SNL's Kenan Thompson Talks 'Unfunny Bunny' and Comedy for Kids

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze welcomes Kenan Thompson—SNL's longest-tenured cast member, comedian, and actor—to discuss his picture book debut, The Unfunny Bunny (co-authored with Bryan Tucker and illustrated by Tony Neal). Kenan shares how a simple rhyming title sparked a story about a bunny whose jokes fall flat on the first day of school, and why that journey from "unfunny" to finding your funny mirrors his own experiences in comedy.

From his favorite SNL sketches like "What's Up With That" to learning how to ice skate for a hockey role, Kenan opens up about the power of perseverance and why it's okay when things don't go according to plan. With humor and heart, he reveals what makes kids laugh and how the magic of friendship can help you find your voice. Whether you're a parent preparing a child for their first day of school or someone who's ever felt like their jokes didn't land, this conversation is a joyful reminder that trying, failing, and trying again is all part of the journey.

Read the transcript on The Children's Book Review.

Highlights:

• From SNL to Picture Books: Why Kenan wanted to jump into children's literature
• The Title Came First: How "Unfunny Bunny" sparked the entire story concept
• Comedy Lessons for Kids: What happens when your jokes don't land and how to keep going
• Don't Be Afraid to Scrape Your Knee: Kenan's philosophy on resilience and recovery

• What Makes Kids Laugh: The power of silliness, energy, and honest portrayal
• The Magic of Two Friends: Why partnership helps you find your balance
• Being Yourself is Enough: Kenan's message about confidence, friendship, and perseverance

Notable Quotes:

"Don't be afraid to scrape your knee. If you scrape your knee, put the bandaid on it and keep it moving. It'll heal and you'll be better off for it." —Kenan Thompson

"You really can do anything you put your mind to and try hard at. The timing part, you know, is the key." —Kenan Thompson

"Don't let anybody stop you. But also be willing to take on a passenger; there's nothing wrong with going down the road, not alone. We're supposed to be united in this world." —Kenan Thompson

Books Mentioned:

• The Unfunny Bunny by Kenan Thompson, Bryan Tucker, and Tony Neal: Amazon or Bookshop.org

About Kenan Thompson:

Kenan Thompson's career spans decades, including being the longest-tenured Saturday Night Live cast member in history and starring in family-centric projects like Kenan and Kel, All That, The Grinch, the Trolls franchise (as Tiny Diamond—the cutest character ever), The Mighty Ducks 2 and 3, Smurfs 1 and 2, and both Good Burgers. The Emmy award-winning actor’s iconic work has made him a beloved household name. Unfunny Bunny is his debut picture book.

Credits:

Host: Bianca Schulze
Guest: Kenan Thompson
Producer: Bianca Schulze