January 17, 2019 at 3:20 pm
Kelly Ohlert
Yes! Love puns! Thanks for sharing!
January 17, 2019 at 3:22 pm
Jane Baskwill
Nina, puns are so much fun. I love the expression on kids’ faces at the moment they actually get it! Just as much fun is my 5 year old granddaughter’s face when she doesn’t get it – she scrunches her lips and rolls her eyes and looks at me as if I’m crazy!
January 17, 2019 at 3:23 pm
Maria Marshall
Nina, what funny puns. Some real goan-worthy ones for the cheese. This was a fun day to play with words. Thanks.
January 17, 2019 at 3:29 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
So much fun! Thanks for sharing!
January 17, 2019 at 3:29 pm
shiela Fuller
Love the illustrations and of course, the punny post.
January 17, 2019 at 3:37 pm
angie9091
Love the puns!
January 17, 2019 at 3:42 pm
bookfish1
Good stuff I love puns. It is amazing how clever people are to come up with these ideas and books. Thanks
January 17, 2019 at 3:43 pm
Pam Miller
Your punderfull books are like the best jokes ever – still laughing, and it’s a great idea!
January 17, 2019 at 3:56 pm
Andrea MacDonald
I’m lichen it already. No flies on you! Seriously, great post.
January 17, 2019 at 4:02 pm
Katie Giorgio
I love a good pun. Thanks for sharing!
January 17, 2019 at 4:07 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
Loved this Punny Post and your encouragement to lean into our CHEESY sense of humor!
January 17, 2019 at 4:08 pm
Jodi Mckay
Hahaha! Not much better than a punny story. Thanks for sharing!
January 17, 2019 at 4:10 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Thank your for your great post. I’m afraid I’m one of those unfortunate people who are pun deaf. I really have to work on it.
January 17, 2019 at 4:12 pm
Debbi G
Fun post–thanks.
January 17, 2019 at 4:14 pm
Sheri Radovich
Thanks, I’m confused but thanks.
January 17, 2019 at 4:16 pm
Karin Semler
Super motivating!
January 17, 2019 at 4:16 pm
chardixon47
Punrific fun on puns! Thank you Nina 🙂
January 17, 2019 at 4:24 pm
Meli Glickman
I love the pun-ch line message here! While I am not the best at crafting clever puns, I can recognize good ones. And I love Tara’s book 7 Ate 9! Your post gives me motivation to consider my own pun-tactic writing possibilities. Many thanks for sharing!
January 17, 2019 at 4:24 pm
Heather Kelso
Thank you for the post Nina.Puns are punny!
January 17, 2019 at 4:25 pm
paulastevenson7
This is the universe speaking as one of my new goals is to use more humour in my kids books; thank you
January 17, 2019 at 4:26 pm
wyszguy
That was pun-derful.
January 17, 2019 at 4:37 pm
deniseaengle
Nina, that’s so punny and cute! Thank you for an uplifting message.
January 17, 2019 at 4:50 pm
Shereen S.
I do love me some puns! So why did it take me a minute to get the “havarti” one? But once I did I felt so smart! LOL
January 17, 2019 at 4:53 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Puns are such fun! Great post. Thanks.
January 17, 2019 at 4:54 pm
gingermeurer
Thank you, Nina! I never had so much fun reading something so cheesy! And with me, the pun is always intended.
January 17, 2019 at 4:57 pm
Linda Mitchell
Puns are fun! Thanks for the fun
January 17, 2019 at 5:08 pm
Nancy Ramsey
That was fun! Great post!
January 17, 2019 at 5:09 pm
Heather Gallagher
Ooh I love puns but find it challenging to figure out which ones small kids will get and which they won’t!
January 17, 2019 at 5:13 pm
Linda KulpTrout
I haven’t tried to use puns in my stories, but after reading this post, I just might try it!
January 17, 2019 at 5:19 pm
debbiemccue
Love your play with words. You make it seem easy as a brie-s, But my attempts are more cheesy. Thanks for the fun post.
January 17, 2019 at 5:19 pm
Andi Butler
Ha haa! Your puns at their finest, and I do havarti supplies! A wonderful post my friend! xo
January 17, 2019 at 5:29 pm
Erika Henkart
That was so fun, thanks!!!
January 17, 2019 at 5:29 pm
Sherri Jones Rivers
Chicken Lily cracked me up. That laugh was egg-actly what I needed today. Thanks, Nina.
January 17, 2019 at 5:30 pm
Sensibility and Sense
Thank you, Nina! Your perfectly pleasing puns made me LOL! (And get inspired too:)
January 17, 2019 at 5:31 pm
Moon Bishop
Puns always make me groan, but the kids I read to fall all over them! Thanks for the reminder that puns are one of the first types of humor children enjoy.
January 17, 2019 at 5:36 pm
Laurel Goodluck
I am very fondue of your punny tips! Thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 5:45 pm
SuZan Klassen
Ahh gouda idea.
January 17, 2019 at 5:59 pm
Maria Bostian
Love a good pun and your post was full of them. Enjoyed reading it today. Thanks.
