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Topic: Reading for Pleasure

books for fans of David Williams
If you like David Walliams, try these…

David Walliams’ books are hugely popular with young readers and he is known as one of Britain’s best-selling children’s authors. From recounts of criminal grandmas to tales of terrible tooth fairy impersonators, Walliams’ stories have hooked in millions of readers who enjoy memorable characters, an easy-to-read humorous style and a good dose of silliness.

We’ve put together a list of ten similar books for fans of David Walliams. Readers who love getting silly with weird and wacky stories like David Walliams’ books could try the Mr Gum books or the action-packed The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates. Those looking for a new child-led funny adventure to read after the David Walliams books might enjoy An Alien in the Jam Factory or Runaway Robot. For children who like giggling at unlikely scenarios, we recommend Charlie Changes into a Chicken or A Robot Squashed My Teacher – both of which meet our approval as laugh-out-loud favourites at BooksForTopics HQ.

Browse the full list below of books for children looking for more books like David Walliams…

If you like Michael Morpurgo, try these….

Michael Morpurgo has a loyal fanbase among readers who enjoy his stories of wartime, animals and adventure. With hundreds of books to date, Michael Morpurgo’s award-winning stories have become modern classics in primary school classrooms.

We’ve put together a list of ten similar books for fans of Michael Morpurgo. Fans of Morpurgo’s animal stories might like to try The Last Bear or When the Mountains Roared. Readers looking for gripping historical fiction could try The Week at World’s End or Tom Palmer’s D-Day Dog. Many of Morpurgo’s stories offer individual perspectives on wartime events, and readers who enjoy this style could try Girl 38 or Bali Rai’s Now or Never to diversify their collection.

Browse the full list below of books for children looking for what to read next after Michael Morpurgo…

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books for fans of harry potterIf you like Harry Potter, try these…

The Harry Potter stories have undeniably charmed millions of readers who enjoy stories sparkling with magic, fantasy and adventure. The award-winning series has sold over 500 million copies worldwide and has been turned into eight hugely successful Hollywood films.

We’ve put together a list of ten similar books for fans of Harry PotterFans of magic and spellbinding adventures will find solace in the exciting worlds of Nevermoor or Skandar and the Unicorn Thief. Readers looking to hop on board to magical lands should try  The Secret of Platform 13 or sail away to the fantasy islands of Katherine Rundell’s Impossible Creatures. Meanwhile, those who enjoy reading about young heroes fighting dark forces and fantastical beasts should try Percy Jackson or The Wizards of Once. If you’re looking for an immersive series set in mysteriously selective schools and colleges, we recommend Amari and the Night Brothers or Crookhaven.

Browse the full list below of books for children looking for what to read next after Harry Potter…

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Chapter book

Best Storytime Chapter Books for Upper KS2

We have selected a list of storytime favourites for Year 5 and Year 6 (ages 9-11), which includes books that are particularly well suited for being read out loud. Storytime is still just as valuable in the older primary years as it is in the early years, and knowing the best books to choose to read aloud can elevate the storytime experience – whether you have fans of thrillers or readers who prefer magical worlds or thought-provoking animal tales. From the best class readers to favourite bedtime stories, browse our list of brilliant books for capturing the magic of storytelling with Upper KS2.

Dive into a thoughtfully curated assortment of stories that cater to a variety of tastes and interests. Experience the thrill of edge-of-your-seat adventures with Running Out of Time, lose yourselves in fantastical adventures like The Explorer and share a giggle together with the heartwarming humour found in The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh. For those seeking shorter reads, The Final Year or the Crooked Oak series awaits, while those who like something to provoke deeper thought and discussion should enjoy The Lost Whale or Front Desk.

Whether you’re a teacher enhancing the classroom storytime experience or a parent in search of the perfect bedtime story, our collection offers a diverse range of options. Explore the world of storytelling with BooksForTopics – your guide to engaging choices for Year 5 and 6 storytimes.

Chapter book

Best Storytime Books for Lower KS2

We have selected a list of storytime favourites for Year 3 and Year 4 (ages 7-9)which includes books that are particularly well suited for being read out loud. From the best class readers to favourite bedtime stories, browse our list of brilliant books for capturing the magic storytelling with Lower KS2.

This thoughtfully curated collection is designed to ignite the love of stories for children aged 7 to 9. Share together stories of enchanting fantasy adventures like The Land of Roar, embark on laugh-out-loud escapades with Charlie Changes into a Chicken and delve into favourite animal stories such as Varjak Paw. We’ve also included true classics for this age group like Charlotte’s Web and storybooks that stimulate thinking and discussion on real-life topics, such as Hannah Gold’s beautiful story of The Last Bear.

