The best David Walliams books for kids

best david walliams books

by Maria Martin |
Updated on

Storytime is the perfect opportunity for family time. Whether this is a bedtime story or something you resort to at 6am to keep the kids entertained while you’re thinking about making breakfast, depends entirely on your family. There’s no right answer on when you should read to your kids, but there is the right author to choose.

We absolutely love David Walliams books! We think that these hilarious, out-of-the-box adventure stories will keep your little ones gripped to the drama, as well as being a fantastic present for older children to enjoy on their own. Plus, World Book Day 2025 is coming up, and we can't think of better dressing up inspiration than the wild and wacky character in David's beloved books. From the delightful Mr Stink to channelling grandparent chic in your best Gangsta Granny get up.

Best David Walliams books at a glance

Not sure what Walliams tale to choose or are you after one you haven't read before? We’ve found the best David Walliams books so you can spend to transform you and your family into the wonderful, crazy worlds that David Walliams books open up.

Best David Walliams books 2025

Latest David Walliams book

The latest David Walliams book is also his first adventure into murder mystery. Suitable for readers aged 7+, this tale will keep you guessing until the end and introduces amateur sleuth Dilly and her dog Watson as they attempt to unravel a mystery onboard a ship.

Best messy David Walliams book

Slime by David Walliams
Price: $28.66

What child doesn't love slime? This beautifully illustrated tale tells the story of horrible adults whose sole purpose is to make kids miserable. One little boy with superpowers comes to their rescue – his superpower is slime!

Best David Walliams book that kids love the most

Gangsta Granny by David Walliams
Price: $11.50

Everyone’s favourite granny is going to be Gangsta Granny after reading this charming book. Your kids will be laughing along at all the adventures Ben has when he stays at his grandma’s house.

Best adventure David Walliams book

The Beast of Buckingham Palace by David Walliams
Price: $36.33

Fly into the future with one smart boy who must save the world from evil monsters. Not only is this fantasy set in 2120 in one of the most famous buildings - Buckingham Palace, but you’ll also follow a young Prince while the drama unfolds.

Best funny David Walliams book

Mr Stink by David Walliams
Price: $13.98

This is by no means a stinker! This touching tale is about how a young girl becomes friends with a local tramp and hides him in her shed. Yep, it might sound strange, but is there more to the tramp than meets the eye? We think we've found the perfect bedtime story.

Best heartfelt David Walliams book

The Boy in the Dress by David Walliams
Price: $14.53

As the first book written by Walliams, you know it’s going to be a good one. Yeah, you guessed it! This book is about a boy in a dress, but it’s more than just that. It’ll make you and your kids laugh as well as pull on some heartstrings.

Best spooky David Walliams book

Demon Dentist by David Walliams
Price: $12.28

Nobody likes going to the dentist, right? But your children will love reading about how kids start receiving unwanted gifts when they leave a tooth under their pillow. This jaw-dropping story is filled with lots of twists and creepy crawlies as you discover who is behind it all.

Best David Walliams book for 9+

Awful Auntie by David Walliams
Price: $14.22

Follow the story of a little girl who is heir to a grand hall while her awful auntie does everything she can to stop her, including unleashing a giant owl. Boys and girls will love finding out how she stops her auntie with her secret weapon.

Best David Walliams book series

The Worldu2019s Worst Children by David Walliams
Price: $23.81

If you think that you’ve got it bad with your naughty lot, then The World’s Worst Children will give you a shock. Follow the adventures of five beastly boys and five gruesome girls while they get up to no good. Kids will adore these mischievous tales, and don’t forget to treat your little ones to books two and threeas well!

Best collection of David Walliams

The world of David Walliams - Best Box Set Ever
Price: $34.00

Want to spend more bedtimes reading David Walliams books? This book box set comes with not one, not two but five Walliams paperbacks. Your kids are guaranteed to giggle along in delight to these magnificent tales.

David Walliams FAQs

Who is David Walliams?

He is a much loved British actor, comedian and of course, writer. He co-created and starred in the sketch show Little Britain (with Matt Lucas) and was previously a judge of Britain's Got Talent. He is also bestselling children’s author, often compared to Roald Dahl. His books are full of laughter, heartwarming stories, and quirky characters.

What age is appropriate for David Walliams books?

David's books are definitely for little readers who can start to read independently, we would say anything from 5-12 years old. It is best to check the books for suitability. For example, The Boy In The Dress is suitable for ages 7-9 while Gangsta Granny has some mild scary moment so is more suited to ages 9-12.

Some of his books some deal with bullying, loss, and family struggles, so parents may want to check if they’re suitable.

Maria Martin is Digital Group Editor for Yours.co.uk and Motherandbaby.com. She is a mum-of-two with a passion for helping women from all walks of life – from supporting breastfeeding mothers with expert advice to encouraging conversations about mental health. In her professional role, she has over 10 years' experience in the digital world, including editing articles, focussing on SEO, social media engagement, picture researching and video editing.

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