January 17, 2019 at 6:03 pm
Sue Heavenrich
We all need more pun in our lives!
January 17, 2019 at 6:07 pm
Lisa Black
Great
January 17, 2019 at 6:15 pm
megcason1
Puns are my absolute favorite!!
January 17, 2019 at 6:16 pm
Jacqueline Adams
What a fun post! And it gave me a fun idea. Thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 6:18 pm
Latasha Vernon
I absolutely love puns!!!! Some people think it’s corny but I find it very clever and humorous.
January 17, 2019 at 6:18 pm
Shirley
What a fun post. I’ll have to try it.
January 17, 2019 at 6:22 pm
Karin Larson
Puns are so fun as is this post:)
January 17, 2019 at 6:24 pm
Dea Brayden
Pun used to make me roll my eyes but then came Phil Dunphy and I gained a whole new appreciation! Thanks for your post.
January 17, 2019 at 6:43 pm
Kathy
So punny! I envy your ability to have fun with puns!
January 17, 2019 at 6:45 pm
tiffanydickinson
Nina, I love this, and I love puns and pugs – a perfect combination. Thank you!
January 17, 2019 at 6:46 pm
Johanna Speizer
Oh I should ask my husband for help, he is really good at puns. Thanks for the tip
January 17, 2019 at 6:49 pm
celticsea
The English language provides a great treasure chest of toys with which writers can play!
January 17, 2019 at 6:55 pm
Linda Hofke
Wow, I wasn’t expecting today’s post to include cheesy puns. I was reading and thinking, “You gouda brie kidding!” But it’s a grate post. My family and I love puns and I like sneaking them into my manuscripts.Thanks for the reminder.
January 17, 2019 at 6:59 pm
James Arthur
EXCELLENT. This was great, insight was spot on. Thank yoU!
January 17, 2019 at 7:04 pm
Tania Russ Hebert
Interesting, thanks for sharing.
January 17, 2019 at 7:17 pm
kathydoherty1
I’ve always loved puns! You have to use higher level thinking skills to figure them out.
January 17, 2019 at 7:19 pm
Bettie Boswell
What a fun post. I need to work on my humorous side.
January 17, 2019 at 7:21 pm
ssafra22
I loved this post!!! Humor and intellect all rolled into one. I’m definitely using this in my next PB!
January 17, 2019 at 7:28 pm
Lydia Lukidis
Long live the puns!
January 17, 2019 at 7:34 pm
leslievanzee
I was once in a meditation class and the guided meditation had us thinking to ourselves, “I am great,” and I couldn’t help but think “I am grate”.
January 17, 2019 at 7:38 pm
joyceschr
Thanks for this post about puns. I’ll try to work some into my writing, but it can be difficult. I understand, for example, that when we write about the past, the present or the future, it can become a little tense.
January 17, 2019 at 7:41 pm
seschipper
What a “pun-ny” post!!! I loved it! Thanks you so much for sharing!! 🙂
January 17, 2019 at 7:46 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Punster after my own heart!
January 17, 2019 at 7:56 pm
Kaye Baillie
I’m not a natural punner, but I do appreciate those who can do it. Like Tara and yourself. And how cute are the Lily and Pug books. I’m going to find them.
January 17, 2019 at 7:56 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
I rarely think of puns as I’m speaking, but my husband and sons are great at it. I’ll have to listen to them more!
January 17, 2019 at 7:57 pm
Sue Frye
Pun-struck!
January 17, 2019 at 8:02 pm
ingridboydston
Lol! Thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 8:03 pm
jaclynsmiller
I do love some good pun fun :).
January 17, 2019 at 8:04 pm
Matt Forrest Esenwine
I’ve always swissed I could come up with puns like these.
January 17, 2019 at 8:06 pm
Jennifer
Thanks for pun heck of a good idea!
January 17, 2019 at 8:12 pm
mona861
I love to have fun but the puns like buns, come out half baked!
January 17, 2019 at 8:24 pm
bonni goldberg
My grandfather Mike was a punster (and an artist). Whenever me or my husband pun, we say, we’re channeling Grandpa Mike. Time to channel!
January 17, 2019 at 8:25 pm
8catpaws
What do you call Buddha made of cheese?
Guddha!
January 17, 2019 at 8:28 pm
Jane Serpa
Playing with words is one of the best things about writing stories. Thank you for sharing.
January 17, 2019 at 8:31 pm
RaeMcDonald
Making it fun, making connections for kids, spring boarding off old standards…brilliant fun. Thank you.
January 17, 2019 at 8:38 pm
Sylvia Grech
Thank you for your post…so punny!
January 17, 2019 at 8:41 pm
Erik Ammon
Oh, puns are so much fin, though can be a little fishy if the author dives too deep to come up with one.
January 17, 2019 at 8:44 pm
Erik Ammon
I just realized I logged in with the right name but a different email than I’m registered for. I changed it to the correct one for the reply. Sorry!
