Books by Roald Dahl appear on every "best books for kids" list out there. My kids and I love his magically subversive storytelling in books like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda, as I'm sure yours do too. But what do you read when you are looking for your next outrageously hilarious, yet slightly wicked tale? I hope this list of books for kids who like Roald Dahl will give you some good ideas.
They will all make terrifically enjoyable read alouds, but some are better for older kids and a few are also good for the younger set. Remember, you can always find more fun books like popular titles in our read alike book list hub!
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MORE: After moving through this list, head over to 100 funny chapter books to find more titles with Dahl-esque humor.
Nooks and Crannies by Jennifer Lawson
I first thought of the idea for this list when listening to the audiobook of Nooks & Crannies. A philanthropist Countess sends out six mysterious invitations to six children. The eclectic group of children, including our heroine, Tabitha Crumb, arrive at the mansion to discover that one of them is believed to be the Countess's long lost grandchild. However, things are not always as they seem and the children (or at least the good children) must work together to unravel the mysteries of the house. The cast of characters here is delightfully kooky and weird, with inept and neglectful parents, both spoiled and erudite children, and disguise-wearing servants. Ages 9 and up.
The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry
Find it: Amazon
Want a fun and dastardly humorous book to read aloud? I listened to the audiobook narration of this twist on the Victorian boarding school mystery novel, and it was glorious. I didn't know what to expect and when, in the first few pages, the headmistress and her brother drop dead from poison, and the girls subsequently decide to bury them instead of report it, I thought, "how macabre!" The girls, who have wonderful monikers like "Smooth Kitty," "Disgraceful Mary Jane," and "Stout Alice," decide to try and convince everyone that their headmistress is still alive so they can avoid being sent home. Ages 10 and up.
The Perilous Princess Plot (Buckle and Squash series) by Sarah Courtauld
When I read this to my 6-year-old we could not stop laughing! I quite enjoyed creating silly voices for all of Sarah Courtauld's ridiculous and charming characters. Hard-working, practical Eliza and her dreamy, prince poster-collecting sister, Gertrude, are total opposites. When Gertrude goes off one day to find a prince and instead gets captured, her sister heads out to rescue her. Ages 7 and up.
Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder (series) by Jo Nesbø
You'd never know this is by the Norwegian crime novelist! Friends Nilly and Lisa help the good doctor develop the flatulent powder in question and in a move worthy of the Weasley twins, they sell it at school. Their plan is to get revenge on the class bullies, Truls and Trym, which they do in a most hilarious fashion. But when the doctor invents a stronger (much stronger) Fartonaut Powder, the kids must keep it away from those who wish to use the power of farts for evil. (I can't believe I just wrote that sentence.) Explosively good fun. (I couldn't help myself.) Suitable for kids 8 and up.
The Adventures of Nanny Piggins by R. A. Pratt
Nanny Piggins is one of the funniest books we've ever read. This Australian import is a series about three siblings whose father is so frugal he hires a pig to take care of them. Nanny Piggins is no Mary Poppins, however. The enthusiastic circus pig thinks school is overrated, chocolate is a food group and takes the kids on riotous adventures. This is a great book for kids (and adults) who enjoy over-the-top, subversive humor and plain, good fun. If you prefer moral didacticism, move on.
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling (series) by Maryrose Wood
While out hunting, Lord Fredrick discovers three siblings raised by wolves and adopts them. Their wild howling and uncivilized manners disturb the Lady of the manor. As a result, 15-year-old Penelope Lumley is hired to be their governess. Penelope is a fan of platitudes, poetry and reading, and sets out to tame the children. But something mysterious is going on behind the scenes! This series is a clever twist to the classic Victorian governess tale and its metafictional insights will best be appreciated by kids ages 10 and up.
Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman
When Dad steps out for some milk from the corner store he encounters a group of aliens who demand that, as a representative for all mankind, he surrender. He refuses and then gets sucked into a fantastical time-traveling adventure involving a hot air balloon ride with a stegosaurus, wampires (sic), pirates, the aforementioned aliens, and not a small amount of lunacy. Through it all, he maintains a firm grasp on the milk and in the end is, fortunately, able to return in time for his children to enjoy their breakfast cereal. This is a short novel and suitable for kids ages 7 and up.
Horton Halfpott: Or, The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor; or, The Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's Corset by Tom Angleberger
Find it: Your Library | Amazon
How can you not love a book with that title? The farce begins when M'Lady Luggertuck's maid does not tighten her mistress's corset quite as tightly as she usually does. The slight increase in M'Lady Luggertuck's ability to breath sets off a wonderfully ridiculous chain of events, including the theft of the Luggertuck treasure. The over-the-top villains, detectives, servants and all around delightfully quirky characters would fit right into any Dickens, Dahl or Snicket book. Ages 8 and up.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Magical Car by Ian Fleming
My son loved this book! This humorous tale by the author of James Bond is great fun. The crazy Pott family purchases a car that can fly as well at catch bumbling criminals. Ages 8 and up.
