7 books to gift to kids who love David Walliams

 

Kids are naturally drawn to funny books because they offer an escape into a world where anything is possible and laughter is guaranteed. The exaggerated situations, quirky characters, and playful language we find in funny books spark their imagination and keep them engaged. Humour not only entertains but, when it’s done well, can also help young readers connect with characters and situations in a way that feels relatable and safe. Silly jokes, absurd adventures, or unexpected punchlines can make difficult topics easier to digest and give kids a sense of comfort and joy.

The big-name celebrity authors so often provide a gateway to a love of reading, encouraging kids to pick up more books and build strong reading habits. But there’s a lot more to the world of funny books for kids than you might expect. Here’s our pick of 7 of the best new books for kids who love David Walliams.

Nora and the Map of Mayhem by Joseph Elliott, illustrated by Nici Gregory

Young readers aged 8+ will love this outrageously funny illustrated adventure. When Atticus and Autumn's dads leave them with their eccentric great-grandmother Nora for the weekend, they're hoping for a few days scoffing biscuits and playing video games. But when Nora's around, nothing ever goes quite to plan... Packed with monsters, mischief and mayhem, wild fun and joyful anarchy, this madcap adventure is a great alternative to Roald Dahl or David Walliams – perfect for any young readers hooked on funny books.

Alex Vs Axel: The Impossible Quests by Sam Copeland, illustrated by Dotty Sutton

Sam Copeland, author of Charlie Changes into a Chicken,  is one of our favourite funny writers for kids. His books are always packed with imagination, empathy and adventure in equal measure. In this magical new adventure series he brings his trademark laugh-out-loud humour to a brand new fantasy world. Alex is a normal, everyday kid, living in a normal, everyday city. Axel is a monster-slaying hero, living in a world of magic. Unfortunately, when the two boys mysteriously swap places, each of them ends up being mistaken for the other. Perfect for fans of David Solomons.

A Grimacres Whodunnit: Murder! By Narwhal! By Alex T. Smith

A new series by bestselling author-illustrator Alex T. Smith is always a treat and we couldn't be more excited about this brand new tongue-in-cheek murder mystery adventure, packed full of his trademark quirky humour and fabulous illustrations. When the tyrannical family patriarch Sir Ignatious Gristle is murdered on his 90th birthday at his country estate, every one of his gathered family members is a suspect. Trapped by a snowstorm with no way to contact the police, it's up to his mettlesome granddaughter, Edna, and her trusted tortoise, Charles Darwin, to determine whodunnit! Perfect for anyone who loved Smith's Mr Penguin series and is ready for something a bit more grown up. 

Revenge of the Killer Worm by Kathryn Foxfield, illustrated by Robin Boyden

Kathryn Foxfield is the author of Things That Go Bump, which was hugely popular with our Cockatoo subscribers earlier this year. We're super excited for her follow up, which promises more hilarious adventures and spooky mayhem. Strange things begin to happen in Stourmouth. Milo and his friends witness the town mayor stealing several kilos of raw chicken. The owner of the arcade falls off the roof of the beachfront helter-skelter while shouting about a monster under the sand. And then something chases the friends through the secret tunnels hidden beneath the dinosaur-themed adventure golf. Milo is convinced an old arcade game called Worm Attack holds all the answers. It's a shame that he can't get past level three without being eaten by the giant killer worm. Readers aged 8+ will be gripped by this fun, wildly entertaining, page-turning thriller.

Shipwrecked by Jenny Pearson, illustrated by Nick East
We love Jenny Pearson - she's one of our favourite funny authors for kids and we always look forward to the slightly madcap, action-packed adventure her books deliver. This is her latest book and is perfect reading material for kids who love David Walliams - laugh-out-loud-funny and full of drama! Sebastian Sunrise and his two best friends, Lina and Étienne, are stranded on a desert island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The friends have no idea how long they might have to stay on the island, so they make a plan. They will try to survive, look after the island's baby turtles, and have fun, if they can. But Sebastian's life has never gone to plan, and they quickly face jellyfish stings, burnt bums and an out-of-control goat. But when a boat arrives, bringing pirates who want to hunt the island's baby turtles, the friends face their greatest danger yet...

Betty Steady and the Toad Witch by Nicky Smith-Dale, illustrated by Sarah Horne
Packed with laugh-out-loud humour and madcap adventure, this brilliant debut by new author Nicky Smith-Dale is illustrated by one of our favourite children's illustrators, Sarah Horne. At twelve years old Betty Steady stands tall and dazzling, and is the Guardian of Wobbly Rock – a faraway kingdom which she protects fearlessly ALL ON HER OWN. But then the Toad Witch literally cuts Betty down to size. Can Betty prevent disaster before the Toad Witch and her evil army launch a terrible attack on Wobbly Rock? And when will she learn that she doesn't have to do stuff ALL ON HER OWN any more? If you and your family enjoyed the crazy comedy of Mr Gum, then you will love this. Perfect for newly independent or reluctant readers.

Skylar and the K-Pop Headteacher by Luan Goldie

A school-based fantasy adventure with an inspiring lead character and viral dancing videos? Sounds right up our street! K-pop meets Freaky Friday in this laugh-out-loud body swap adventure for 8+. When 11-year-old Skylar inexplicably switches bodies with her super strict 71-year-old headteacher, Ms Callus, she’s thrown into a hilarious world of dancing old ladies gone viral and school rules thrown out the window, as she tries to figure out how on earth to swap back! Young readers will find this entertaining and joyful story about friendship and fandom hugely relatable. Perfect for fans of Jenny Pearson and David Solomons.