January 17, 2019 at 8:49 pm
pjaegly
Nina, what fun to play with puns! Thank you for the idea.
January 17, 2019 at 8:59 pm
Pat Miller
Puns–kids love them. Good reminder!
January 17, 2019 at 9:22 pm
denarose
Your books sound great! Thanks for the idea of using puns!
January 17, 2019 at 9:47 pm
Mary Warth
Thanks Nina – it’s been too crazy a day to get punny but once rested, I’ll definitely give it a try!
January 17, 2019 at 9:53 pm
Sharon Nix Jones
I love puns! I look forward to reading your stories.
January 17, 2019 at 10:06 pm
Vicki Wilke
How fun! I mean pun! Thanks a ton!
January 17, 2019 at 10:27 pm
Natasha Garnett
Puns are punny when other people make them. I’m not even going to try. I love the pic of you and your pugs!
January 17, 2019 at 10:31 pm
angiecal76
Sounds like your puns will give kids the giggles. Can’t wait to read your book!
January 17, 2019 at 10:32 pm
Frances Kalavritinos
I had forgotten how much I love puns! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 17, 2019 at 10:38 pm
Katja Bertazzo
Thanks for the idea. Your books look great.
January 17, 2019 at 10:39 pm
Sandy Foster
This is so funny!! Thank you.
January 17, 2019 at 10:53 pm
teresa.mi.schaefer
Love the puns.
January 17, 2019 at 10:54 pm
bgonsar
Hurray for puns!
January 17, 2019 at 11:04 pm
marty bellis
Love your ink and watercolor illustrations, and your cute stories.
January 17, 2019 at 11:26 pm
Jennifer Weisse
Such a fun idea!
January 17, 2019 at 11:28 pm
Lucretia
Thanks for the funny, punny post!
January 17, 2019 at 11:47 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
NINA: You are THE PUN MASTER!!! Studying English in college, we students were always told to avoid using puns in our writing. Maybe this is true for some genres, but the kid lit world is PERFECT for puniness! Kids LOVE it–and so do most of their parents. I agree: you shouldn’t be afraid to pun! PS: I LOVE the newspaper article pun you wrote and designed. CLASSIC!!!
January 17, 2019 at 11:47 pm
fireurchin
Oh and ooooo. I love reading puns, but only once in a blue moon do I find my own self being punny. I’m not even all the funny. I rhyme easily. Do meter well. Can sometimes go quirky. Love onomatopoeia. Synonyms, antonyms, homophones. etc etc.
Hey, I won’t avoid them, but I could use more lessons on how to rassle up a mess of puns. Especially ones that are not groaners through and through.
I am so impressed with how Tara always manages to pun with a strong story plot. A pun on its own is just a pun, a punny story is another thing entirely…imho
bonnie fireUrchin lambourn
http://fireUrchin.com
January 17, 2019 at 11:50 pm
Rebekah Lowell
Thanks for the reminder to search for quirks in our language!
January 17, 2019 at 11:52 pm
Jennifer Hunt
Puns are the best!
January 17, 2019 at 11:54 pm
Nina Crittenden
Oh my goodness! How I have enjoyed reading all the kind comments today! Thank you all so much! Happy writing! Tara Lazar is the Pun Queen and has created such a lovely community here. Take care and stay cheesy! xoxo
January 17, 2019 at 11:59 pm
Chelle Martin
This is probably my favorite post to date. Love humor! I have to add the pug and chicken books to my library!
January 18, 2019 at 12:03 am
donnacangelosi
Such a fun post! Thank you, Nina!
January 18, 2019 at 12:08 am
Trine Grillo
Yes, I agree. Puns are fun!
January 18, 2019 at 12:08 am
Suzanne Poulter Harris
Love puns. Love brainstorming punny ideas. And loved being introduced to a couple of new picture books!
January 18, 2019 at 12:10 am
Cheryl Malandrinos
How fun! I love puns, but I am pretty bad at them.
January 18, 2019 at 12:11 am
Sara A
Hehe-fun!
January 18, 2019 at 12:25 am
susanzonca
So very punny!
January 18, 2019 at 12:38 am
Ashley Bankhead
I love puns! They are such a great way to use humor and fun in stories. Thank you for sharing this post. It was pun-derful!
January 18, 2019 at 12:44 am
M Lapointe Malchik (@imartytweet)
Thanks for the fun pun-filled post! Looking forward to reading your picture books, Nina. Great give-aways!
January 18, 2019 at 12:49 am
catpledger
I puns. I wish I was clever enough to come up with them 😊
January 18, 2019 at 1:17 am
Emily Wayne (@heyemilywayne)
I love a good pun!
January 18, 2019 at 1:42 am
Artelle Lenthall
You’re a good egg, Nina. This post can’t be beaten, I’m cracking up over here!
January 18, 2019 at 2:09 am
Karan Greene
This was so much pun! Loved it!
January 18, 2019 at 7:02 am
Jane Jeffries
Love it!
January 18, 2019 at 7:21 am
Nadine Poper
Your books sound adorable. Going on my next library order! Thank you!
