Books Lists
10+ Best David Walliams Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Looking for the perfect read to captivate the imagination of your ten-year-old? You're in the right spot! David Walliams has a treasure trove of books that are just right for this age group. In this blog, we'll dive into various lists of David Walliams books for 10-year-olds that promise adventure, laughter, and some unforgettable characters. Keep reading to discover which of his books might become your child's next favorite!
Table of Contents
Fun David Walliams Books for 10-Year-Olds
- Gangsta Granny by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
- Genre(s): Comedy, Adventure
- Synopsis: A boy named Ben discovers that his seemingly boring granny is actually a jewel thief. Together, they embark on a thrilling heist.
- Why we recommend this book: It's hilarious and heartwarming, showing the bond between generations and encouraging readers to see beyond stereotypes.
- Perfect for: Kids who love humor and adventure, and anyone who enjoys unexpected heroes.
- Awful Auntie by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
- Genre(s): Comedy, Mystery
- Synopsis: Stella sets out to reclaim her home from her devious Aunt Alberta and her giant owl, Wagner, uncovering family secrets along the way.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines suspense and humor, perfect for engaging young readers and keeping them hooked till the last page.
- Perfect for: Children who enjoy spooky mysteries with a side of laughs.
- Demon Dentist by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
- Genre(s): Horror, Comedy
- Synopsis: Strange things begin to happen when a new dentist arrives in town, leaving Alfie and his friend Gabz to uncover her eerie secrets.
- Why we recommend this book: It's delightfully creepy and funny, ideal for kids who like a bit of a thrill without real scares.
- Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate a mix of horror and humor.
- Ratburger by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
- Genre(s): Comedy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Zoe faces off against her wicked stepmother and the sleazy burger man who wants to turn her pet rat into a snack.
- Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting and zany adventure that champions courage and resilience.
- Perfect for: Kids who love outrageous plots and rooting for the underdog.
- Billionaire Boy by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
- Genre(s): Comedy, Drama
- Synopsis: Joe has everything he could ever want, except a real friend. He learns that money can't buy happiness and sets out to find something more valuable.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a funny yet poignant look at the importance of friendship and the true value of money.
- Perfect for: Readers looking for both laughs and life lessons, and anyone who enjoys stories about friendship.
- The Midnight Gang by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
- Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
- Synopsis: Tom joins a secret group of children in a hospital who embark on magical midnight adventures.
- Why we recommend this book: It's full of imagination and whimsy, encouraging children to dream big and believe in the power of kindness.
- Perfect for: Young dreamers and anyone who loves stories where children embark on fantastical adventures.
Educational David Walliams Books for 10-Year-Olds
- The Boy in the Dress by David Walliams, illustrated by Quentin Blake
- Genre(s): Comedy, Drama
- Synopsis: The story of Dennis, a boy who loves football and fashion, and how he challenges the norms by wearing a dress to school.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, self-expression, breaking gender stereotypes, and acceptance
- Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that promotes inclusivity and understanding, wrapped in Walliams' characteristic humor.
- Perfect for: Kids exploring their identity and anyone who enjoys stories that challenge societal norms.
- Grandpa’s Great Escape by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
- Genre(s): Adventure, Historical Fiction
- Synopsis: Jack's Grandpa, a former World War II flying ace, mistakenly believes he is still in the war, leading to a daring escape from his old folks' home.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, empathy, understanding of Alzheimer’s and aging
- Why we recommend this book: It combines adventurous escapades with a touching look at family relationships and history.
- Perfect for: Young history enthusiasts and readers who appreciate stories of grandparent-grandchild bonds.
- Mr Stink by David Walliams, illustrated by Quentin Blake
- Genre(s): Comedy, Social Commentary
- Synopsis: Chloe, a lonely girl, befriends Mr Stink, the local tramp, and learns about kindness and friendship in unexpected places.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Social awareness, kindness, and the importance of not judging others by appearances
- Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches compassion and understanding through humor and memorable characters.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy touching stories with a mix of laughter and life lessons.
- The Ice Monster by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
- Synopsis: Set in Victorian London, Elsie, an orphan, teams up with a woolly mammoth from the North Pole on a thrilling adventure.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, adventure storytelling, empathy, and courage
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of historical elements and fantastical storytelling, perfect for sparking imagination.
