David Walliams Books in Order and by Age: Which Walliams Book Should Your Child Read First?

The short answer: David Walliams' novels are best for children aged about 7 to 12, with most children enjoying them most between 8 and 10. Confident readers often start at 7 with the shorter, funnier titles such as Gangsta Granny, Billionaire Boy or Ratburger, while his picture books suit ages 3 to 6. His novels are standalones, so you can read them in any order, but starting with his earlier books, from The Boy in the Dress (2008) to Grandpa's Great Escape (2015), is a great introduction.

David Walliams is one of the best-selling children's authors in the UK, and his books are often the first long novels children read on their own. Parents regularly ask what age group David Walliams books are for, which one to start with and whether they need to be read in order. This guide answers all three, lists the David Walliams books in order of publication, suggests the best book for each age and helps you choose a box set.

What age are David Walliams books for?

Walliams writes in three main formats, and each suits a different age.

The novels are long by children's book standards, usually several hundred pages, but they are full of illustrations, large type, jokes and short chapters. That makes them less daunting than they look. Most children read them independently from around age 8, while 6- and 7-year-olds often enjoy them as bedtime read-alouds.

Is there anything parents should know?

Walliams' books are funny, but many also deal with real feelings. Several include sad moments, such as illness, the death of a grandparent or a parent, or a child dealing with loss. There is plenty of slapstick, toilet humour and cartoonish villains, and some adults find the humour a little crude. If your child is sensitive, it is worth reading a few pages of each book yourself. Gangsta Granny and Grandpa's Great Escape in particular have moving endings that are best shared with a grown-up nearby.

David Walliams books in order of publication

Here are David Walliams' main children's novels in the order they were published. The first two were illustrated by Quentin Blake, the illustrator of Roald Dahl's books, and most of the rest by Tony Ross.

Alongside the novels there is the World's Worst series of short, illustrated story collections: The World's Worst Children (three volumes), The World's Worst Teachers, The World's Worst Parents, The World's Worst Pets and The World's Worst Monsters. Walliams has also written many picture books for younger children.

The World's Worst series in order

These illustrated collections of short, silly stories are perfect for younger readers or for children who prefer to read in short bursts. They can be read in any order.

1. The World's Worst Children (2016)
2. The World's Worst Children 2 (2017)
3. The World's Worst Children 3 (2018)
4. The World's Worst Teachers (2019)
5. The World's Worst Parents (2020)
6. The World's Worst Pets (2022)
7. The World's Worst Monsters (2023)

Each story introduces a ridiculous character, from terrible teachers to badly behaved pets, and ends with a twist or a punchline. They are a brilliant bridge between picture books and full novels.

Why children love David Walliams books

Before becoming a children's author, David Walliams was best known as a comedian and actor, and his comic timing shows on every page. His books are often compared to Roald Dahl's, thanks to their grotesque grown-ups, brave children and gleeful sense of mischief, and the early books even share an illustrator with Dahl. Children tend to mention the same things when they talk about why they love them:

• They are genuinely funny, with jokes aimed at children rather than adults.
• The pages are lively, with illustrations, changing type sizes and playful layouts that make long books feel quick.
• The heroes are ordinary children who outwit the adults around them.
• There is real heart. Under the jokes, most of the books are about family, friendship and kindness.

For reluctant readers in particular, a Walliams novel can be the first long book they finish on their own, and that sense of achievement matters.

Do you need to read David Walliams books in order?

No. Each novel has its own characters and story, so children can start anywhere. The only real sequel is Gangsta Granny Strikes Again!, which follows on from Gangsta Granny and should be read after it. Some characters, such as Raj the newsagent, pop up in many books as a running joke, which children love spotting, but you will not miss anything by reading out of order.

That said, the earlier books are generally the most loved and are a good place to start. Many families work through the first ten, which happen to be collected together in one box set, before moving on to the newer titles.

Which David Walliams book should my child read first?

Here are our suggestions by age and reading confidence. Every child is different, so treat these as a starting point.

Best David Walliams books for a 6 or 7 year old

• The World's Worst Children: short, funny stories that can be read in one sitting, perfect for building stamina.
• Billionaire Boy: Joe Spud has everything money can buy except a real friend. Simple, funny and warm.
• Ratburger: Zoe, her pet rat and a villainous burger-van owner. Lots of laughs and a satisfying ending.

Best David Walliams books for an 8 year old

• Gangsta Granny: Ben thinks his granny is boring until he discovers her secret life as an international jewel thief. His most famous book, with a moving ending.
• Mr Stink: Chloe befriends a homeless man and hides him in her garden shed.
• Awful Auntie: Stella must outwit her wicked Aunt Alberta and a giant owl to save her family home.

