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Children's books

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Original poster

Books/series to read aloud to my 8-year old?

65 replies

Changeynames · 30/05/2022 19:14

For context DS is 8, Y3, massively struggles to read and is nowhere near the point of being able to do it for fun (FINALLY been referred for assessment after over a year of the school wafting away my concerns and telling me he will 'catch up')

Anyway. The good thing is that he still very much enjoys stories, books and being read to and I am obviously keen to keep this up as long possible.
We are currently reading and enjoying Narnia; he has also loved books of myths/folktales, and is into science, nature, reptiles and dragons in a big way😁

So, looking for suggestions of books or series that might encompass any of the above interests, with big bonus points for anything that is reasonably enjoyable for an adult to read out loud too!

Thank you!

OP posts:
Frozentoo · 30/05/2022 20:09

Artemis Fowl may work too

HorribleHerstory · 30/05/2022 20:05

We did Harry Potter all the way through at 7-8 with no problems.
we’ve also enjoyed a series of unfortunate events and how to train your dragon but couldn’t manage Narnia. Films and tv programmes to explore with them all.

I’d try the box of delights if you enjoyed Narnia. the hobbit and the lord of the rings. There are 12 swallows and amazons novels but we only did the one. Age of fire series if he likes dragons.

stig of the dump, ballet shoes, worzel gummidge, professor branestawm, pippi longstocking, the wizard of oz, a little princess, Mary popping, goodnight mister Tom, toms midnight garden, eragon.

DoubleDiamond · 30/05/2022 19:45

Another vote for Mr Gum. They really are brilliant and great fun to read.

SirSamVimesCityWatch · 30/05/2022 19:45

Harry Potter I'd say you can do books 1-3 no probs but then have a break after book three and don't start book four til he's older.

The Hobbit could be good.

Maybe the Alex Rider books? Too much for him to read on his own but if you're reading to him? Worth a check on the age suitability of those though, not looked at for a while.

Frozentoo · 30/05/2022 19:43

Oh also the Horrible Histories books and fact books about animals- Deadly 60! All went down well fir my fact-loving son though perhaps less bed-time escapism!

SpaceJamtart · 30/05/2022 19:41

How to train your dragon

Frozentoo · 30/05/2022 19:40

I actually agree that Harry Potter is v dark once past book 2. I've stopped after book 2 with my 9 year old - though we enjoyed what we read I think there's no harm leaving it a year or two.
My son was also a v v reluctant reader - literally this time last year. He is now an avid reader which I never thought would happen.
We've enjoyed the How to train your dragon books, and the Mr Gum books as a previous poster mentioned. The Mr Penguin books by Alex T Smith are fab too. I also read the 13 storey treehouse books with him though they are more comic-ey in style they made him laugh and I was just desperate for him to find enjoyment in reading.
He has now devoured all 13 Alex Rider books, Swallows and Amazons etc by himself. No stopping him now - I think finding things that really capture their interests really helped - Spies and sailing in my son's case!

janeseymour78 · 30/05/2022 19:38

A series of unfortunate events

MojoJojo71 · 30/05/2022 19:30

The train to impossible places
Frostheart
A series of unfortunate events

and definitely Harry Potter. Reading it aloud to my children is one of my favourite memories. DS was 11 by the time the last one came out but he still made me read it aloud and do all the voices. I’ve just finished re-reading them with DD who is 9 and when her brother is around he listens too (he’s now 25)

Nutellaspoon · 30/05/2022 19:24

Not too old yet for Winnie the Pooh, if you've read it before, read it again.

I would do harry potter though, it's so lovely reading it and seeing them so hooked to a book.

Riverlee · 30/05/2022 19:22

Gobbelino the Witches Cat
Teddy Robinson
Famous Five and Secret Seven
Mallory Towers
St Clares

JanePrentiss · 30/05/2022 19:21

Mr Gum. We love Mr Gum, and if you get the audio books, get the ones read by the author, not the ones read by Kate Winslet (her version is too screechy).

Mr Gum books are brilliant and we have spent many many a hiday just listening to the audio books while driving round. Dh often had them on while driving to work!

Original poster
Changeynames · 30/05/2022 19:19

Thanks! I've been hesitant about starting Harry Potter because my memory of it (from reading it myself years ago so could be wrong!) is that book 1 would be suitable but it gets dark pretty fast a few books in?

Would you say the later books are still appropriate for their age?

OP posts:
MissCrowley · 30/05/2022 19:15

Have you tried Harry Potter? I started reading it to my daughter at bedtime a year ago, she's just turned 8 and we're on the deathly hallows. She's very much enjoying it. And you've given me an idea of which books to read next so thanks!

elizabethdraper · 30/05/2022 19:15

I am reading my 8 year Harry potter

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