Kids: Reluctant readers

If your tamariki haven't caught the reading bug yet, the books on this list may pique their interest! Here you'll find books that are funny, large text, pictures, cartoons, and maybe something short and sweet.

Updated July 28, 2025
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Madeline.
Bemelmans, Ludwig, 1898-1962
Paper Book
Set in picturesque Paris, this tale of a brave little girl's trip to the hospital is as appealing today as it was in 1940. The combination of spirited heroine, timelessly appealing art, cheerful humor, and rhythmic text makes "Madeline" a perennial favorite with children of all ages. A Caldecott...
Flat Stanley.
Brown, Jeff, 1926-2003.
Paper Book
The 13-story treehouse.
Griffiths, Andy, 1961-
Paper Book
Andy and Terry live in a treehouse. But it's not just any old treehouse, it's the most amazing treehouse in the world! This treehouse has thirteen stories, a bowling alley, a see-through swimming pool, a secret underground laboratory, and a marshmallow machine that follows you around...
The worst witch.
Murphy, Jill, 1949-
Paper Book
The Worst Witch written and illustrated by Jill Murphy is reissued with an exciting TV tie-in cover to accompany the new CBBC series in Spring 2017.The highly anticipated CBBC series stars Bella Ramsey (Game of Thrones) as Mildred, Clare Higgins (Doctor Who) as Miss Cackle and...
Big Nate: the Nate Files
Peirce, Lincoln.
Paper Book
Featuring original content and stories based on the Emmy-nominated Big Nate animated series, The Nate Files offers an exciting peek into the world of Big Nate and friends, including comics, stories, and bonus material taken directly from Nate's notebook.   ...
Ottoline and the yellow cat
Riddell, Chris
Paper Book
Introducing Miss Ottoline Brown, an exceptionally inquisitive Mistress of Disguise, and her partner in crime, Mr Munroe. Ottoline and the Yellow Cat is a quirky mystery-adventure from Chris Riddell, author of the award-winning Goth Girl books. No puzzle is ever too...
Sideways stories from wayside school.
Sachar, Louis, 1954-
Paper Book
Humorous episodes from the classroom on the thirtieth floor of Wayside School, which was accidentally built sideways with one classroom on each story. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.
Horrid Henry. [online electronic book]
Simon, Francesca
Ebook
Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 to 5 Horrid Henry is the very first collection of stories about the master of mischief (and the funniest kid in the universe) including: Horrid Henry is dragged to dance class. Horrid Henry competes with Moody Margaret to make the...

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