- Perfect for: Kids who love history mixed with adventure and mythical creatures.
- Bad Dad by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
- Genre(s): Comedy, Drama
- Synopsis: Frank's dad, Gilbert, is a former race car driver who turns to crime after being framed, and together they set out to right the wrongs.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Moral reasoning, understanding of right and wrong, and the bond between father and son
- Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, thrilling tale that also touches on themes of redemption and family.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy action-packed stories with strong family themes.
Challenging David Walliams Books for 10-Year-Olds
- Slime by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
- Genre(s): Comedy, Fantasy
- Synopsis: The story is set on the Isle of Mulch, where a young boy named Ned discovers he has the power to magically control slime. Ned uses his powers to take on the dreadful grown-ups of the island.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates sophisticated themes of power, control, and rebellion, layered with Walliams' typical humor, making it thought-provoking for young readers.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a clever critique of authority, encouraging readers to question and think critically about the world around them.
- Perfect for: Kids who enjoy whimsical tales with a deeper message and those who love stories where children outsmart adults.
- Code Name Bananas by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
- Genre(s): Adventure, Historical Fiction
- Synopsis: Set during World War II, the book follows a young boy named Eric who teams up with his uncle Sid, a zookeeper, and a gorilla named Gertrude to save the day from the horrors of war.
- Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of war, friendship, and bravery, requiring readers to engage with both historical context and emotional depth.
- Why we recommend this book: This thrilling adventure offers a mix of history and heart, providing both entertainment and a gentle introduction to the impacts of war.
- Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and animal lovers who enjoy action-packed stories with emotional layers.
- The World’s Worst Children 3 by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
- Genre(s): Comedy, Fantasy
- Synopsis: This book features a collection of hilariously horrible children, showcasing ten new stories of spectacularly naughty children with peculiar habits and outrageous behavior.
- Why this book is challenging: The use of rich, playful language and inventive narrative structures in multiple short stories enhances vocabulary and encourages analytical thinking about character development.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, imaginative read that delights in the absurd and teaches moral lessons in a light-hearted way.
- Perfect for: Readers who love a good laugh and enjoy vivid, character-driven stories.
- Fing by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
- Synopsis: The story revolves around Myrtle Meek, a child who always wants more, no matter what. Her latest desire, a Fing, sends her parents on an adventure into the deepest, darkest jungle to find one.
- Why this book is challenging: The quest for the mythical creature, combined with the exploration of themes like greed and satisfaction, challenges readers to think about the consequences of their desires.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a wildly imaginative plot that encourages creativity while subtly imparting lessons on contentment and the perils of greed.
- Perfect for: Adventurous young readers who enjoy fantastical quests and learning life lessons in unconventional ways.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're diving into the whimsical world of David Walliams' books, you're in for a treat! These books are not only entertaining but also offer a great opportunity for 10-year-olds to develop strong reading habits. Here are some exercises that can help enhance the reading experience and make the most out of every page turned.
- Set Reading Goals
- What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
- How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and helps complete books in a timely manner.
- Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.
- Keep a Reading Journal
- What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
- How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
- Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.
- Discuss What You Read
- What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are also reading it.
- How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows for different perspectives to be considered.
- Tips: Try to discuss the book regularly, perhaps once a week.
- Create a Reading Nook
- What it is: Set up a comfortable, dedicated space at home for reading.
- How it helps: Makes reading a special and enjoyable activity.
- Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and maybe some personal touches like posters or plants.
- Bookmark Favorite Passages
- What it is: Use bookmarks to mark favorite sections or important passages.
- How it helps: Makes it easy to revisit and reflect on favorite parts.
- Tips: You can use different colored bookmarks or even make your own to make it fun.
- Visualize as You Read
- What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read through the story.
- How it helps: Improves memory of the story and enhances creative thinking.
- Tips: Take a moment after reading a passage to close your eyes and picture it.
- Read Out Loud
- What it is: Practice reading sections of the book aloud, either alone or to someone else.
- How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading skills.
- Tips: Try to express the emotions of the characters as you read, changing your tone and pace.
These exercises aren't just tasks; they're stepping stones to becoming a lifelong reader and lover of books. By integrating these activities into your reading routine, especially with engaging books by David Walliams, you'll not only improve your reading skills but also have a lot of fun along the way. So, grab your book, pick a cozy corner, and let's get reading!