The books on this list cater to a range of interests, ensuring that every young reader finds a story that resonates with them and that shared storytimes are ones to treasure.

Chapter book

Best Storytime Chapter Books for Key Stage 1 

We have selected a list of storytime chapter books for Year 1 and Year 2 (ages 5-7)which includes books that are particularly well suited for being read out loud to younger children. From the best class readers to favourite bedtime stories, browse our list of brilliant books for capturing the magic storytelling with KS1.

Simple chapter books with a story that continues over short instalments make excellent choices for storytime at this age group. Many of the books we have chosen on this list have memorable characters, integrated illustrations and stories that are tried-and-tested favourites with the 5-7 age range.

Immerse young readers in the enchanting world of storytelling with our carefully chosen chapter books, featuring favourite animal stories like Einstein the Penguin and humorous adventures such as The Legend of Kevin. Explore timeless classics tailored for this age group, including the beloved Mrs Pepperpot and The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark, or stories of family life like the Betsey Biggalow series. Our diverse list is chosen to create an engaging reading experience, fostering both entertainment and literacy development in Key Stage 1.

Discover these thoughtfully selected storytime favourites for KS1, and embark on a journey of lifelong reading joy.

 

Best Storytime Books for the Early Years

We have selected a list of favourite storytime books for EYFS (ages 3-5)which includes books that are particularly well suited for being read out loud to younger children. From the best classroom read-alouds to favourite bedtime stories, browse our list of brilliant books for capturing the magic of storytelling in the Early Years.

Our curated collection of stories for the Early Years helps to immerse young minds in the enchanting world of storytelling, featuring beloved tales such as What the Ladybird Heard – perfect for introducing children to the wonders of animal characters and rhyming narratives. We also recommend whimsical and humorous adventures with titles like Aliens Love Underpants, adding a delightful touch of laughter to story sessions. Our selection includes timeless classics like The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Elmer, featuring favourite characters that have been entertaining little ones for generations.

Explore these and other carefully chosen stories picked by BooksForTopics, especially for young readers. These stories promote language development and fire up imaginations as well as making for special storytimes together that create lasting memories and foster the joy of shared reading experiences.

Best Books for Reluctant Readers in Upper KS2

For parents and teachers, there is often pressure and desire to guide every child successfully through the process of learning to read – while making sure it’s fun, enjoyable and a learning journey that will lead to a lifelong love of books. But which books are best for hooking in children who don’t feel interested in reading?

We’ve put together a curated collection of books designed to engage children who can appear reluctant to read for pleasure. At BooksForTopics, we understand the unique challenge of inspiring a love for reading in older primary school students who may be hesitant or less enthusiastic about picking up a book. Our list aims to break down common barriers and offer a diverse range of titles that cater to varied interests and reading abilities.

Try offering titles with a high image-to-text ratio like the popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or Freddy vs School, offering an immersive reading experience that appeals to visual learners. We also recommend that you explore books with high-interest themes like Rashford Rules or Gamer, addressing hobbies and interests that are likely to captivate readers seeking meaningful reads. For those drawn to real-life stories and relatable worlds that create an easy connection between the reader and the narrative, try Ella on the Outside. For those who find reading boring, why not introduce a good dose of humour through Grimwood or Iguana Boy Saves the World With a Triple Cheese Pizza?

With something for all different tastes, this selection of our top book choices for engaging reluctant readers in Year 5 and Year 6 is here to help. Schools can purchase full sets of the books from Peters.

Chapter book

SUMMER 1914

When Fran uncovers a bone in the garden of Longbarrow House on the same afternoon that Leo breaks his leg, it is just the first in a series of strange and unsettling coincidences.

Leo is left immobilised for the rest of the summer and Fran is roped in to keep him company, forced to listen to his foolish theories about the looming threat of war in Europe.

Suddenly the garden she has loved all her life seems to hold threatening shadows of the future, and Fran starts to fear what she and Leo might find next…

Queen of Historical Fiction, Emma Carroll, makes her Barrington Stoke debut with a powerful, evocative, and spine-tingling story of childhood on the brink of war.

Chapter book

Minnow is different from the other girls in her town and there’s plenty to set her apart: the blossom of pale scars which lie beneath Minnow’s delicate ears, the fact that she has an affinity with the water which leaves people speechless, and that once – she is sure – in deep, deep water, her body began to glow like a sunken star. When her mum gets into trouble and is taken from their boat in the dead of night, Minnow is alone with one instruction: sail to Reykjavik to find your grandmother, she will keep you safe. Minnow has never sailed on her own before, but the call of the deep is a call she’s been waiting to answer her whole young life. Perhaps a girl who is lost on land can be found in the Wild Deep. The stunning middle grade debut from Cerrie Burnell

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Stone Girl Bone Girl

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