Books for Frank Cottrell Boyce and Ben Davies lovers

[Himawarigirl]

As a thread title says, my kids and I have really enjoyed all of Frank Cottrell Boyce’s, books and lots of Ben Davies and I’m looking for similar suggestions. My son is almost 9 and these are to read aloud so they can be a bit more complicated than he might manage on his own. He’s really not keen on fantasy, dragons, that kind of thing (although does love Harry Potter). We’ve also enjoyed quite a lot of Eva Ibbetson and Katherine Rundell’s books. So stories that are rooted in the real world, but perhaps with an element of the fantastical or adventure about them, and can explore serious themes. Tips welcome!