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
I hardly need introduce this classic title. The irreverent Pippi is the forerunner of many of our favorite contemporary heroines, so if you've read Dahl's books with your kids, but not Pippi, fix that situation right now. Suitable for reading aloud to any age who is ready to listen to chapter books.
MORE: Books for kids who like Pippi Longstocking
Mr. Popper's Penguins by Florence & Richard Atwater
This Newbery Honor book from 1938 is still as funny today as it was then. Mr. Popper and his family adopt a penguin sent to them by an explorer. The brood grows to 12 penguins and hijinks ensue. We first listened to this as an audiobook when my youngest son was almost 4 and he enjoyed it immensely, especially the scene in which the Poppers flood the basement with water, then freeze it. Ages 4 and up.
A Series of Unfortunate Events (series) by Lemony Snicket
You have probably heard of this best selling series (or watched the Netflix series) filled with orphans and guardians worthy of the best gothic Victorian melodramas. The Baudelaire children, upon learning that their parents have perished in a fire are delivered into the hands of the evil Count Olaf who is determined to get a hold of their fortune. The narrator consistently reminds the reader that this book is filled with depressing events and has an unhappy ending (all in good fun of course) so be prepared! Ages 8 and up.
MORE: Books for Kids Who Love Lemony Snicket
Zorgamazoo by Robert Paul Weston
The fast-paced, clever, rhyming verse novel follows Katrina Katrell, who runs away from her evil guardian, and alights on an adventure with a strange creature called a Zorgle from Zorgamazoo. A twisting mystery, with bizarre and hilarious characters follow. Winner of the 2009 E.B White Read Aloud Award. You won't be able to resist using all kinds of silly voices as you read this aloud!
Prince Puggly of Spud and the Kingdom of Spiff by Robert Paul Weston
Find it: Amazon | Your Library
The premise is wonderfully silly: in the Kingdom of Spiff everyone is obsessed with fashion, and ridiculously elaborate fashion at that. Well, almost everyone — the Princess prefers pajamas… and books. In Spud, however, things are a bit different and when Puggly of Spud and Frannie of Spiff meet up they set out to teach the others a thing or two about what is really important. This is really fun to read aloud because of the fantastical vocabulary and the rhyming couplets. Even the font is “fancified.” I do, however, recommend it for more experienced listeners. I certainly think a 5 year old can listen to it, but it is not the usual fare and I found that mini recaps of the action before we began each reading session to be extra-helpful. Nevertheless, it was a hit. Ages 7 and up.
The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleishman (1987)
When parents tell me their kids have trouble finishing books, I like to recommend The Whipping Boy. It's a short novel, but just as entertaining and fulfilling as longer books. The vain and snobbish Prince Brat and Jemmy, his whipping boy, are kidnapped by a pair of thieves. A case of mistaken identity is the catalyst for lots of action, humor and interesting plot twists. Plus, it's a classic from the 1980s and a Newbery winner so you can feel quite satisfied about getting your kid to read it. Suitable for kids 8 and up.
Fake Mustache: Or, How Jodie O'Rodeo and Her Wonder Horse (and Some Nerdy Kid) Saved the U.S. Presidential Election from a Mad Genius Criminal Mastermind by Tom Angleberger
I have a bit of a soft spot for crazy long titles so how could I resist this one? Lenny Flem Jr.'s friend, Casper, comes into an unexpected windfall and purchases a suit and fake mustache. Shortly afterwards, a string of robberies takes place and Casper makes a grab for world domination. Sound absurd enough for you? One of the surprising twists of this books is that half-way through, the narration switches from Lenny to Jodie and somehow Angleberger makes it all work brilliantly. Ages 8 and up.
Hoboken Chicken Emergency by Daniel Pinkwater
With a knowing nod to my neighbors in New Jersey, you have to admit that any book which couples "Hoboken" with "Chicken" in the title has got to be hilarious. When there are no turkeys to be found anywhere in Hoboken for Thanksgiving dinner, Arthur returns home with a chicken. The problem? The chicken is 266 pounds. Hijinks ensue. I read this aloud to my sons and they loved it. Ages 7 and up.