January 18, 2019 at 7:44 am
Lisa L Furness
I’ll also be checking out your books ; )
January 18, 2019 at 8:00 am
chrisynthia
Puns are my favorite too!
January 18, 2019 at 8:08 am
Erin Le Clerc
I love puns!!!
January 18, 2019 at 8:16 am
Suzanne LaLiberte Lewis
What a fun post! Thanks, Nina!
January 18, 2019 at 8:37 am
cravevsworld
Thank you for sharing!
January 18, 2019 at 9:19 am
krbatti
Yes, puns make me laugh every time…Thanks for article. I look forward to finding every cheesy reference I can!
January 18, 2019 at 9:54 am
Cynthia Hawthorne
This post was so much fun. I think I need to work on my puns. Thanks for sharing, Nina.
January 18, 2019 at 10:02 am
writeknit
Thank you for the punniest post I’ve ever read!
January 18, 2019 at 10:33 am
Laura Purdie Salas
Hahahaha! Fun post, Nina!
January 18, 2019 at 10:48 am
Elizabeth Brown
Fun post, Nina. Thanks so much!
January 18, 2019 at 11:31 am
juliannahelt
I love puns!
January 18, 2019 at 11:51 am
Carolyn Bennett Fraiser
I have quite a few friends who LOVE to post pun memes on Facebook – I guess I should start paying more attention to them instead of rolling my eyes! LOL
January 18, 2019 at 11:53 am
AlisonMarcotte
This is punderful! Thanks for the inspiring and hilarious post.
January 18, 2019 at 12:10 pm
Jenny Boyd
I love it! I agree that puns are a great way to get kids happy/curious/excited about words and language.
January 18, 2019 at 12:36 pm
Annie Cronin Romano
A fun post!!!
January 18, 2019 at 1:06 pm
Connie Van Horn
Love it!
January 18, 2019 at 1:07 pm
Janet Smart
Love your post! Would love to win those cute books.
January 18, 2019 at 1:19 pm
Sara Pistulka Weingartner
Awesome post, Nina!!!
January 18, 2019 at 1:56 pm
Catrine Kyster
Fun post! Not growing up speaking English, I find it harder to come up with the puns but I love reading them.
January 18, 2019 at 2:15 pm
Jen Bagan
I love puns! Thank you for a fun post!
January 18, 2019 at 2:51 pm
lorisherritt
I love puns, but insect puns really bug me! Just had to slip that one in! Fun and refreshing! Thank you!
January 18, 2019 at 2:52 pm
Barbara Farr Renner
This was a pun post. It’ll be pun to write a punny story. Hubby and I go to MN in the summer. It may sound fishy, and somewhat corny, but we love the land of 10,000 lakes.
January 18, 2019 at 2:55 pm
Megan Walvoord (@mjwalvoord2)
Thank you very much! I will milk this for all it’s worth. Love puns!
January 18, 2019 at 3:01 pm
Noelle McBride
Thanks! I think I needed some permission to add more of this word play into my work. Heading off in the write direction!
January 18, 2019 at 3:04 pm
CJ Penko
😄😄😄😄😄😄 ok, THAT was good. Lol! Great post. Thank you!
January 18, 2019 at 3:15 pm
Kim Wilson (@AuthorKimWilson)
Love puns!
January 18, 2019 at 3:23 pm
Barb Ostapina
Cheese, Nina, that was just what I needed! Thanks.
January 18, 2019 at 3:38 pm
writeforapples1
The cheese section of this was grate! 😉
January 18, 2019 at 3:42 pm
Charlotte Offsay
Love this! Great puns!
January 18, 2019 at 3:58 pm
LaurenKerstein
A pun a day keeps my inner critique away. Puns make my heart sing! Thank you for this punderful post!
January 18, 2019 at 4:54 pm
Lisa Murphy
I LOVE PUNS! Every thing is better with puns!
thank you!
January 18, 2019 at 4:55 pm
Marcie Rinka Wessels
Ha, ha! Very punny!
January 18, 2019 at 4:57 pm
Monica Stoltzfus
Thank you, Nina! I love a good pun..
January 18, 2019 at 5:15 pm
rgstones
I love it when puns spark ideas. 🙂
January 18, 2019 at 5:27 pm
Melissa Stoller
Great post, Nina! Cheers to great puns!
January 18, 2019 at 5:55 pm
Joann Howeth
I’m not naturally punny myself, but I do love being around those who are!
January 18, 2019 at 6:41 pm
Rena Traxel
I’m also a fan of puns and pugs.
January 18, 2019 at 7:06 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
Our family does this at the dinner table. Puns are us.
January 18, 2019 at 7:10 pm
Sarah Maynard (@SarahDMaynard)
HA! You’re very punny. Loved this!
January 18, 2019 at 7:44 pm
Suzanne Lieurance
Great post. Puns are so fun!
January 18, 2019 at 8:30 pm
Cheryl Johnson
Love the idea of adding in some humor that kids will enjoy.
January 18, 2019 at 9:55 pm
annettepimentel
Ha!
