What next after Horrid Henry?

[summerintherosegarden]

I look after a bright little boy whose 8th birthday is coming up and I want to get him some books as a present.

The only books he seems to be crazy about are the Horrid Henry series (which I think are way too easy for him - not that that's a problem since he enjoys them, but I believe he could also enjoy something more demanding).

He doesn't like Harry Potter and I think would be put off by anything 'big' like the Northern Lights. He's keen on science and maths - I was thinking maybe sci fi but was never into it myself as a kid so don't know what would be suitable.

I was also thinking Roald Dahl - assuming things like George's Marvellous Medicine would appeal to most 8yo boys? BUT any other suggestions would be very, very gratefully received!

Mr Gum - there's 8 of those.
Mr Magieka
Beast Quest - personally I can't stand the formulaic badly written toss, but DS read the first 48 and wants more. They are cheapest from Schoolastic books.

Has he read the Horrible Science / Murderous Maths series? If not he might enjoy those, and they're 'bitty' if that makes sense, so maybe not so daunting to tackle?

DD also loved one of the series 'The Information' all about secret codes, can't remember the title but there's lots of that sort of thing around.

Thanks for those suggestions. I'd completely forgotten Horrible Science etc - think those would be completely perfect. I'll pop to Waterstones this weekend and check out the other recommendations too! Thanks again.

Jeremy strong is good too
My 8 year old loves roald Dahl books

Would second Beast Quest - if they get into them, they whizz through them. Ds also liked Astrosaurs, Wimpy Kid, Jiggy McCue and especially Mr Gum by Andy Stanton

Also ds loves my old famous five books!

John Dougherty's "Zeus" books are very funny and just right for his age.

Jack Stalwart

Urgum The Axeman series by Kyarten (?) Poskett (?)

Astrosaurs series, and Cows In Action series, by Steve Cole

Lemony Snickett Series of Unfortunate Events series

Agree Mr Gum is fantastic. Truckers by Terry Pratchett might be good if you want fantasy.

Oh I love Lemony Snicket! Sounds like lots of recommendations for Mr Gum. Thanks again everyone.

Diary of a Wimpy kid books have gone down really well with my 8 yr old ds , he got the box set and has read them in a matter of weeks .

He also loves the horrible history books .

My 8yr old ds lives the character Tom Gates series by L. Pichon (3 in all). Very humorous, boy friendly!

Mr Gum. You can buy a really great boxset of them -I think I got them from the Book People for a really good price

My son is also 8, he has likes to read:

Diary of a Wimpey Kid
Cows In Action
Jiggy McCue
All the David Walliams Books
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda