If your child is a big David Walliams fan, you’re sure to be on the hunt for other authors whose books are as entertaining. We’ve chosen 30 amazing books for kids who love David Walliams that offer the same fun, adventure-filled excitement and are bound to be a hit!
Don’t miss the chance to have your say! We’re looking for parents to get involved and give their feedback on all aspects of family life. Find out more here.
We are HUGE fans of David Walliams and his books are loved by millions for the hilarity, chaos and endearing storylines – but if your child has read Billionaire Boy, Ratburger, Gangsta Granny, The Ice Monster and all the other fantastic David Walliams creations, you’ll be looking for more.
The books below offer many similarities to David Walliams – some are laugh out loud funny, some deal with a ‘big’ topic not normally found in children’s books, while even more take a reader on a wild adventure. So while you’re waiting for the next fantastic David Walliams book, let’s get reading…
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Fun Books for Fans of David Walliams
Demolition Dad by Phil Earle
Demolition Dad is a hilarious and warm-hearted story about Jake Biggs and his dad, George. George spends all week knocking down buildings… and all weekend knocking down wrestlers! He’s the Demolition Man, Spandex-wearing wrestling champion, and Jake couldn’t be prouder!
But when Jake hears about a pro-wrestling competition in the USA, and persuades his beloved dad to apply, things don’t quite turn out the way he expected…and plenty of adventure and mayhem ensue!
This funny and witty tale of adventure is an enjoyable read, and has a real hero to cheer for.
There are more Storey Street books in the series to enjoy afterwards.
Time Travelling with a Hamster by Ross Welford
Time Travelling with a Hamster is a story that crosses time and generations, for adventure-loving readers young and old.
“My dad died twice. Once when he was thirty nine and again four years later when he was twelve.” On Al Chaudhury’s twelfth birthday his beloved Grandpa Byron gives him a letter from Al’s late father. In it Al receives a mission: travel back to 1984 in a secret time machine and save his father’s life.
Al soon discovers that time travel requires daring and imagination. It also requires lies, theft, setting his school on fire and ignoring philosophical advice from Grandpa Byron. All without losing his pet hamster, Alan Shearer…
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Boy in the Tower by Polly Ho-Yen
Boy in the Tower is the story of Ade who loves living on the seventeenth floor at the top of a tower block. From his window, he feels like he can see the whole world stretching out beneath him.
His mum doesn’t really like looking outside – but it’s going outside that she hates. She’s happier sleeping all day inside their tower, where it’s safe.
But one day, other tower blocks on the estate start falling down around them and strange, menacing plants called Bluchers begin to appear. Now their tower isn’t safe anymore. Ade and his mum are trapped and there’s no way out…
This moving debut novel will be relatable for many children, as it deals with Ade coming to terms with the confusion and extraordinary events happening both inside and outside his home.
Take a look at the video below and see what inspired Polly Ho-Yen to write Boy in the Tower:
Scarlet and Ivy: The Lost Twin by Sophie Cleverly
Scarlet and Ivy: The Lost Twin is a spine-tingling mystery set in a creepily atmospheric boarding school. Ivy must uncover the secrets behind her twin sister Scarlet’s disappearance before it’s too late. When troublesome Scarlet mysteriously disappears from Rookwood School, terrifying Miss Fox invites her quiet twin sister Ivy to `take her place’.
Ivy reluctantly agrees in the hopes of finding out what happened to her missing sister. For only at Rookwood will Ivy be able to unlock the secrets of Scarlet’s disappearance, through a scattered trail of diary pages carefully hidden all over the school.
Can Ivy solve the mystery before Miss Fox suspects? Or before an even greater danger presents itself?
There are five further books in the Scarlet and Ivy series to enjoy.
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Knights and Bikes by Gabrielle Kent
Knights and Bikes introduces the reader to the sleepy island of Penfurzy, where nothing exciting ever really happens…or does it?
Adventure awaits Demelza and her new best friend in the whole world, Nessa, as they explore the island and uncover the mysteries of the Penfurzy Knights.
With a honking pet goose sidekick, quirky islanders and a legendary treasure to find, it’s up to Nessa and Demelza to ride their bikes, solve the puzzles before them, and face down danger with frisbees, water-balloons, feathers… and a toilet plunger.