January 18, 2019 at 11:34 pm
saralakron
Puns sound like quite the challenge!
January 18, 2019 at 11:53 pm
renataclarkeblog
Your puns drew me in to this post, and your Chicken Lily example is definitely something I need to add to the family library. I have an anxiety disorder, as does my son, and that looks like a really clever way to tackle the ‘what ifs’ and challenge them in a narrative form. Love your work!
January 19, 2019 at 12:10 am
Becky Scharnhorst
What a fun post! I just started a new manuscript that has lots of wordplay and puns so I found this especially inspiring.
January 19, 2019 at 12:14 am
Rani Iyer
Pun is fun, but hard to write.
January 19, 2019 at 1:07 am
Robin Robb-Kraus
Thank you Nina for your advice and ideas! So clever when I see book titles out there that hit a punny view but yet so hard to capture an original one of my own! I am in search now! Thank you for the challenge!
January 19, 2019 at 1:50 am
Teresa Traver
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. I have mixed feeling about puns, but I’m trying to use more of them, because I’ve found picture books with puns are lots of fun to read. (KICK CHOP JUMP is my current pun-filled favorite.)
January 19, 2019 at 1:54 am
Sandy Perlic
I love puns, and they’re so fun to write with! Thanks for the great examples – I’ll have to check out Chicken Lily.
January 19, 2019 at 5:49 am
Nancy Kotkin (@Brave_New_Words)
Puns are fun! And a great way to teach vocabulary.
January 19, 2019 at 7:42 am
Freda Lewkowicz
I’m working on a pun-filled PB right now so this is inspiring me to find the perfect ending.Thank you.
January 19, 2019 at 7:53 am
Bethanny Parker
So much fun with words!
January 19, 2019 at 7:57 am
Lauri Meyers
Your final puns were awfully cheesy. 🙂
January 19, 2019 at 9:31 am
Patricia
Thank you for sharing this idea.
January 19, 2019 at 9:44 am
Rick Starkey
Puns are fun. Thanks for sharing.
January 19, 2019 at 10:00 am
Mel Copeman
Ah I’m bad at puns but I can always try!
January 19, 2019 at 10:12 am
Eileen Saunders
This was so fun. Made my day.
January 19, 2019 at 10:43 am
saputnam
Grate post, Nina!! Thank you for sharing your ideas for adding puns into our storytelling
January 19, 2019 at 11:49 am
Jim Chaize
Let the puns begin. Thanks, Nina.
January 19, 2019 at 11:59 am
Kathy O'Neill
I’ve never been good at puns, but I love them! I should try harder, I guess.
January 19, 2019 at 12:58 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
Are you cheddar? Cuz, gurl do you look sharp! I mean, this is almost too gouda to be true! I’ve got more, but I’ll stop there! Thanks for the laughs! 🙂
January 19, 2019 at 4:18 pm
Teresa Robeson
As a fan of Groucho Marx, I’ve always loved them! I’m not clever enough to make them myself though.
January 19, 2019 at 4:26 pm
aliciaminor
Punch with a pun title and story idea and strike bigtime. It sure is fun to write this way.
January 19, 2019 at 4:36 pm
readstuffnwrite
I do love a good pun, but never been good at writing them. Maybe I’ll try this way!
January 19, 2019 at 5:02 pm
Rebecca Guzinski
Just the post I’ve been waiting for since I’m working on a punny story right now!!! 🙂
January 19, 2019 at 5:16 pm
Laurie Bouck
Thank you for your post! I love a good pun!
January 19, 2019 at 5:28 pm
Diane Tulloch
Haha…Hilarious! I could do with one of her books as a mentor text. 🙂
January 19, 2019 at 6:24 pm
therhymeoftime
Love this!
January 19, 2019 at 7:46 pm
Susan Schade
Great idea! Thank you!
January 19, 2019 at 8:49 pm
Lynn Alpert
I’ve always loved your puns, Nina! Thanks for the cheesy post!
January 19, 2019 at 9:18 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
I love spotting a good pun in a book. Thank you!
January 19, 2019 at 10:58 pm
Patricia Toht
I love puns! Thanks for the post, Nina!
January 20, 2019 at 7:54 am
Joana Pastro
I’m possible not to read this post with a smile on our faces. I love punny stories! Thanks!
January 20, 2019 at 8:56 am
kaleegwarjanski
puns are so fun. i love it especially when its a verb – seems like a step above.
January 20, 2019 at 9:20 am
Carolyn Lucas
Nina, I love puns. This was a great punny post to read. Thank you.
January 20, 2019 at 9:58 am
Angela De Groot
Nina, you are a great pundit.
January 20, 2019 at 10:04 am
KRISTINA CASTILLO
I love puns!
January 20, 2019 at 10:04 am
Wendy
Thanks for the inspiration to go back to one of my pun stories. Am I as bad at them as I thought? Maybe–maybe not! Thanks, Nina.
January 20, 2019 at 10:19 am
kmajor2013
Great post! I have been working on several stories trying to add some “PUNache” to them! I really like Tara’s 7 Ate 9.
