The Best Fun Chapter Books for Kids
1. Tom Gates by Liz Pichon
Tom Gates is the king of doodles, excuses, and hilarious school-day chaos. With quirky illustrations and laugh-out-loud moments, this series is perfect for reluctant readers and creative minds alike. Bonus: it’s impossible to read without smiling.
Why kids love it:
- Relatable school antics
- Doodles on every page
- Tom’s cheeky charm
Unsure where to start? Find out in our Tom Gates books in order blog.
2. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Greg Heffley’s middle school misadventures are legendary. Told through diary entries and cartoons, this series captures the awkward, hilarious, and sometimes cringey moments of growing up.
Why kids love it:
- Comic-style storytelling
- Endless laughs
- Greg’s lovable flaws
For the best storytelling experience, read the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books in order with our helpful guide.
3. Lottie Brooks by Katie Kirby
Lottie is navigating the wild world of tweenhood — from embarrassing moments to friendship drama — with a big heart and even bigger laughs. Think Bridget Jones for kids, but with more unicorn stationery.
Why kids love it:
- Honest and funny voice
- Real-life dilemmas
- Empowering and relatable
Perfect for readers aged 9-13, read the Lottie Brooks books in order and follow Lottie's journey as she navigates secondary school.
4. Dork Diaries by Rachel Renée Russell
Nikki Maxwell’s diary is a whirlwind of crushes, mean girls, and glittery chaos. With a bubbly tone and fabulous illustrations, this series is a hit with kids who love drama (the fun kind).
Why kids love it:
- Diary format with drawings
- Glamorous and goofy
- Friendship-focused fun
Follow Nikki Maxwell with the Dork Diaries books in order and enjoy all of her hilarious adventures.
5. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
No list is complete without the boy wizard. From Hogwarts to Hogsmeade, Harry’s magical journey is packed with spells, secrets, and unforgettable friendships. It’s a rite of passage for young readers.
Why kids love it:
- Magical world-building
- Epic adventures
- Characters they grow up with
6. Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan
Percy discovers he’s a demigod and suddenly, math class seems a lot less terrifying than battling monsters from Greek mythology. This fast-paced series blends humour with heroic quests.
Why kids love it:
- Action-packed chapters
- Mythology made fun
- Percy’s witty narration
7. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory & Other Roald Dahl Books
Roald Dahl’s stories are a delicious mix of mischief, magic, and moral lessons. Whether it’s chocolate rivers or giant peaches, his books are timeless treasures that never lose their sparkle.
Why kids love it:
- Whimsical worlds
- Cheeky humour
- Memorable characters
8. The Creakers by Tom Fletcher
What if the grown-ups vanished overnight? Enter the world of the Creakers—creepy creatures with a surprisingly cuddly twist. This spooky-fun adventure is perfect for brave little readers.
Why kids love it:
- Spooky but silly
- Imaginative plot
- Empowering heroine
9. Isadora Moon by Harriet Muncaster
Isadora is half-fairy, half-vampire, and 100% enchanting. With glittery adventures and charming illustrations, this series is ideal for younger chapter book readers who love a touch of magic and a lot of heart.
Why kids love it:
- Magical yet relatable heroine
- Gorgeous pink-and-black artwork
- Sweet stories with gentle lessons
If you're wondering where to start, here’s the complete list of Isadora Moon books in order so you can follow her adventures from the beginning.
Happy Reading!
Whether your child is into magical realms, diary drama, or chocolate-fueled chaos, these chapter books are bursting with fun and heart. They’re more than just stories, they’re invitations to laugh, dream, and explore.
So grab a blanket, a snack (maybe not from the Creakers), and let your young reader dive into their next big adventure.
