Getting Started With Longer Chapter Books
For Kids:
If you are a youngster looking for interesting and fun authors to read…
We love David Walliams at Learner Circle. His books are super funny and you can’t put them down.
Now, go ahead and request your parents to buy his books for you.
For Parents:
If you're a parent looking for ways to help your child get interested in longer chapter books, see if your child has already finished The Diary of a Wimpy Kid. That is a good place to start because it is shorter in length and has more visual elements balancing the textual content to keep your child interested.
If you're a parent whose child enjoys smaller books but feels overwhelmed by larger chapter books, you are about to get some valuable nuggets.
Get them started on David Walliams’ books.
Why? Because the story is so funny and quirky that kids can’t stop turning the pages, and the idea of longer books no longer feels daunting!
But What About Fart, Pee, and Booger-Fuelled Stories?
Here is a secret… I personally go white seeing the content of David Walliams’ books. It is filled with farting, peeing, and boogers. And that is essentially the element that makes your sons go roaring with laughter.
Trust me, I am recommending this book with all consciousness of the greater good - The greater good of getting your children to get over their fear of big books, and this comes at the expense of letting your children read what they can relate to. Believe me, this comes from personal experience.
If you're a parent who prefers to steer clear of these kinds of stories, no worries! Here are some great books you can buy for your kids that don’t rely on messy humor, bodily humor, and exaggerated characters.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Pax by Sarah Pennypacker
And of course, all the classics that we grew up with like Treasure Island, Gulliver’s Travels, Charlotte’s Web, and Secret Garden. Feel free to check out our other piece about Classics for Children.
Sample content of David Walliams’ books
Please don’t be put off by these examples, I am just picking the worst to give you an idea. Please remember that this is an easy and sure-shot way to get your children to keep reading fat books., keeping them engaged and excited to read more.
There are other bits that are sweet about David Walliams’ books too, please hang on - it comes up further down.
From Ratburger
"She dropped the burger onto the floor and kicked it over to Zoe, so it slid through a puddle of something that looked suspiciously like wee."
From Gangsta Granny
"The smell in Granny's living room was a combination of cabbage and unwashed socks."
From Billionaire Boy
"The bathroom was so big, you could land a jumbo jet in it, though the toilet itself was solid gold and so blinding you had to wear sunglasses to sit on it."
From The World’s Worst Children
"Bertha could burp the whole alphabet in one go without stopping for a breath. Even her burps smell of rotten eggs."
From Demon Dentist
"Miss Root’s toothpaste tasted like a thousand years of bad breath mixed with moldy cheese and a dollop of donkey droppings."
Rest assured, parents! David Walliams' books are a great choice!
Seeing the above if you think, you should rather ditch David Walliams, here is a kind request, not to!
Because Walliams’ books:
1. Encourages a Love for Reading
Engaging and Accessible Writing: Walliams' books are written in a lighthearted, humorous style that captures children's attention, making them ideal for reluctant readers.
Relatable Themes: His stories address universal childhood experiences, such as friendship, family, and self-acceptance, helping children connect with the book.
2. Balances Humor with Heartfelt Messages
Valuable Life Lessons: Beneath the humor, Walliams' stories convey important lessons about kindness, resilience, and the value of being true to oneself.
Empathy and Compassion: Books like Mr. Stink and Gangsta Granny foster understanding and compassion by highlighting the struggles and inner lives of others.
3. Tackles Important Issues in a Child-Friendly Way
Broaches Sensitive Topics: Walliams addresses topics such as bullying (Billionaire Boy), poverty (Ratburger), and aging (Grandpa’s Great Escape) in ways that are accessible and non-intimidating for children.
Encourages Conversations: These themes can open the door for meaningful discussions between parents and children.
4. Promotes Creativity and Imagination
Exaggerated Scenarios: His books feature quirky characters and fantastical adventures that stimulate a child’s imagination.
Encourages Storytelling and Imagination: The humor and over-the-top scenarios often inspire children to create their own stories and characters.
If you are interested in exploring Online Story writing classes for children, we at Learner Circle are pros at it. We have helped 100s of children write and publish. More details Click here.
5. Provides Diverse and Memorable Characters
Inclusive Storylines: Walliams celebrates individuality and diversity, with characters from various backgrounds, interests, and life circumstances.
Strong Role Models: Many of his protagonists demonstrate bravery, kindness, and determination, serving as positive influences.
6. Fun and Humor as a Gateway to Learning
Development of Humor: His comedic writing helps children appreciate wit and develop their sense of humor, which is an important aspect of emotional intelligence.
Encourages Critical Thinking: Through humorous situations, children learn to navigate moral dilemmas and consider alternative perspectives.
7. Endorsed by Schools and Literacy Programs
Widely Celebrated: Walliams' books are frequently included in reading lists and recommended by educators for their entertainment value and ability to engage young minds.