January 20, 2019 at 11:23 am
hdening
Puns–Great suggestion for ideas. Very fun! Thanks!
January 20, 2019 at 11:53 am
ccnolympia
I look forward to checking out your books! In our home people get pun points. All puns welcome!
January 20, 2019 at 11:56 am
Judith Wright Aplin
Oh, thank you for reminding me of how fun puns can be…how clever…how entertaining…how they make language so enjoyable……
January 20, 2019 at 1:14 pm
jenfierjasinski
Fun post!
January 20, 2019 at 3:00 pm
thesheilster
This was a fun post to read.
January 20, 2019 at 3:35 pm
DB Cote
I liked your suggestion that “puns are a fun way to play with words and a terrific way for kids to develop a love of language.” Thank you.
January 20, 2019 at 3:39 pm
Valarie Giogas
Thanks for the reminder of a fun way to insert humor.
January 20, 2019 at 3:44 pm
Judy Pressler
Puns are fun! Great books for my great-nieces. Hurray, I get to read the books first before giving them away!
January 20, 2019 at 4:23 pm
Deb Cushman
Kids love a little pun fun! It’s so great when you see that look in their eyes that lets you know that they “got it.”
January 20, 2019 at 5:34 pm
Lynne Marie
I am a big fan of Lori and Chicken Lily and can’t wait to check out three little pugs! If you ever visited my word play ground you would know that I love puns, too! Thanks for sharing!
January 20, 2019 at 6:38 pm
Keila Dawson
Very punny indeed!
January 20, 2019 at 6:48 pm
Carolyn Kraft
Puns are the best, thank you for the inspiration!
January 20, 2019 at 7:43 pm
Elizabeth Metz
I LOVE PUNS!!!!!
January 20, 2019 at 7:53 pm
setwiggs
Nana,
I’m not good at puns so I’ll have to read your books!
January 20, 2019 at 8:28 pm
Christine Pinto
Thanks for the grate ideas!
January 20, 2019 at 9:11 pm
Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor)
What a cheesy exercise! 😉 Puns are my favorite, and my most recent manuscript is riddled with them! I just love word play.
January 20, 2019 at 10:05 pm
Anne LeBlanc (@AnneLeBlanc2)
I have been wanting to introduce puns to my 4/5 class and now I know where to start!
January 20, 2019 at 10:40 pm
Jill M Proctor
I love puns. I’m working on one punny idea right now. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 21, 2019 at 3:11 am
Mirka Hokkanen
Thank you for the reference books for puns. 🙂
January 21, 2019 at 8:45 am
mbhmaine
Such a fun post! I’m still groaning about those “grate” ideas! lol
January 21, 2019 at 10:14 am
Helen
That was fun, thanks!
January 21, 2019 at 10:43 am
Kathy Sholtys
Fabulous idea! Looking forward to reading your books!
January 21, 2019 at 11:58 am
Tiffany Painter
Kids love puns. What a great way to get kids talking to each other about what they are reading.
January 21, 2019 at 12:13 pm
colleenrkosinski
Fun post!
January 21, 2019 at 12:55 pm
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez
Hahahaha! I particularly love your cheese puns Nina. I have always had a good time of hearing puns, but not making them myself, I’m excited for this challenge
January 21, 2019 at 1:05 pm
sjctenney
Puns are great! I really want to get better at using them. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 21, 2019 at 1:35 pm
Kate Dolan
You’re a cheese whiz!
January 21, 2019 at 3:31 pm
julielacombeauthor
I keep a pun notebook!
January 21, 2019 at 4:03 pm
Anna Brooks
I love puns. They seem easy, but the best ones are a challenge because they are completely unexpected and joyful!
January 21, 2019 at 5:43 pm
yangmommy
Your cheese analogy of puns was hilarious! Thx for sharing
January 21, 2019 at 5:54 pm
Meilssa Chupp
Thanks for the grate idea!
January 21, 2019 at 9:13 pm
Nora Fry
When you’re married to a guy named Fry the puns never stop!
January 21, 2019 at 10:28 pm
Angela H. Dale
Cheesy puns are grate!
January 21, 2019 at 10:45 pm
Midge Ballou Smith
Ha! Enjoyed this!
January 22, 2019 at 12:58 am
martina.franklin.poole
This just makes me happy.
January 22, 2019 at 1:48 am
aturner513
This post was so punny! Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
January 22, 2019 at 2:09 am
Hillary Homzie
Thank you for sharing your wonderful punny sense of humor 🙂
January 22, 2019 at 6:53 am
jpuglow
Your post spurred me to make a section in my journal to keep a list of puns that people didn’t intend to make. 🤪
January 22, 2019 at 10:13 am
Nicole Turner
I love cute and funny picture books with fun word play. I can’t wait to read yours.
January 22, 2019 at 11:13 am
Kelly Vavala
Funtastic! What a wonderful post! Enjoyed it immensely! Thank you for sharing!
