10+ Best David Walliams Books for 8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect read to captivate your 8-year-old? You're in the right spot! David Walliams has a knack for crafting stories that are just the right mix of fun, adventure, and humor, making his books a hit among young readers. In this blog, we'll dive into some of the best David Walliams books for 8-year-olds, ensuring you find a story that will keep your little reader hooked. Keep reading to discover our top picks!

Fun David Walliams Books for 8-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 former jewel thief. Together, they embark on a wild adventure to steal the Crown Jewels.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hilarious and heartwarming tale that encourages kids to see the extraordinary in their ordinary relatives, enhancing family bonds.
  • Perfect for: Children who love humorous stories with a touch of adventure and those who enjoy unexpected heroines.

• The Boy in the Dress by David Walliams, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Drama
  • Synopsis: This story follows a young boy, Dennis, who feels different and finds escape by dressing in women's clothing. It explores themes of identity and acceptance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes acceptance and understanding of diversity, encouraging young readers to be true to themselves.
  • Perfect for: Kids exploring their identity and those who enjoy stories that challenge societal norms.

• Mr. Stink by David Walliams, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: The story of Chloe, who befriends Mr. Stink, the local tramp, and hides him in her garden shed, learning about kindness and friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and the importance of looking beyond appearances, delivering a powerful message through a fun and engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about unusual friendships and learning about social issues through engaging narratives.

• Billionaire Boy by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Family
  • Synopsis: Joe has everything he could ever want, except for a true friend. This story explores his adventures and the real value of friendship over material wealth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a humorous yet poignant look at the pitfalls of having everything money can buy except for genuine relationships.
  • Perfect for: Children grappling with social dynamics and the true meaning of happiness.

• Ratburger by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Thriller
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Zoe, who battles to save her pet rat from her evil stepmother and a sinister burger man.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting thriller with a good dose of humor, perfect for keeping readers engaged while cheering for the underdog.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy suspenseful stories with a light-hearted twist.

Educational David Walliams Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Ice Monster by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this thrilling tale, a young orphan girl named Elsie embarks on an adventure to return a woolly mammoth to the Arctic.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, geographical awareness, empathy, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines history with a heartwarming adventure, making it a captivating read that also educates.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and history enthusiasts.

• The Midnight Gang by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This story follows a group of children in a hospital ward who embark on magical midnight adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, creativity, compassion, understanding of hospital environments
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical tale that shows the power of friendship and imagination in overcoming adversity.
  • Perfect for: Children who love stories about friendship and magical adventures.

• The World’s Worst Children by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Humor, Short Stories
  • Synopsis: A collection of hilariously horrendous stories featuring some of the most mischievous and wicked children ever.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Moral lessons, behavior understanding, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It's entertaining and offers a humorous way to discuss morals and the consequences of misbehavior.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy funny and exaggerated tales with a moral.

• Grandpa’s Great Escape by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Family
  • Synopsis: A heartwarming story about a boy helping his grandpa, a former World War II flying ace, escape from an old folks' home.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge about World War II, family bonds, strategic thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends historical facts with a touching story of family loyalty and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with an interest in history and stories about grandparent-grandchild relationships.

• Awful Auntie by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Horror
  • Synopsis: Stella sets out to reclaim her home from her devious aunt with the help of a ghostly ally.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, courage, understanding of historical settings
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling ghost story with plenty of humor and heart, perfect for engaging young minds.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love spooky stories with a twist of humor and mystery.

Challenging David Walliams Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Demon Dentist by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Horror, Comedy
  • Synopsis: Alfie, a young boy with a fear of the dentist, discovers that the new dentist in town is not what she seems, as children start finding dreadful things under their pillows.
  • Why this book is challenging: The blend of horror and comedy along with a complex plot makes this an engaging yet challenging read for children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It mixes suspense and humor, providing a thrilling yet funny reading experience that captivates and entertains.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good scare mixed with laughter and those intrigued by a good mystery.

• Slime by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around Ned, an unusual boy living on the Isle of Mulch, where strange and slimy things happen, involving lots of adventures with the magical creatures living there.
  • Why this book is challenging: The imaginative setting and original storyline challenge young readers to think creatively and engage with a fantastically bizarre world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and provides a lot of laughs, all while delivering messages about environmental conservation and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a love for fantasy, adventure, and environmental themes.

• Code Name Bananas by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Set during World War II, this tale follows young Eric as he embarks on a daring mission with his uncle and a friendly gorilla to save the day.
  • Why this book is challenging: The historical context mixed with an adventurous plot provides a complex narrative that enhances critical thinking and historical understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling adventure combined with a touching story of friendship during a significant historical period.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in history and animal friendships, who also enjoy action-packed stories.

• Bad Dad by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Family, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story centers on a father and son who embark on a thrilling criminal adventure to right the wrongs done to them.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores themes of morality and justice within a fast-paced, plot-driven story, making it a thought-provoking read for young minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting tale that also touches on the importance of family and doing what’s right.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories about family bonds and thrilling adventures with a moral lesson.

• The Beast of Buckingham Palace by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Set in a dystopian future, this novel follows a young prince as he uncovers dark secrets in Buckingham Palace and faces a mythical beast.
  • Why this book is challenging: The futuristic setting combined with elements of fantasy and mystery makes for a multifaceted and engaging story that challenges young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an imaginative glimpse into a future world, filled with adventure and mystery, encouraging readers to think about courage and heroism.
  • Perfect for: Young fans of fantasy and adventure who relish stories set in futuristic worlds with a touch of mystery.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you've got an 8-year-old at home who's diving into the whimsical world of David Walliams' books, you're in the right place. Encouraging good reading habits can significantly enhance their experience and comprehension. Here are some fun and effective exercises designed to complement their reading journey. Let’s make reading even more magical!

• Create Character Maps
  • What it is: Draw or chart out the main characters and their relationships to each other.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of character development and interpersonal dynamics.
  • Tips: Use a large poster board and markers to make it colorful and engaging.

• Chapter Summaries
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Improves retention and helps in grasping the plot.
  • Tips: Keep summaries short and sweet; aim for three to four sentences.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next before starting the next chapter or book.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imagination and anticipatory reading skills.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions aloud to make it a fun interactive activity.

• Reading Aloud
  • What it is: Take turns reading chapters aloud with a parent or sibling.
  • How it helps: Improves fluency and pronunciation skills.
  • Tips: Use different voices for different characters to make it more fun and engaging.

• Book-Themed Art Projects
  • What it is: Create art based on scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and a deeper connection with the story.
  • Tips: Use a variety of materials like paint, crayons, or clay to keep things interesting.

• Question and Answer Exchange
  • What it is: Come up with questions about the story and quiz each other.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Tips: Write down questions and answers to refer back to later.

• Connect it to Real Life
  • What it is: Relate events or characters in the book to real-life experiences.
  • How it helps: Helps in understanding the themes and messages in the book.
  • Tips: Share personal stories that relate to the book during discussion times.

• 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.

These exercises aren't just about improving reading skills; they're about making reading an adventure that goes beyond the pages. David Walliams' books, with their rich narratives and imaginative plots, offer the perfect canvas for these activities. So, grab those books, pick an exercise, and let the fun learning begin! Happy reading!