Dominic by William Steig
I can't sing the praises of this book enough. My 6 year old adored it. It was such a good read aloud that we finished it in one day! Dominic is a dog who sets out to find adventure. Along the way he meets the Doomsday Gang, a band of ne’er-do-wells who are spreading havoc among the local population. Dominic easily foils the greedy gang and earns everyone’s awe and respect. His kindness towards towards others earns him a reward, which he spreads around to the less fortunate as he continues on his journey. Dominic has such a positive attitude towards life, your kids will be smiling from ear to ear while reading. Ages 8 and up.
Wayside School Is Falling Down by Louis Sachar (1989)
From the gifted author of Holes, this is a crowd pleasing, witty book that you should not pass over. There are 30 stories for the 30 floors of wacky Wayside School. Each chapter is a self-contained, clever joke. Both kids who love the silly and ridiculous, and parents who appreciate well-written, humorous books will find something to charm them. This is the second book in the series.
Nancy and Plum by Betty MacDonald
This 1952 book from the author of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is the perfect recipe for an old-fashioned read aloud: two orphaned sisters, an unctuous boarding school mistress who feeds them hard oatmeal, a wealthy bachelor uncle, a Christmas setting and a feel good ending in which evil fails and good triumphs. Read it now, or save it for your holiday read aloud list.
The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom (series) by Christopher Healy
Find it: Bookshop | Amazon | Audiobook
Fans of fairy tale adventures will enjoy this cheeky and humorous story about the "Prince Charmings." The princes, who now have actual names, have been turned out by their princesses for various reasons of unsuitability. They band together in an effort to prove themselves worthy by defeating Rapunzel's witch. The feisty princesses also make an appearance and by the end of the book it is impossible not to laugh out loud at the lovable foolishness of the princes' exploits. Great fun. I HIGHLY recommend the audiobook! Ages 8 and up.
MORE: If your kids like fairy-tale themed books, check out these books like The Land of Stories.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library (series) by Chris Grabenstein
If you've ever dreamed of spending a night in the library, this popular adventure mystery is the book for you. Luigi Lemoncello, a world-famous game creator has designed the local library and twelve 7th graders get to spend the night. They have exactly 24 hours to find the secret exit and win a prize. Ages 8 and up.
Bonus book #23:
The Candymakers (series) by Wendy Mass
This book is frequently compared to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. When four kids gather for the Confectionery Association Conference, they end up trying to solve the mystery of a stolen secret ingredient and create the best candy ever. A nice long book to keep them reading, reading, reading.
These lists will also have books for kids who like Roald Dahl:
Violet says
Great list! I'm looking forward to trying these. My kids (5&7) loved Hoboken Chicken Emergency, as well as other books by Daniel Pinkwater, especially Lizard Music and Alan Mendelssohn, Boy from Mars (as read alouds).
Erica MomandKiddo says
I'v had Lizard Music on my to read list forevvvvveeer! I should get on that!
Evielovesbooks says
I can see that you liked William Steig's book Dominic! I have never read it but I have read his book Abel's Island. I thought it was wonderful and as for Dominic I will certainly try it out! Keep up the book lists as well!
Erica MomandKiddo says
I enjoyed Abel's Island as well. You will love Dominic! Happy reading!
Lucy Mitchell says
Fantastic list! We loved Horton, Mr Lemoncello and The Heros Guide. I'd recommend Frank Contrell Boyces sequels to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, my boys loved them.
Erica MomandKiddo says
I'm not sure I've read any of the CCBB sequels, thanks for the recommendation!
Terry says
Another great list, Erica! I've pinned it and added it to our collection of read-alikes in our recommendations library!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thank you!
ashley donati booktomato.net says
thank you so much for this list! it is hard to find the same caliber of surrealism in kid lit as mr. dahl. i am adding these to my reading wish list.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Enjoy!
Taisa says
This is a great list- my kids have listened to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach about a thousand times on audiobook and they will love a bunch of these ones too. I always love your terrific book lists- thanks for sharing!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thank you, Taisa! Happy reading. 🙂
Eileen says
This is my idea of a great list: I already know half of the books--they are favorites of mine as well. Therefore, the other half must be fantastic reads waiting for me to discover.
Have you ever read Uncle by JP Martin? Still a favorite, even though my children are now in their early teens. My son and I agree that all the names of the characters could easily pass for the name of a cool indie band.
Erica says
Thank you for the recommendation!
Kate says
Thank you so much for this list. My daughter loves Roald Dahl and I love listening to her crack up at his stories. This list gives us lots of new books to divee into.
Erica says
Hope she finds some new favorites! Happy reading.
Stephanie Best says
Looking forward to trying The Whipping Boy. The Willoughbys would fit well on this list too.
Erica says
I Love The Willoughbys!