January 22, 2019 at 11:55 am
Anne Appert
I really enjoyed reading this post. 😀 Thank you!
January 22, 2019 at 12:46 pm
CindyC
Great, punny post! Thank you.
January 22, 2019 at 1:31 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you for sharing
January 22, 2019 at 3:48 pm
tsshaskan
Nina, this is a really GRATE post! So Gouda! No matter how you slice it: You’re Punderful!
January 22, 2019 at 3:50 pm
Sally Matheny
I love puns. It makes reading children’s books extra fun for the parents. 🙂
January 22, 2019 at 7:13 pm
Paula VanEnkevort
I enjoyed the punny post. Thank you for sharing!
January 22, 2019 at 7:40 pm
Buffy Silverman
Ah, the pun–ishment. Thanks for the brainstorming ideas!
January 22, 2019 at 8:03 pm
Stephanie Lau
WOMP WOMP!
January 22, 2019 at 10:42 pm
Steve Schwartz
Thanks for a great post. I think word play/puns add immeasurably to the enjoyment of reading and listening to PBs.
January 23, 2019 at 1:13 am
J.D. Silverwood (@jdsilverwood)
Thanks for pointing out these great pun-filled books! Another punny book I love is WAKE THE DEAD by Monica Harris.
January 23, 2019 at 2:40 am
Amalia Reef
I love this! What a fun read – and a “grate” idea!
January 23, 2019 at 11:07 am
Mary A Zychowicz
I’m playing catch-up on posts today. I just added that tidbit about a “grumble” to my “One Amazing Thing” box from Jess Keating’s Day 18 Post! Thanks for that and for those “cheesy” ideas.
January 23, 2019 at 11:49 am
Emily
You make it look so easy, Nina!
January 23, 2019 at 12:43 pm
Jill
Hilarious, Nina! Thanks for including a cheesy example!
January 23, 2019 at 1:03 pm
writeremmcbride
Nina, I LOVED your post! You are so encouraging to me in my strange fascination with words and concepts! I’ve noticed several of my manuscripts are built around such a focus. Thank you so much for your GRATE ideas!
January 23, 2019 at 3:10 pm
Kyle McBride
BaDoom Ching
January 23, 2019 at 6:04 pm
Dani Duck
OH the puns. My husband would be so happy.
January 23, 2019 at 8:25 pm
Amanda Davis
Great punny examples! Thanks, Nina!
January 24, 2019 at 2:00 am
Michelle Sumovich
Thank you, Nina!
January 24, 2019 at 4:27 am
Sherry Howard
The punnier, the better. Loved the examples. Didn’t know about a grumble of dogs.
January 24, 2019 at 12:38 pm
LAUREN BARBIERI
Ha! Loved the cheese puns! Thank you.
January 24, 2019 at 1:57 pm
alisongoldberg
Thank you!
January 24, 2019 at 3:37 pm
Joannie Duris
You had me laughing and groaning at the same time! We’ll have pun, pun, pun while the story takes us away. Thank you, Nina.
January 24, 2019 at 4:19 pm
photojaq
How about beginning with KNEES!
January 24, 2019 at 5:32 pm
Janet Halfmann
I’ve never thought of basing a story on puns. Have to try it!
January 24, 2019 at 5:36 pm
Zoraida Rivera
Something new to learn about. Thanks.
January 24, 2019 at 6:22 pm
Francoise
We may call them puns, but the chickens think they’re corny!
January 24, 2019 at 10:13 pm
Kathleen Cornell-Berman
Thanks for this post. I’m quite negligent when it comes to puns in my stories. That will have to change.
January 25, 2019 at 3:04 am
sharongiltrow
Thank you Nina a very punny post. My favorite pun is to say berries are berry nice to eat ;-).
January 25, 2019 at 10:55 am
Becky Shillington
Love these puns!!
January 25, 2019 at 12:26 pm
topangamaria
Punderful INDEED
January 25, 2019 at 1:23 pm
Shanah Salter
Love the cheese puns! So clever 🙂
January 25, 2019 at 2:05 pm
laura516
Great art. Love Chicken Lily!
January 25, 2019 at 6:10 pm
dlapmandi
Truly love puns! I can’t wait to journal some puns.
January 26, 2019 at 9:24 am
Patti Ranson
Awesome stuff, thank you!
January 26, 2019 at 2:21 pm
Sharalyn Edgeberg
I lost my head in Sleepy Hollow, but I love the cheese puns! All punned out for today.
January 26, 2019 at 2:55 pm
rhumba20
Love any play on language! Thank you!!!!
-Anna Levin
January 26, 2019 at 10:04 pm
Robyn Campbell
Punny post. Funny thing is I have never been good at them. I think I’ll exercise the pun part of my brain. Thanks, so much!
January 26, 2019 at 10:30 pm
Lou
These have a lot of potential to layer humor that both kids and adults will enjoy. Thanks, Nina.
January 27, 2019 at 6:56 am
Maria J Cuesta
Cool!!!! Let me get cheese, pen, and paper!!!
