We've finished ALL the Famous Five. What next?

[pupchewsleg]

I am sad they are over as DS2 has loved them. He still likes me to read to him at bedtime, so what shall we choose?
DS likes a bit of peril, adventures, animals. We have read all Harry Potter (DS was fine with scary bits). Marcus Sedgwick's Raven Boy and Elf Girl series (brilliant). Mr Gum. Faraway tree etc.
So we would like a series with adventure, danger, animals and likeable characters.
We have tried Secret Seven but not keen.
Any suggestions appreciated.

There is a series of 15 books called The Romans or similar which is basically Famous 5 set in roman times.

Percy Jackson was also a favourite series.

I think you're thinking of the Roman Mysteries by Caroline Lawrence

the chronicles of narnia, 5 children and it, the secret garden, peter pan
bridge to terebithia, land of stories series, percy jackson series, the book thief (best book ever), all the light we cannot see, the perks of being a wallflower ( every boy has to read this and girl), the catcher in the rye, life of pi, kensukes kingdom, private peaceful, the incident of the dog in the nightime, the lord of the rings, treasure island, hucklebury finn, the diary of anne frank, the illiad and the odyssey, running wild, i believe in unicorns, flamingo boy, shadow, my dog skip, outlaw, sparrow, listen to the moon, twist of gold, home for peculiar children. - these are my faves.

Did you do the faraway tree yet?

Beaver Towers

If you want to stick with Enid blyton, the adventure series is good. Better than the famous 5.

DS and I really, really enjoyed 'The accidental pirates' (We've read two books, there might be more now). More HP than FF (magic, dragons, pirates) but superb characters, great writing, lots of adventure, and none of that gender stereotyping stuff/dated language.

Can't recommend it enough.

David Eddings Belgariad and Mallorean series' are truly epic.
I would also recommend the adventure series by Enid Blyton

The Eddy Stone books are brilliantly written and really funny. Loads of adventure, and laugh out loud for adults as well as children. DC loved them. Like a mix of Mr Gum and a classic adventure story. And they have animals - penguin in the first, cat in the second and there's a new one out this summer with a camel in it.

Update - Five Find Outers are great. Just what we are looking for. And it turns out I remember them from childhood - its Fatty I remember.
Will look out for other suggestions too.

Another suggestion is David Schutte's Naitabal Mystery series. They're more modern day but not too dissimilar to the Find Outers.

Another vote for Enid Blyton’s Adventure series! How I loved those books.

Dd’s favourites are The Wildings and the sequel The Hundred Names of Darkness by Nilanjana Roy. About a clan of wild cats in Old Delhi. I read them after she raved about them, and couldn’t put them down.

Lari Don's 'Spellchaser' and 'Fabled Beast Chronicles'

How old is he? I LOOOOVED the Charlie Higson Enemy series, about kids in the aftermath of a sort of zombie plague that kills grown ups. It's modern and British and funny but a bit scary, so might not be too good if he's very young.

Also Enid Blyton - the Secret series with Jack, Peggy, Nora and Mike.

YY to the Adventure Series.

And the Mystery Series with Roger, DIana, Snubby and Barney.

All superior to the famous five IMO.

I was scrolling for recommendations for DS2 (8) + spotted this thread as we're in a similar situation! (Including not enjoying Secret Seven.) Have been noting suggestions... He's reading the first Skulduggery Pleasant by himself and loving it, so I would second/third that recommendation too.

Just wanted to add a couple he's enjoyed me reading to him recently:
Mrs Frisby and the Rats of Nimh (he didn't want that to end)
Bogwoppit
Five Children and It

About to start The Black Stallion tonight + will be Tom's Midnight Garden after that. One of my favourite more 'contemporary' books that I've read to the older DC is First Light by Rebecca Stead.

Inkspellme my son loves the old-fashioned turns of phrase in FF – 'Oh, do lets!' has become a particular favourite.

I heartily recommend the LHOTP series. They are a good set of books for older children to become interested in American history and culture too. We had many discussions about what life was like then and we would talk about the vocabulary used. I also tried the CS books. They taught me about European geography history and culture. If you like secrets and mysteries Lady Grace Mysteries are a good option.