Looking for a book to buy for a special chap in your life, but at a loss for what will be a hit? Worry not, we’ve got a roundup of some of the best books for boys, from timeless classics to brand spanking new titles that boys of all ages will love.
Of course all literature can be enjoyed by all genders, but we’ve compiled a list here of books boys are likely to enjoy. That’s not to say that girls won’t love them too. But we’ve picked them based on characters, themes and subject matter that will hopefully grab a boy’s interest.
What makes a good book for boys?
All boys are different, and they will enjoy different things. Talk to your child and find out what they’re interested in, then buy more similar titles. Perhaps they can’t remember the names, but take note of the stories that are requested again and again at bedtime. Or you could ask them to create a pile of their favourite books and see if you can see any themes or subjects.
Generally speaking, for young children who can’t read just yet, rhyming stories with repetition are proven to be beneficial for their own literacy. For older kids who are just learning to read, or reluctant readers, large chunks of text might feel intimidating. Look for books with large print, different fonts and other ways the text is broken up on the page, such as illustrations.
What themes in books are good for boys?
Not to repeat ourselves, but a theme that grabs one boy might not another. However, generally speaking they will like to read a story about something that reflects their lives – perhaps a boy who dares to be different, or one who just dares.
That being said, in all children’s literature, inclusive and diversity is so important. Celebrating difference, and children seeing characters in books that are different from themselves will help them get ready for a rich and varied world.
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The Lost Book of Adventure – Teddy Keen
Wow, what a special book this is. Firstly it’s beautiful – hardback with foil detail and gorgeous illustrations on the cover. And it turns out, in this case, you should judge a book by its cover as it reflects the beautiful pages of illustrations and words inside.
The idea is it’s the notebooks of a lost and anonymous adventurer to some children. There are pages of detail on topics such as how to set up a covert camp, how to go wild swimming, treehouse designs and so much more. As adults we could lose hours to this book, and children will be totally captivated too. A book to give and a book to treasure.
Buy now £15.54, Amazon
The Pirate Mums – Jodie Lancet-Grant and Lydia Corry
Billy just wishes his family were a bit more ordinary. Both his mums like to sing sea shanties and their home décor tastes have more than a slight nautical twist – all of which make Billy feel awkward. When the school trip day arrives and it’s a day’s jolly on a boat, his Mums obviously offer to help out. But when bad luck strikes the day, who will rescue Billy and his classmates?
We love the bold use of colour in this book as well as the pacing and the illustrations - using full-bleed colour and white space brilliantly. A funny tale full of pirate-y language and fun, with a message of acceptance and belonging underneath.
Buy now £6.38, Amazon
The Twits – Roald Dahl
This was the first chapter book our five year old tester got into, and we found it incorporated many interests of young boys. Booby traps, tricks, animals running amok and adults acting ridiculously, mainly – with a healthy dose of silliness.
The book, if you’re not familiar, follows the story of a married couple – Mr and Mrs Twit. They don’t really like each other much, but do like to play tricks on one another. And they’re hugely unkind to animals and children… but don’t worry, they get their own back. This book is surely to fire up imaginations and get plenty of belly laughs.
Buy now £5.09, WHSmith
Horrid Henry: Up, Up And Away – Francesca Simon
This is a great book for reluctant readers; there are varied fonts and in different sizes, with no big blocks of intimidating text. There are also plenty of illustrations to help the story along. Horrid Henry is a hugely popular series about a lively boy called Henry, who gets himself in scrapes and then doubles down on his behaviour.
While it’s perhaps not a guide to behaviour you might want for your own child, it is enormously fun and will have readers laughing out loud. This particular book contains four new stories, including Henry finding his way on to the scariest rollercoaster ever.
Buy now £4.00, Amazon
From Shore to Ocean Floor – Gill Arbuthnott and Christopher Nielsen
What an absolutely beautiful book this is. A non-fiction guide to the ocean, it focuses on humans’ relationship with the deep blue sea. It traverses things such as ocean myths to explorers, submarines and diving suits in a compelling and easy-to-understand way.
Everything is illustrated beautifully, and it has a real mix of formats to convey information including comic books, timelines and cross sections. This book is perfect for curious minds, especially those slightly older children who will be fascinated by all the facts within.
Buy now £16.99, Waterstones
Funnybones – Janet and Allan Ahlberg
An absolute classic, our testers loved the repetitive story, rhyming songs and cheeky skeletons in this story. The story is of two skeletons and their skeleton dog going out at night to look for some mischief – but there’s no mischief to be found. Despite this, the skeletons still have fun while everyone else is asleep, playing in the park and visiting the zoo. Vibrant and nostalgic illustrations make this book memorable and is one you’ll be asked to read over and over again.
Buy now £4.50, Amazon
Julian is a Mermaid – Jessica Love
We absolutely love this book, which is a celebration of being different and finding your place in the world. Julian is out with his Nana when he sees some ladies in fancy dress. He longs to join them and goes home to find his own costume – but will his Nana be cross with him when she discovers him?
The illustrations are absolutely beautiful – our testers love looking at the patterns and costumes, while the scenes are so simple yet vivid you feel like you are right beside Julian strolling down the street with his Nana.
Buy now £6.99, Amazon
I am Bat – Morag Hood
We find this book entertains kids of all ages. Simple, but effective, the story follows a bat who loves cherries. He warns the reader not to touch his cherries while he’s gone, but then when he comes back – shock, horror – they’re gone!
Our testers shriek with laughter as the bat asks them if they took his cherries. Thankfully the bat gets distracted and all is well. This is such a fun story, with very bold illustrations that will entertain even the most easily-distracted toddler.
Buy now £6.28, Amazon
You Choose in Space – Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt
Our five year old absolutely loves this book. The illustrations are simple yet incredibly detailed – we can, and often do, spend ages pouring over just one page.
The concept of the book is a bit like a “choose your own adventure” style book, in that on each page you have to pick a job, food, mode of transport and more for yourself. We found we spent a long time discussing the various merits of each item to choose from, and it’s a great insight into how your child’s mind works.
Buy now £6.21, Amazon
The Story of the Little Mole Who Knew It Was None of his Business – Werner Holzwarth and Wolf Erlbruch
Our kids find this book absolutely hilarious – and we can’t help but join in with the chuckles too. One day, a mole pops his head out of his hole only to find an animal poops on his head. Determined to find out who did it, he interrogates many different animals until he finds the perpetrator – and then takes revenge. A really fun tale, full of repetition and onomatopoeia that kids will love.
Buy now £6.99, Waterstones
Verdict
The Lost Book of Adventure is truly and beautiful book. Slightly older kids will be inspired to get outside and try things out (under adult supervision, of course) and adults will love the chance to reconnect with their children through the activities suggested. A book for a rainy day, or a sunny day – you and your kids will find something to keep you out of trouble on these pages.
