Andy Griffiths: The Secret to Making Kids ROFL – It's Simpler Than You Think!
2025-08-15
Sydney Morning Herald
Ever wondered why Andy Griffiths' books have kids in stitches? The prolific Australian author, behind beloved series like 'Just a Minute' and 'The Treehouse Books,' reveals the surprisingly simple formula behind his comedic genius. In a candid interview, Griffiths shares his insights on what truly tickles kids' funny bones and why embracing silliness is more important than ever.
This isn't your typical 'how-to' guide for writing comedy. Griffiths doesn't subscribe to rigid rules or complex theories. Instead, he champions a philosophy rooted in observation, playful experimentation, and a deep understanding of what makes kids laugh – often, the unexpected and absurd. He laughs, "I've always said, pull the right lever and kids laugh like drains." But what *is* that lever?
He explains that it's less about crafting jokes and more about creating situations ripe for laughter. It’s about embracing the ridiculous, using language in unusual ways, and allowing kids to participate in the humour. “Kids are incredibly smart,” Griffiths says. “They pick up on patterns and repetitions, and they love when you break those patterns in a funny way.” Think of the wonderfully chaotic scenarios in 'The Treehouse Books' – a world where anything can happen, and usually does!
Griffiths' approach is a refreshing antidote to the pressure many writers feel to be clever or profound. He encourages aspiring authors to simply *play* with words and ideas, to embrace the messy, unpredictable nature of creativity. “Don’t worry about being ‘good’,” he advises. “Just worry about being funny. And the best way to be funny is to be yourself.”
The interview delves into Griffiths' journey as a writer, his inspirations (including P.L. Travers and Roald Dahl), and his unwavering commitment to entertaining young readers. He also touches on the importance of reading aloud and the joy of sharing stories with children. Ultimately, Andy Griffiths’ message is clear: laughter is a powerful force, and it’s a gift we can all give – and receive – with a little bit of silliness and a lot of heart.
This isn't your typical 'how-to' guide for writing comedy. Griffiths doesn't subscribe to rigid rules or complex theories. Instead, he champions a philosophy rooted in observation, playful experimentation, and a deep understanding of what makes kids laugh – often, the unexpected and absurd. He laughs, "I've always said, pull the right lever and kids laugh like drains." But what *is* that lever?
He explains that it's less about crafting jokes and more about creating situations ripe for laughter. It’s about embracing the ridiculous, using language in unusual ways, and allowing kids to participate in the humour. “Kids are incredibly smart,” Griffiths says. “They pick up on patterns and repetitions, and they love when you break those patterns in a funny way.” Think of the wonderfully chaotic scenarios in 'The Treehouse Books' – a world where anything can happen, and usually does!
Griffiths' approach is a refreshing antidote to the pressure many writers feel to be clever or profound. He encourages aspiring authors to simply *play* with words and ideas, to embrace the messy, unpredictable nature of creativity. “Don’t worry about being ‘good’,” he advises. “Just worry about being funny. And the best way to be funny is to be yourself.”
The interview delves into Griffiths' journey as a writer, his inspirations (including P.L. Travers and Roald Dahl), and his unwavering commitment to entertaining young readers. He also touches on the importance of reading aloud and the joy of sharing stories with children. Ultimately, Andy Griffiths’ message is clear: laughter is a powerful force, and it’s a gift we can all give – and receive – with a little bit of silliness and a lot of heart.
