Decker, now being 5 1/2, is beginning to master the art of the joke. One of his favorite books is “Morris Goes to School”, where the main character, Morris the Moose, goes to school and proves over and over again not to be as clever as a kindergartner. Example: The teacher asks, “Who can tell me what comes after 8?”. Morris’ answer: “I know! Bedtime!”. This cracks Decker up every single time, without fail.
Being a huge fan of a good joke (good being of course in the eye of the beholder, as many time my puns have resulted in my being placed in the penalty box by friends and family), I am thrilled about this new development in my son’s toolbox o’ life skills, so have trying to coach him along by teaching him some of the classics. (”What’s brown and sticky?” “A Stick!”). So, naturally that repetoire needs to include some solid knock knock jokes. These have proved more elusive to teach, so far, but we’re trying.
Last night seemed an ideal time to try again - we were enjoying a nice dinner together of alphabet pasta, the kids were both in a chatty and pleasant mood, so I thought why not attempt another go at an all-time favorite, the banana-orange knock knock joke. The following is what ensued at our table:
Frith: (attempting to warm up the crowd with a proven golden oldie) Hey Decker, guess what?
Decker: What?
Sean: No, try again, you know this one…Hey, Decker…guess WHAT?
Decker: CHICKEN BUTT!
Frith and Sean: Ha ha ha ha ha!! Decker, that’s funny!
Sutter: HIHIN BUH!
Frith and Sean: Yes, Sutter, that’s right…good job!
Sutter: HIHIN BUH! HIHIN BUH!
Frith: Ok, Sutter let’s eat some more dinner ok? Now Decker (HIHN BUH) - thank you Sutter - I’ve got a funny one for you - Knock Knock!
Decker: What?
Sean: You mean “who’s there”.
Sutter: Mommy!
Frith: Yes, sort of Sutter! Ok, let’s try again - Knock Knock!
Decker: Who’s there?
Frith: Banana!
Sean: (groan - oh goody, this one)
Decker: silence
Sean: Say “Banana Who”, bud!
Decker: (with much giggling) Banana WHO?
Frith: Knock Knock!
Decker: But I just said Banana Who?
Frith: Just go with it, sweetie…say “Who’s there?”
Decker: Who’s there?
Frith: Banana!
Decker: (more giggling) Banana WHO?
Frith: Knock Knock!
Decker: (barely able to answer due to the typical giggling of a 5 year old) Who’s there?
Frith: Orange!
Decker: Orange WHO!! (falls over giggling). Mommy, that’s really funny!
Frith: Wait, Decker…you missed the punchline…I say orange, you say orange who, then I say “aren’t you glad i didn’t say banana?”.
Decker: My turn!! Knock Knock, Mom!
Frith: Who’s there?
Decker: Light Flower Vase Baseball!!! (practically falls out of booster seat with laughter at his cleverness).
Sean: Um, ok.
Frith: That’s close, Decker…you see, the point of a joke is-
Sutter: BANANA! BANANA! BANANA!
Frith: Thank you, Sutter. Ok - let’s try this again…hey, Decker - Knock knock!
Sutter: BANANA!
Decker: KNOCK KNOCK!
Sutter: BANANA!
Decker: KNOCK KNOCK!
Sutter: BANANA! ORANGE!
Sean: Hey, we’ve got our own little comedy team here - I’m getting flashbacks of my brother when he was little. Hang on a sec…(grabs phone and dials GQ in Loomis)
GQ/Trudi: Hello?
Sean: We’ve got a little joke for you! (Whispers to kids - ok guys - tell her your joke!)
Decker: Knock, Knock, GQ!
GQ/Trudi: Who there?
Sutter: MOMMY!
Sean: No, try again - ok Decker, go for it -
Decker: Knock, Knock! Chicken Butt!
GQ/Trudi: Wait - I didn’t catch that - who’s there?
Sutter: GQ!
Sean: Um…ok, never mind! How are you, mom?
Sutter: BANANA! BANANA! BANANA!
So, maybe neither of the kids will be heading for a comedy club anytime soon…but I do think they may have a killer stand-up team when they get older. (Especially if you like really abstract comedy). And if we call you up to tell you a joke - well, just roll with it and laugh anyway, ok?