The Astounding Broccoli Boy by Frank Cottrell Boyce
In The Astounding Broccoli Boy, meet Rory Rooney who likes to be prepared for all eventualities. His favourite book is Don’t Be Scared, Be Prepared, and he has memorized every page of it. He could even survive a hippo attack. He knows that just because something is unlikely doesn’t mean it won’t ever happen… But Rory isn’t prepared when he suddenly and inexplicably turns green!
Stuck in an isolation ward in a hospital far from home with two other remarkably green children, Rory is as confused by his new condition as the medics seem to be. But what if it’s not in their genes, or a virus, or something they ate? What if turning green actually means you’ve turned into a superhero?
Rory can’t wait to make it past hospital security and discover exactly what his superpower might be…
Boy Underwater by Adam Baron
Boy Underwater tells the story of Cymbeline Igloo (yes, really!) who has NEVER been swimming. Not ever. Not once.
Now that he has the chance, he wants to take it. He’s Googled front crawl and he’s found his dad’s old pair of trunks. He’s totally ready. How hard can it be?
What he’s not ready for is the embarrassing accident at the pool – or how it leads his mum to a sudden and unexplained breakdown.
Now, with the help of friends old and new, Cymbeline must solve the mystery of why his mum never took him near water – and it will turn his whole life upside down as he discovers some dark secrets from his family’s past.
This heartwarming story is both moving and funny, and perfect for fans of David Walliams.
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Shadow Magic by Joshua Khan
Shadow Magic introduces us to a world ruled by six ancient Houses of Magic, where a girl and a boy begin an epic and dangerous journey of discovery. After her parents’ murder, 13-year-old Lilith “Lily” Shadow rules Gehenna from Castle Gloom, an immense and windowless citadel. Now her country is about to be conquered by the Shadows’ ancient enemies – the Solars, the lords of light.
Thorn is a peasant boy, wily and smart, sold into slavery and desperate to escape. So when he’s bought by Tyburn, executioner to House Shadow, he’ll agree to just about anything – even to serving Castle Gloom for a year and day in order to earn his freedom.
When Lily is nearly poisoned by a ruthless and unknown assassin, she and Thorn embark on a dangerous quest to save Gehenna, a weird and wonderful land of haunted castles, mysterious forests and an unforgettable giant bat. Together they must unravel a twisted plot of betrayals, pride and deadly ambition.
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The Legend of Podkin One-Ear by Kieran Larwood
In The Legend of Podkin One-Ear, the eponymous Podkin is the son of a warrior chieftain. He knows that one day it will be up to him to lead his warren and guard it in times of danger. But for now, he’s quite happy to laze around annoying his older sister Paz, and playing with his baby brother Pook.
Then Podkin’s home is brutally attacked, and the young rabbits are forced to flee. The terrifying Gorm are on the rampage, and no one and nowhere is safe.
With danger all around them, Podkin must protect his family, uncover his destiny, and attempt to defeat the most horrifying enemy rabbitkind has ever known.
This book is packed with adventure, magic and mystery, and is bound to reap sequels in the not to distant future.
Claude in the City by Alex T. Smith
In Claude in the City we meet Claude – the ordinary dog with an extraordinary life who sports a chic red beret and matching jumper.
Every day, when Mr and Mrs Shinyshoes set off for work, Claude decides what fantastic adventure he wants to have that day.
Today, he and Sir Bobblysock go to the city for the very first time. They have tea in a cafe, go shopping and visit a museum. It is all very normal until…Claude accidentally foils a robbery and becomes the local hero!
You can enjoy a further eight more books in the Claude series. Claude is also now the star of his very own TV show on Disney Junior with 52 episodes.
The Spy Who Loved School Dinners by Pamela Butchart
In The Spy Who Loved School Dinners Izzy is really pleased to have been put in charge of the new girl at school. Matilde is French, and Izzy and her friends can’t wait to show her their den and its moth, and to help her avoid school dinners (also known as poison).
But Matilde isn’t really what Izzy was expecting. For a start, Matilde LOVES school dinners…and even has seconds! And that’s when they know something’s up. Matilde is a spy and she has come to find out their secrets. They must stop her before it’s too late!
Packed with hilarity and fun, this is a great book for younger fans of David Walliams.
If you like this, you can enjoy more of Pamela Butchart’s books including There’s a Werewolf in My Tent and My Headteacher is a Vampire Rat.
You’re a Bad Man, Mr Gum by Andy Stanton
You’re a Bad Man, Mr Gum is a complete horror who hates children, animals, fun and even corn on the cob. This book’s all about him.
