Branching Out: Books for Fans of the Treehouse Series

Guy Bass’s Scrap books have been among my favourite books of the last few years, so I was keen to read Stitch Head, particularly having seen trailers for the film recently. This version also has stills from the film inserted into the book. And of course, I was going to like it- who could resist little Stitch Head with his woeful face, admirably rendered by Pete Williamson. The book is a shorter read, made easier by those illustrations, which I loved. The story is not complex, but the emotions are. The reader really feels for poor Stitch Head and the way he has been abandoned, and how he clings to the past. The villain is suitably villainous, and whilst the book is littered with monsters, this is not a scary read, and the scariest ones are actually the people.  Sometimes illustrations enhance a story, but in this case, they are part of the story and I’m sure that the visual aspect of storytelling is what made the book so ripe for being turned into a film.

Postman Planet is a laugh-out-loud funny book that’s perfect for young readers who enjoy action, humour and a bit of chaos. With short chapters and plenty of illustrations, the book is presented in a way that feels inviting rather than overwhelming, making it an excellent choice for children building confidence with longer stories.

The story follows Postman Planet, whose job is to deliver mail to some very dangerous and unusual places across the galaxy. The twist is that he’s actually a secret nine-year-old boy, doing his best to survive space deliveries while teamed up with Stamp, his annoying (but very funny) assistant, who is part robot and part dog. The fast pace, silly situations and visual humour will keep children engaged and the accessible layout makes it easy to read in short bursts. Despite the comedy, the book also explores positive themes such as friendship, teamwork and problem-solving, showing how working together can help overcome even the most challenging situations.

As the first book in a new series, Postman Planet does a great job of hooking readers and leaving them eager for more adventures. It’s a strong choice for reluctant readers, independent reading or for children who enjoy humorous stories with a sci-fi twist.

Grimwood is a wacky, anarchic animal story, full of nonsensical mayhem.

The story will certainly appeal to children in KS2 who love funny books (although possibly not the most sensitive in this age group – as there are incidents of biting off heads, tails or feet!). There’s a dark and wacky humour to the story that will delight fans of Roald Dahl or Mr Gum and plenty of discussion points such as the relationship between the fox cubs, the changes in their personalities and the desire to find refuge.

The book could work as a class reader and a fun and quirky independent read for ages 7-11.

The opening to the book has illustrations that introduce you to some of the characters, followed by a unique map, which gives you a brief overview of The Garden, showing the Unfairies and Tree Fairies holdings. Pip, the little hero fairy of this story, sets out with his new friend Midge by his side to deliver a report on how the winter food stores have gone mouldy. Danger seems to follow him throughout, or perhaps he follows danger!

His encounters with sticky, bug-bum honey, a crash involving a beetle and centipede and the carrying of a prophecy are just a few of the quests set out for Pip. Throughout the book, double-page spreads share a map or information page based on different areas of The Garden and Oakhold, both unique and humorous.

This graphic novel is a fantastic combination of a Welsh author, who provides endless laughs, and an Italian illustrator, who brings the colours and vibrancy. It ticks all the boxes for a fun read.

How many of us remember the choose-your-own-adventure stories popular a few decades ago and find ourselves wondering why we rarely see new ones published today? Popular author Gareth P. Jones reintroduces the genre with ‘The Monster Maker’ – an imaginative detective story for readers looking for an interactive adventure, with hundreds of paths to choose from.

Haventry is a town where ghosts, zombie clowns, werewolves and vampires (amongst others) reside happily. That is, until Dr Franklefink’s Monster Maker machine is stolen and everyone becomes a suspect. It is then up to you to investigate and solve the mystery. Your detective partner and boss is none other than private investigator Klaus Solstaag, a yeti who is on a mission. Will you find the truth? What motive does your prime suspect have? Can you find the missing Monster Maker?

In this solve your own mystery story, readers will enjoy choosing which aspect of the crime to investigate next and sussing out who the real suspects are. For fans of the extraordinary and of detective mysteries, this is a must-read.

This graphic novel is based on a very silly story and one that will go down a treat! Firstly, it’s about pizza – always a popular topic with children! Secondly, it stars two likeable, somewhat barmy characters (the good guys) and several creepy, villainous ones.

Its comic strip style is super appealing and colourful and the story is crammed with jokes and high jinks. The storyline is interesting (read fun, surprising, wacky, and inventive) and there’s a drawing tutorial at the end. Readers will be pleased to see the promise of future Peng and Spanners books.

This book will fly off the graphic novel shelf and is perfect for fans of the Investigators and Sparks in KS1 and KS2.

Murray is a cat that loves his peace and quiet but sadly, living with a rather incompetent wizard means that his life is anything but. On occasion, a happy accidental spell provides something of value and for Murray this arrives in the form of a magic cat-flap and Bun, a bun turned bunny. What Bun lacks in vocabulary, he makes up for in enthusiasm, leading Murray on to adventure, whether he likes it or not.

Adam Stower is best known and loved for his illustrations (most notably for David Walliams), but a smidge of research reveals that he is also a prolific writer and, if this book is anything to go by, this latest series is set to put his writing on a par with his illustration.

The witty dialogue between our unlikely friends leads to a book that will appeal right from Year 2 to Year 6. In fact, my copy was in hot demand with my Year 6 class, accompanied by snorts of laughter and loud exclamations of “Bun!”. Granted it isn’t a text to challenge UKS2 (making it accessible to much younger age groups) but they loved the humour and for more reluctant readers, this could be just the sort of book that they will return to and enjoy time and again.

Dog Man and Diary of a Wimpy Kid remain hot titles in primary school, but where can a child who has exhausted them all be pointed to next? Jeff Kinney (Wimpy Kid books) and Dav Pilkey (author of the Dogman books) recommend Max and the Midknights and that might well be enough to persuade your child to give it a go.

A mix of traditional text and graphic novel elements, Max and the Midknights is set in the Middle Ages. Knights, wizards, peasants, magic, dragons and dastardly royalty feature strongly but these are given a modern take and important questions are also posed. Why should only boys become knights? Should children have to follow in the family profession? These points are not pushed unduly but deftly woven into the plot.