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Children's books

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Original poster

I need some new ideas for books to read to dd (nearly 6)

106 replies

imaginaryfriend · 28/05/2008 23:10

She's only just moved from me reading her picture books to reading her chapter books. I've found it quite hard to come up with things that appeal to her, but thanks to some great suggestions on here I've had huge success with:

Princess Mirror-Belle stories
Clever Polly and the Stupid Wolf
George's Marvellous Medicine (Roald Dahl although she doesn't like any of his other books)
Arabel's Raven
Pinnocchio
All the Amelia Jane stories

She generally seems to favour books which are quite funny and a little bit surreal / magical. She hasn't liked any of the Animal Ark type stories, nor the Magic Unicorn / fairy type books.

I'd love some new suggestions. I've just started an Ottoline book by Chris Riddell but she's not too impressed so far!

OP posts:
littlelapin · 29/05/2008 18:34

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FrannyandZooey · 29/05/2008 18:34

I'm just reading 'My Dad is a Birdman' by David Almond. Very unusual and ds is riveted.

The Oz books have also been a big hit here although occasionally a bit gruesome (I edit).

We all really like the Aurora books which are OOP but available from Amazon or eBay - slightly unconventional Scandi family stories

and the Bullerby children are such a delight - also OOP but worth their weight in gold - really joyous and the bologna sausage story makes me weep with laughter

Original poster
imaginaryfriend · 29/05/2008 18:29

GE I tried those two. She loved George's Marvellous Medicine but so far hasn't liked any other Dahl books.

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Original poster
imaginaryfriend · 29/05/2008 18:26

Thanks Collision, I'll check all those out.

We're a bit unfortunate with the library at the moment as our local one has been closed for nearly 2 years and the only day we can make it to the one in town at the moment is a Saturday afternoon which often gets taken up with play dates / parties. We used to go all the time. I miss it.

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GreenElizabeth · 29/05/2008 18:24

Maybe an 8 yr old could read them his or her SELF though.

GreenElizabeth · 29/05/2008 18:24

Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate factory by roald dahl are brilliant for that age group. I think it says age 8 in the book shop but a six yr old will love them.

Collision · 29/05/2008 18:21

Go to the library......far cheaper and so much fun!!

Collision · 29/05/2008 18:21

Try Flat Stanley
Dragon in class Four
Magic treehouse (not faraway tree)
Mr Majeika

DS (6) loves all of these

we have already read Faraway Tree and Wishing Chair

Original poster
imaginaryfriend · 29/05/2008 18:19

I used to love the Ramona books - is that Ramona the Pest?

Good plan re. the Henry books. There are tons aren't there? Maybe I'll look on ebay for some.

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MaltesersAndMarmite · 29/05/2008 10:10

Try charity shops for Horrid HEnry books. They are only four chapters long and we normally get through them in one day. Much better to pick one up for 50p, then £4, especially if you're not sure whether she will like them. What about the Beverly Clearly Ramona books, though I'm not sure these are still in print.

wooga · 29/05/2008 10:06

The Quigleys books by Simon Mason are really good-my ds loves them!

They're about a family-Mum,Dad,Will and Lucy Quigley and each book has several stories about them.

They're especially good because they have 'real' characters that aren't perfect all the time and there is a lot of humour in them too!

nailpolish · 29/05/2008 09:22

KATIE MORAG

they are hilarious

The Lighthouse Keepers Lunch

another funny one

Original poster
imaginaryfriend · 29/05/2008 09:18

I've ordered from Redhouse before actually but I prefer to have a title in mind before I start looking. I've bought a lot of things that dd just doesn't like so am being a bit more picky now.

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mumoftwo37 · 29/05/2008 09:12

Have a look at Redhouse they have some excellent deals on childrens books and usually have a good selection. Also, I have found on many occasions that Waterstones is actually cheaper than Amazon and I think they have free delivery at the moment.

Original poster
imaginaryfriend · 29/05/2008 09:09

I've got some of the Sophie books, kindly given to me by a MNetter, we should try those next.

I think I'll definitely put one of the Horrid Henry books on my Amazon order.

Rumer Godden hasn't appealed to dd so far but I'll maybe give her another try.

Thanks!

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MaltesersAndMarmite · 29/05/2008 06:05

Have you tried the Sophie books by Dick King-Smith? DD1 (5) loved these, and they were a pleasure to read aloud as well. She also loved the Horrid Henry books, and we have also read some of Rumer Godden's such as The Fairy Doll, Holly and Ivy and The Doll's House.

Original poster
imaginaryfriend · 28/05/2008 23:40

Paddington was a no-no.

Who wrote Olga da Polga?

Yes, My Naughty Little Sister has been on my list too, thanks for reminding me!

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hana · 28/05/2008 23:32

My Naughty Little Sister?

WigWamBam · 28/05/2008 23:25

What about something like A Bear called Paddington, or Olga da Polga?

tigana · 28/05/2008 23:24

Narnia not v sugary imo.
How about childs versions of greek myths? My Dad read these to me as a young child. Loved them. Theseus, perseus, Jason & argonauts and Aphrodite in the underworld etc.

Original poster
imaginaryfriend · 28/05/2008 23:23

Yes, Grimms would be good. She loved, absolutely loved, the original story of Pinocchio. And embarrassingly she loved a book by Madonna someone got her for Christmas, called 'Lotsa da Casha' ... yuck.

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Original poster
imaginaryfriend · 28/05/2008 23:22

Tigana - she likes fairy things but not when they're too sugary-sweet. I wonder about C.S. Lewis ... Maybe she would go for that.

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rosealbie · 28/05/2008 23:22

How about Grimms fairy tales - I loved these too.

tigana · 28/05/2008 23:20

Lion Witch & Wardrobe? Or is that too 'fairy-type'?

Original poster
imaginaryfriend · 28/05/2008 23:20

I was convinced dd would like Pippi Longstocking, I thought it would be perfect, but she doesn't.

I'd love to read her the other two you mentioned WWB but I don't think she's 'mature' enough to handle them. She likes quite simple and direct stories so far and won't listen to anything with much of a preamble. Sigh ...

I tried some of the moomin books and she hated them!

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