And an angry fairy who lives in his bathtub and hits Mr Gum over the head with a frying pan if he lets his garden become untidy.
And Jake the dog, and a little girl called Polly and an evil, stinky butcher all covered in guts.
And there’s heroes, sweets and adventures in this daft and hilarious tale.
The good news? There are several more Mr Gum adventures to enjoy after you’ve finished reading this one, including Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear and Mr Gum and the Goblins.
The Brilliant World of Tom Gates by Liz Pichon
Tom Gates is the master of excuses for late homework: dog attacks, spilt water, lightning…
Tom’s exercise book is full of his doodles, cartoons and thoughts, as well as comments from his long-suffering teacher, Mr Fullerton.
After gaining five merits for his CAMPING SUCKS holiday story, Tom’s work starts to go downhill – which is a pity, as he’s desperate to impress Amy Porter, who sits next to him.
There are loads of Tom Gates books in the series to enjoy when you’ve finished this one.
In the meantime, take a look at the video below where author Liz Pichon shows you how to draw fantastic Tom Gates-style cartoons.
The Accidental Prime Minister by Tom Mclaughlin
In The Accidental Prime Minister, when Joe tells a local news reporter exactly what he would do if he were leader of the country, the video goes viral and Joe’s speech becomes famous all over the world!
Before long, people are calling for the current leader to resign and give someone else a go… and that’s how an ordinary boy like Joe ended up with the most extraordinary job.
Now the fun can really start… Hats for cats! Pet pigs for all! Banana-shaped buses! Swimming pools on trains!
Enjoy more fun books in the Accidental series including The Accidental Secret Agent and The Accidental Billionaire.
St Grizzle’s School for Girls, Goats and Random Boys by Karen McCombie
Meet 11-year-old Dani in St Grizzle’s School for Girls, Goats and Random Boys. When Dani’s mum gets the chance to study penguins in the Antarctic, she decides the best place for Dani is a strict girls’ boarding school where – uh-oh! – students wear smart uniforms that includes SKIRTS!
Having failed to change Mum’s mind, Dani finds herself having to say goodbye to Granny Viv, her dog Downboy and best friend Arch. But when they arrive at St Grizelda’s it seems that there’s been some drastic changes – gone are the uniforms and the rules, and instead there is chaos, anarchy and, er, goats.
Surely Mum’s not going to leave her at the mercy of a crazy head-butting goat, a bunch of eight-year-olds masquerading as mutant goblins and a head teacher wearing a crown of picnic cutlery? But as a homesick Dani waits for Mum to make alternative arrangements, the madness of St Grizzle’s begins to warm Dani’s heart..
There are three more books in the St Grizzles series to enjoy.
Sky Chasers by Emma Carroll
In Sky Chasers, an unexpected encounter with a boy dangling from the sky changes pickpocket Magpie’s life forever. Like her, the young boy dreams of flying over the rooftops of Paris. His family, the renowned Montgolfiers, are desperate to be first to discover the secret of flight.
Together with Pierre, Magpie is soon caught up in a world of danger, inflatable bloomers, mysterious English spies, and a trio of unruly animals in a race to be the first to fly a hot air balloon – and all in front of the King and Queen of France.
If you liked this, there are more historical fiction books for kids by Emma Carroll including Letters from the Lighthouse and The Girl who Walked on Air.
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Beetle Boy by M.G. Leonard
Beetle Boy is the first in the bestselling series by M.G. Leonard.
Darkus can’t believe his eyes when a huge insect drops out of the trouser leg of his horrible new neighbour. It’s a giant beetle – and it seems to want to communicate. But how can a boy be friends with a beetle?
And what does a beetle have to do with the disappearance of his dad, Dr Bartholomew Cuttle, and the arrival of Lucretia Cutter, with her taste for creepy jewellery?
Enjoy the follow up books Beetle Queen and Battle of the Beetles in the other books in the series.
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The Parent Agency by David Baddiel
In The Parent Agency, a boy travels to an alternate world where kids get to choose their own parents in this zany, internationally bestselling adventure, which combines the be-careful-what-you-wish-for humor of The Chocolate Touch with the classic appeal of Roald Dahl.
Barry Bennett is sick of his parents. They’re boring, they’re too strict, and it’s their fault his name is Barry. So he makes a wish for better ones—and is whisked away to the Parent Agency, where kids get to pick out their perfect parents.