Best David Walliams books for a 9 or 10 year old

• Grandpa's Great Escape: Jack's grandpa, a former RAF pilot, believes he is still flying Spitfires. A funny, touching story about dementia and family.
• The Midnight Gang: children on a hospital ward make dreams come true after dark.
• Code Name Bananas: a boy and a gorilla in London during the Second World War, a great choice for children studying the Blitz at school.
• Demon Dentist: a spooky, darker story that suits older readers who like a scare.

Best David Walliams books for 11 and 12 year olds

• The Boy in the Dress: his first book, about a boy who loves football and fashion. A good starting point for conversations about being yourself.
• Bad Dad: a former racing driver and his son take on a crime boss.
• The Ice Monster: a Victorian orphan, a frozen woolly mammoth and a big adventure.

By 11 or 12, many children are ready to move on from Walliams. Roald Dahl is a natural next step, and our Roald Dahl box set guide explains which books to start with. For something with a diary format and plenty of doodles, try our guide to the Tom Gates books in order.

David Walliams books made into films

Several Walliams novels have been adapted as BBC family films, usually shown at Christmas. They include Mr Stink (2012), Gangsta Granny (2013), The Boy in the Dress (2014), Billionaire Boy (2016), Ratburger (2017), Grandpa's Great Escape (2018) and The Midnight Gang (2018). Watching one of these is a great way to tempt a reluctant reader to try the book, and the books contain plenty of extra jokes and scenes that the films leave out.

Where to start: the best David Walliams box sets

For the first ten books

The World of David Walliams Terrific Ten 10-book collection includes all of his first ten novels: The Boy in the Dress, Mr Stink, Billionaire Boy, Gangsta Granny, Ratburger, Demon Dentist, Awful Auntie, Grandpa's Great Escape, The Midnight Gang and Bad Dad. It is the best way to start, and it lasts a long time.

For a smaller starter set

The David Walliams Best Box Set Ever 5-book collection contains his first five novels: The Boy in the Dress, Mr Stink, Billionaire Boy, Gangsta Granny and Ratburger. For three family-themed stories, the Fun-tastic Families box set has Bad Dad, Awful Auntie and Grandpa's Great Escape. You can also buy Grandpa's Great Escape on its own.

For the newer books

Once your child has read the early books, the David Walliams 5-book set with Fing, The Ice Monster, Slime, Code Name Bananas and The Beast of Buckingham Palace carries on the collection. After that, the 5-book set with Super Sleuth, Robodog, Megamonster, The Blunders and Spaceboy brings it more up to date. If you only want a couple of the newer adventures, the Megamonster and Robodog 2-book set is a good smaller option.

For short-story fans

The World's Worst Teachers and World's Worst Parents 2-book set is perfect for younger readers or for dipping into, and the World's Worst Monsters and World's Worst Pets set continues the series.

Tips for getting the most out of David Walliams books

• Read the first chapter together. Walliams' openings are designed to hook children quickly. Once they are laughing, many will carry on alone.
• Look out for running jokes. Raj's shop and its "special offers" appear in many books. Children love spotting him.
• Use the sad bits as a conversation starter. Books like Gangsta Granny and Grandpa's Great Escape open up gentle conversations about grandparents, ageing and loss.
• Link books to school topics. Code Name Bananas fits the Second World War, The Ice Monster the Victorians, and Megamonster a love of science.

Frequently asked questions

What age group are David Walliams books for?

His novels suit children aged roughly 7 to 12, with the sweet spot around 8 to 10. His picture books are for ages 3 to 6, and the World's Worst short-story collections suit around 6 to 10.

Do David Walliams books need to be read in order?

No, each novel stands alone with its own characters. The only direct sequel is Gangsta Granny Strikes Again!, which should be read after Gangsta Granny.

What is the best David Walliams book to start with?

Gangsta Granny is the most popular starting point and his best-known book. For a younger or less confident reader, Billionaire Boy or Ratburger are shorter-feeling and very funny.

Are David Walliams books suitable for a 6 year old?

Most 6-year-olds will enjoy them as read-alouds rather than reading them alone. The World's Worst story collections and his picture books are better for independent reading at that age.

How many David Walliams books are there?

He has written more than 20 children's novels, plus the World's Worst collections and many picture books. New titles continue to appear, so the total grows most years.

Which David Walliams books have been made into TV films?

The BBC has adapted several of his novels, including Mr Stink, Gangsta Granny, The Boy in the Dress, Billionaire Boy, Ratburger, Grandpa's Great Escape and The Midnight Gang. They are often shown around Christmas and can be a fun way to get children interested in the books.

Find the right book for your child

Whether your child is just starting chapter books or racing through them, there is a David Walliams book to make them laugh. Browse our books for ages 7–9 and books for ages 9–12, or see our reading lists by age for more ideas.