Thank you!!! 😋
January 27, 2019 at 10:12 am
Lucky Jo Boscarino
Grate ideas!!!
January 27, 2019 at 11:10 am
Kristin Wauson
I love puns! This was a very entertaining and inspiring post. Thank you!
January 27, 2019 at 12:08 pm
rrmalin
The more you read, the more pun you have.
January 27, 2019 at 12:46 pm
Therese Kay
I never knew a group of pugs was called a grumble! The things you learn! Grate puns!
January 27, 2019 at 1:33 pm
Caren Cantrell
You are a pundit of puns! Hilarious!
January 27, 2019 at 5:49 pm
Terri Sabol
Love it! I always try to include a pun in my inscription. Thanks!
January 27, 2019 at 5:58 pm
Joyce
Love puns. Thanks!
January 27, 2019 at 8:32 pm
Andrew Lefebvre
I love puns!
January 28, 2019 at 10:18 am
Michelle O'Hara Levin
Punny! I love it. Thanks
January 28, 2019 at 11:04 am
Beth Gallagher
😂😂😂 Thank you for the inspiration for our funny bones!
January 28, 2019 at 12:05 pm
cantsing1
Lots of fun with great examples.
January 28, 2019 at 2:50 pm
Brandon Collins
🙂
January 29, 2019 at 12:59 pm
Susie Sawyer
Puns are funny! I think we need to make sure they are recognizable to our audience (young as they are) – although tossing in a few for their grownups is a bonus! Thank you!
January 29, 2019 at 1:46 pm
hannahtuohyillustration
I love puns! Thank you for sharing!
January 29, 2019 at 3:49 pm
claireannette1
Your post is making me smile! And, giving me some great ideas. Who knew that a group of pugs is a grumble?!
January 29, 2019 at 6:48 pm
Rebecca Herzog
I’m always on the lookout for a good pun! Thanks for the post.
January 29, 2019 at 11:06 pm
Carolyn
This is great. Almost all my picture book ideas start from puns or word play…
January 29, 2019 at 11:32 pm
Charlene Avery
Writer after my own heart. Loved your post. Thank you.
January 30, 2019 at 12:55 am
Susan Tuggy
I’m intimidated by puns! Will take up the challenge and brainstorm phrases.
January 30, 2019 at 3:50 am
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
Those were a lot of cheesy puns. I love Tara’s book 7 ATE 9! Thanks for the ideas.
January 30, 2019 at 10:28 am
Vicky Howard
Oh to be that creative. I think it will be a good challenge for my brain to look out for opportunities to think and see in this way!
January 30, 2019 at 4:22 pm
Christine Irvin
Thanks for the punderful ideas.
January 30, 2019 at 5:25 pm
sallie wolf
Love the cheese puns.
January 31, 2019 at 12:27 am
Cindy E. Owens
I love how you based the Three Little Pugs off of yours. If I could choose which book to read first? Chicken Lily! I think chickens are SO cute!
January 31, 2019 at 1:23 am
Jocelyn Rish
Puns are the best! And those pugs are too adorable!
January 31, 2019 at 4:20 am
Kathryn E Kass
Using puns is a great idea, thanks!
January 31, 2019 at 5:44 am
Brittanny Handiboe
Just did a project with a bunch of bear puns. Maybe I should go back to that haha
January 31, 2019 at 10:29 am
Sherrilynn Scott
I hope I win The Three Little Pugs. I love the title and the cover illustration! I also love puns!
January 31, 2019 at 12:18 pm
Judy Cooper
Thanks for your post. I love puns.
January 31, 2019 at 3:31 pm
Julie Rand
My cat sat in my lap while we read this. We thought it was purr-fect! Thanks!
January 31, 2019 at 7:33 pm
higherthanrubies
So punny! I said I was not going to use that moldy saying, but I couldn’t help it. Thanks!
January 31, 2019 at 7:54 pm
Laurie Swindler
Thanks, You make writing puns a brie-eeze.
January 31, 2019 at 10:28 pm
Naomi Gruer
Nice post!
February 1, 2019 at 3:12 pm
denitajohnson
Thanks for the puns.
February 2, 2019 at 8:46 am
Lindsay Fiore
Such a gouda post, Nina! Thanks for the all the punderful ideas!
February 2, 2019 at 3:20 pm
Catherine Friess
I love playing with puns – thank you for sharing these Nina.
February 3, 2019 at 1:23 pm
Dianne
Ha! I love puns. This was grate. Thank you.
February 3, 2019 at 4:40 pm
Johna Nicole Rossetti
Very punny! I wish I could come up with something original Thanks for the post.
February 3, 2019 at 7:08 pm
McCourt Thomas
What a fun idea!
February 4, 2019 at 4:27 pm
loelmu
Ha, never thought of doing that. Entertaining for an adult reading it as well as the kid!
February 4, 2019 at 5:35 pm
Jess Bourgeois
Love that puns are something fun for both kids and adults!
February 5, 2019 at 12:21 am
Sheri Dillard
Haha! Fun post! Thanks, Nina! 🙂