For Barry, this seems like a dream come true. But as he’s about to discover, choosing a new mom and dad isn’t as simple as it sounds…
There are several more David Baddiel books to enjoy, including The Person Controller and Birthday Boy.
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Winner of the 2001 Newbury Honor, Because of Winn-Dixie is the lovely story of India Opal and her dog Winn-Dixie.
One summer’s day, ten-year-old India Opal Buloni goes down to the local Winn-Dixie supermarket for some groceries – and comes home with a dog.
But Winn-Dixie is no ordinary dog. It’s because of Winn-Dixie that Opal begins to make friends. And it’s because of Winn-Dixie that she finally dares to ask her father about her mother, who left when Opal was three.
In fact, as Opal admits, just about everything that happens that summer is because of Winn-Dixie.
Enjoy further Kate DiCamillo books including The Tale of Desperaux and The Magician’s Elephant.
The 13-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton
In The 13-Storey Treehouse Andy and Terry live in a treehouse. But it’s not just any old treehouse, it’s the most amazing treehouse in the world!
This 13-storey treehouse has a bowling alley, a see-through swimming pool, a secret underground laboratory, and an amazing marshmallow machine that follows you around and automatically shoots marshmallows into your mouth whenever you are hungry.
Life would be perfect for Andy and Terry if it wasn’t for the fact that they have to write their next book, which is almost impossible because there are just so many distractions, including thirteen flying cats, giant bananas, mermaids, sea monsters pretending to be mermaids, enormous gorillas, and dangerous burp gas-bubblegum bubbles!
The hilarious adventure only gets more exciting as you progress through the rest of the Treehouse series.
Pages & Co: Tilly and the Bookwanderers by Anna James
Pages & Co: Tilly and the Book Wanderers is a magical adventure to delight the imagination. A curl-up-on-the-sofa snuggle of a debut from a uniquely talented author.
Eleven-year-old Tilly has lived above her grandparents’ bookshop ever since her mother disappeared shortly after she was born. Like the rest of her family, Tilly loves nothing more than to escape into the pages of her favourite stories.
One day, Tilly realises that classic children’s characters like Anne of Green Gables and Alice in Wonderland are appearing in the shop through the magic of ‘book wandering’ – they are crossing over from the page into real life
And things are about to get even stranger as Tilly finds herself travelling to the fantastical worlds inside the books.
Laura Marlin Mysteries: Dead Man’s Cove by Lauren St John
Dead Man’s Cove is the first book in a gripping adventure series about eleven-year-old ace detective, Laura Marlin, from award-winning author Lauren St John.
When orphaned Laura Marlin moves from a children’s home to live with her uncle in Cornwall, she longs for a life of excitement just like the characters in her favourite detective novels.
A real life adventure is on hand as she is deposited at her uncle’s spooky house… Why does her uncle, Calvin Redfern, forbid her to go to Dead Man’s Cove? What’s the truth about Tariq, the silent Indian boy who lives with the flamboyant Mukthars? Who is J? Who has left the message in a bottle for Laura to discover?
Mysteries abound and who better to solve them than Laura Marlin, ace detective? Accompanied by her trusty companion, Skye, a three-legged husky, the dog she’s always wanted, Laura’s adventures begin in this first captivating mystery.
Enjoy the further Laura Marlin books in the series, including Kidnap in the Caribbean and Kentucky Thriller.
King Bones by Chris Hallatt
When Danny’s parents are imprisoned for stealing the Crown Jewels, he is is sent to live with his evil aunty Ratbag in the incredibly grim town of Greezy.
Being good at being bad is easy. Anyone can do it. But being truly evil requires practice, lots of practice.
Aunty Ratbag is feeling a little rusty in the ancient art of being evil – that is, untll Danny arrives. How will Danny survive being the most hated child in England and living with Aunty Ratbag?
Then, in the murky town of Greezy, he meets King Bones who has a mission for Danny…
This laugh-out-loud novel is full of hilarious characters and is a quirky read that fans of David Walliams will enjoy.
Wed Wabbit by Lissa Evans
Wed Wabbit is an adventure story about friendship, danger and the terror of never being able to get back home again. And it’s funny. It’s seriously funny.
You’re called Fidge and you’re nearly eleven. You’ve been hurled into a strange world. You have three companions: two are unbelievably weird and the third is your awful cousin Graham.
