Many of these stories use repetition. In 'There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly', the repeated lines like 'I don't know why she swallowed the fly' are very catchy. This repetition makes the story engaging for children and adds to the humor as the old lady swallows more and more absurd things.
One characteristic is the use of simple and vivid language. For example, in 'The Three Little Pigs', words like 'huff' and 'puff' are used to describe the wolf's actions, which are easy for children to understand and find funny. Another is the presence of interesting characters. Like the naughty Goldilocks in 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears'.
A well - known funny classic is 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll. Alice's encounters with strange and absurd characters like the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat are both bewildering and hilarious. Also, 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' by Roald Dahl is full of funny moments. The Oompa - Loompas and the wacky inventions in the factory make it a really fun read for kids.
The characters in classic German children's stories are often complex. For instance, in 'The Fisherman and His Wife', the wife is both greedy and ambitious. The stories also typically have a plot that builds up suspense. In 'Rumpelstiltskin', the girl is in a race against time to figure out the little man's name. And they are rich in cultural details specific to Germany, which can give children an understanding of German culture and traditions.
The characters in these stories are often relatable to children. A story about a child who is afraid of the dark but overcomes the fear is something many kids can identify with. And the humor in these stories can be both in the actions of the characters, like a clumsy bear trying to dance, and in the words they say, which are often silly and fun.
Funny children's short stories usually have vivid characters. Like in 'The Three Little Pigs', the pigs are distinct, with one being lazy and the others being more hardworking. And the big bad wolf is also a very recognizable character. These characters add a lot of fun to the story.
One characteristic is simple and vivid characters. For example, in many stories, animals are used as characters like the clever fox or the clumsy bear. Another is the unexpected plot. A story may start in an ordinary way but end with a big surprise, which makes children laugh. And they usually have a positive moral or message at the end, like the importance of friendship or being honest.
One characteristic is simple language. They use words that kids can easily understand. For example, in 'Goodnight Moon', the language is very basic and repetitive, which is soothing for children at bedtime. Another is vivid characters. Like the Gruffalo in 'The Gruffalo', it's a unique and memorable character. Also, they often have a gentle plot. These stories don't have intense drama or scares, but rather a calm and positive ending to help kids relax and fall asleep.
They often have unexpected twists. For example, in a story where a person is expected to be very successful at something, but ends up failing in a really comical way.
Relatable situations. In stories like 'The Little Red Hen', children can understand the concept of fairness. The hen's situation of doing all the work while others are lazy is something kids might see in their own lives, and the way it's presented is humorous.
It usually has simple language and vivid illustrations to engage young readers. The stories are often full of imagination and teach moral lessons.