Award-Winning Author: With multiple literary awards, his books are recognized for their contribution to children’s literature.
8. Sparks Bonding Opportunities
Read-Aloud Fun: The humor and lively storytelling make his books excellent for parents and children to read together, fostering a love of shared stories.
Family-Friendly Themes: Despite occasional silly humor, the core of his stories revolves around family, friendship, and love.
While Walliams' books may include moments of gross-out humor or exaggeration, these elements are typically harmless and appeal to children’s natural sense of fun. The overall messages of kindness, acceptance, and resilience far outweigh any concerns, making his books a great addition to a child's bookshelf.
Learner Circle’s Top 10 Curated List of David Walliams’ books
If you are sold on getting your kids a David Walliams book and wondering which one to go for, here is a brief that would help you decide.
1. Gangsta Granny
Goodreads Rating: 4.24 (27,268 ratings)
Amazon Rating: 4.8/5 (11,561 reviews)
Overview: Ben discovers that his seemingly boring grandmother was once an international jewel thief. Together, they plot to steal the Crown Jewels.
Themes: Adventure, family bonds, and the importance of not judging by appearances.
Reception: Praised for its humor, heartwarming narrative, and endearing characters.
2. Mr. Stink
Goodreads Rating: 4.17 (16,886 ratings)
Amazon Rating: 4.7/5 (8,000 reviews)
Overview: Chloe befriends a homeless man, Mr. Stink, and learns valuable lessons about kindness and acceptance.
Themes: Friendship, compassion, and social awareness.
Reception: Lauded for addressing serious issues with sensitivity and humor, making it accessible for young readers.
3. Billionaire Boy
Goodreads Rating: 4.14 (17,325 ratings)
Amazon Rating: 4.7/5 (7,500 reviews)
Overview: Joe Spud, the richest 12-year-old in the country, realizes that money can’t buy true friendship or happiness.
Themes: Wealth versus happiness, friendship, and self-discovery.
Reception: Loved for its relatable moral lessons and laugh-out-loud humor.
4. The Boy in the Dress
Goodreads Rating: 4.09 (15,423 ratings)
Amazon Rating: 4.6/5 (6,500 reviews)
Overview: Dennis, a football-loving boy, explores his interest in fashion and learns to embrace his true self.
Themes: Self-expression, acceptance, and breaking stereotypes.
Reception: Celebrated for its bold subject matter and inspiring message.
5. Ratburger
Goodreads Rating: 4.09 (12,739 ratings)
Amazon Rating: 4.7/5 (5,500 reviews)
Overview: Zoe fights to save her pet rat, Armitage, from the clutches of the evil Burt, who wants to turn it into a burger.
Themes: Courage, friendship, and standing up against wrongdoing.
Reception: Appreciated for its quirky characters, thrilling plot, and fast-paced storytelling.
6. Demon Dentist
Goodreads Rating: 4.15 (15,785 ratings)
Amazon Rating: 4.8/5 (5,000 reviews)
Overview: Alfie suspects the new town dentist is hiding a dark secret and uncovers a spooky adventure.
Themes: Bravery, facing fears, and dental hygiene.
Reception: Loved for blending humor with mild horror, keeping readers engaged and entertained.
7. Awful Auntie
Goodreads Rating: 4.12 (13,216 ratings)
Amazon Rating: 4.8/5 (4,500 reviews)
Overview: Stella battles her scheming Aunt Alberta, who plans to take over her family home.
Themes: Family, resilience, and good versus evil.
Reception: Praised for its suspenseful and humorous storytelling and the vividly despicable villain.
8. Grandpa's Great Escape
Goodreads Rating: 4.27 (10,532 ratings)
Amazon Rating: 4.8/5 (4,000 reviews)
Overview: Jack helps his grandfather, a former WWII pilot with Alzheimer’s, escape from an old folks' home for one last adventure.
Themes: Family bonds, adventure, and aging.
Reception: Acclaimed for its emotional depth and touching portrayal of intergenerational relationships.
9. The Midnight Gang
Goodreads Rating: 4.36 (12,411 ratings)
Amazon Rating: 4.8/5 (3,500 reviews)
Overview: A group of children in a hospital embark on magical midnight adventures to make their dreams come true.
Themes: Imagination, friendship, and hope.
Reception: Celebrated for its creativity, heartwarming message, and relatable characters.
10. The World’s Worst Children
Goodreads Rating: 4.12 (14,391 ratings)
Amazon Rating: 4.8/5 (11,562 reviews)
Overview: A collection of short stories about hilariously horrible children and their misadventures.
Themes: Behavioral lessons, humor, and consequences.
Reception: Enjoyed for its witty storytelling and exaggerated, comical characters.
Happy Reading!
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