You have to solve a series of nearly impossible clues. You need to deal with a cruel dictator and three thousand Wimbley Woos (yes, you read that sentence correctly).
And the whole situation – the whole, entire thing – is your fault.
Fans of Wed Wabbit will also enjoy author Lissa Evans’ other award-winning books, including Small Change for Stuart.
The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Rauf
Told with heart and humour, The Boy at the Back of the Class is a child’s perspective on the refugee crisis, highlighting the importance of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn’t always make sense.
“There used to be an empty chair at the back of my class, but now a new boy called Ahmet is sitting in it. He’s nine years old (just like me), but he’s very strange. He never talks and never smiles and doesn’t like sweets – not even lemon sherbets, which are my favourite!
But then I learned the truth: Ahmet really isn’t very strange at all. He’s a refugee who’s run away from a War. A real one. With bombs and fires and bullies that hurt people. And the more I find out about him, the more I want to help.
That’s where my best friends Josie, Michael and Tom come in. Because you see, together we’ve come up with a plan…”
The Gauntlet by Karuna Riazi
In The Gauntlet a trio of friends from New York City find themselves trapped inside a mechanical board game that they must dismantle in order to save themselves and generations of other children in this action-packed debut that’s a steampunk Jumanji with a Middle Eastern flair.
Nothing can prepare you for The Gauntlet…
It didn’t look dangerous, exactly. When twelve-year-old Farah first laid eyes on the old-fashioned board game, she thought it looked…elegant.
It is made of wood, etched with exquisite images-a palace with domes and turrets, lattice-work windows that cast eerie shadows, a large spider-and at the very center of its cover, in broad letters, is written: The Gauntlet of Blood and Sand.
The Gauntlet is more than a game, though. It is the most ancient, the most dangerous kind of magic. It holds worlds inside worlds. And it takes players as prisoners.
Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve
Oliver and the Seawigs is a lively, gorgeously illustrated story from dynamic duo, Reeve and McIntyre!
Along with his new friends, a grumpy old albatross, a short-sighted mermaid, and a friendly island called Cliff, Oliver goes off in search of his missing parents.
But before he can put his rescue plan into action there’s the evil Stacey de Lacey and an army of greasy, green sea monkeys to contend with…
Other fun Reeve and McIntyre books include Cakes in Space and The Legend of Kevin: A Roly-Poly Flying Pony.
Cogheart by Peter Bunzl
In Cogheart, we meet intrepid and adventurous 13-year-old Lily. When Lily’s inventor father vanishes after a Zeppelin crash, Lily is determined to hunt down the truth behind his disappearance. Along the way, she is helped by Robert, the local clockmaker’s son, and her wily mechanical fox Malkin.
But shadowy figures are closing in and treachery lurks among the smoky spires of London – along with a life-changing secret.
Be swept away by airships and flabbergasted by dastardly plots in this extraordinary and wildly imaginative debut, bursting with invention and adventure.
Enjoy the follow on books in the series, Skycircus and Moonlocket.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
In Diary of a Wimpy Kid, meet Greg Heffley as he’s thrust into a new year and a new middle school, where undersize weaklings (like Greg) share the corridors with kids who are taller, meaner and already shaving.
Desperate to prove his new found maturity, which only going up a grade can bring, Greg is happy to have his not-quite-so-cool sidekick, Rowley, along for the ride.
But when Rowley’s star starts to rise at school, Greg tries to use his best friend’s popularity to his own advantage…with disastrous consequences.
If you enjoyed this, there are more than a dozen books to enjoy in the rest of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.
The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
Meet Ted and his sister Kat in The London Eye Mystery.
11.32am. Ted and Kat watch their cousin Salim get on board the London Eye. The pod rises from the ground, high above the city.
12.02am. The pod lands and the doors open. Everyone exits – everyone but Salim.
Has he spontaneously combusted? (Ted’s theory)
Has he been kidnapped? (Aunt Gloria’s theory)
Is he even still alive? (The family’s unspoken fear)
Even the police are baffled – so it’s up to Ted, whose brain runs on its own unique operating system, to solve this mystery and find Salim.
After you’ve read this, try the sequel Guggenheim Mystery. Unusually, it was written by a different author, Robin Stevens. Siobhan always wanted to write the sequel, but sadly she passed away very suddenly before she could begin to work on it.
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