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Original poster

To think that the Wimpy Kid books are pure shite?

136 replies

FlyingPi · 23/04/2025 01:10

I read to my kid every night, I love it and am happy to read almost anything even if he goes through phases of the same book or author for a while (we must have read Dogman A Tale of Two Kitties about 15 times).

But I freaking hate the Wimpy Kid books. And we're currently on our fourth one in a row, he spent a Christmas book token on three of them and also keeps asking for them at the library.

The hero is a little bully and is just mean to everyone. There are loads of parts where he makes fun of people for being fat, bald, stupid etc. They're not particularly funny, to me anyway. And there is a weird, WEIRD emphasis on the hero trying to chat up girls all the time which seems really odd in a book for this age group who are not yet at that stage surely? In one illustration he even is shown peeping in a window at some girls having a pillowfight. WTF? I also feel that the situations are honestly quite boring.

Just wanted to have a rant! Obviously I'll keep reading them if my kid wants me to, but I am really hoping he moves onto another series soon.
Does anyone else hate them?

OP posts:
metellaestinatrio · 23/04/2025 05:04

Ha ha completely agree but my eldest’s class went through a phase of all being obsessed. The problem is that the books are about an 11/12 year old (who probably do have crushes etc.) but read by much younger kids. That being said, I have two friends whose children are reluctant readers and both absolutely loved the Wimpy Kid books - for one friend it was the first time her child had chosen to read by herself.

I have the same arrangement as a PP in that my son can read them to himself but when we’re reading together it’s something better (Harry Potter at the mo).

11plusinLondon · 23/04/2025 04:58

I see Wimpy Kid and raise you Lottie Brooks. DD(11) and her friends - all of whom are bright and capable girls - are obsessed with this drivel.

IrritatedEarthling · 23/04/2025 04:21

I can recommend the Bolds by Julian Clary. Very happy for my DS6 to read those.

IrritatedEarthling · 23/04/2025 04:20

I read that the film contained some questionable information about FC so I'm giving them a wide berth too.

Katemax82 · 23/04/2025 04:11

I find them hilarious

RobintheNun · 23/04/2025 04:11

The absolute pits. Well, apart from Walliams obviously. See also Tom Gates (bit better but still hate them), and BeastQuest.

Firenzeflower · 23/04/2025 03:54

Anything that gets kids reading is fine.

Gremlinsateit · 23/04/2025 03:54

Oh lordy, I would never read those aloud. They are for kids to read themselves, especially reluctant readers. If you’re doing the reading, you get to choose something more to your taste :)

autisticbookworm · 23/04/2025 03:51

So dull, we have read loads of great books , love Roald dahl , Pamela buchert, and Susanna Davidson.
but yes wimpy kid books are boring and ds agrees. I work in a library though and some kids love them.

Paintandpots · 23/04/2025 03:41

Lol and also your right.
Solutions: Try comic books or graphic novels that are age appropriate next maybe? The wimpy kids and the Walliams stuff have illustrations that seem to appeal. Either ask library if they have/ stock them if not, or buy a free and just leave them around the house? Or pick one for bedtime reading.

Or present your view to your child and see what they say? Do they agree with you and why etc. Generate some critical reading of the text together :)

MrsTerryPratchett · 23/04/2025 01:24

I see Wimpy Kid and raise you anything by that Walliams bastard. I cannot stand those books and every relative bought the wannabe Dahl arsehole.

However, as someone who used to be involved in school book sales, anything that engenders a love of reading blah blah blah…