If you are searching for ‘books like Matilda’ on Google, which can mean two things. One, you have recently read Matilda and are on the hunt for similar books that can help you relive the magic you witnessed while reading Matilda (or, the creative author in you). Second, you have recently re-read the book and are on the lookout for more books like Matilda with great characters that are as lovely and relatable as Matilda. Whatever the case, it is time to read something as good!!! Right? So here we go:
Interesting tidbits:
Most of the books on the list is by David Walliams & Roald Dahl – know why!!
Throughout his career as a writer, David Walliams’ work has been compared to Roald Dahl numerous times. Just like Roald Dahl, his books are known for their funny & anarchic narrative with kids as heroes. This makes his work the perfect follow up after Matilda.
Books like or similar to Matilda
Demon Dentist – David Walliams
Tooth fairy is not the same anymore. Instead of leaving money under children’s pillows once they have had a tooth fallen out, she is leaving some really nasty things like a spider & a dead slug. Demon Dentist is all about who is behind it, a journey full of laughter and surprises.
Gangsta Granny – David Walliams
This funny tale will make you yearn for more. It is a story about Ben, a little boy who is being sent to stay with his granny, who he thinks is boring and is sure his stay will be downright unbearable, filled with boredom & cabbage soup. All his assumptions go down the gutter when he finds that her Granny has a lot of things planned out (one of which is the theft of the crown jewels!) for which she will need Ben’s help.
Mr. Stink is a funny and uplifting character, something you or your child will instantly fall in love with. It also tells the story of Chloe who when finds that Mr. Stink is being abdicated from the town, he hides in her garden shed. While keeping her secret safe, Chloe learns that Mr Stink has his own secrets.
Another magical book that you will love! It is written by Jill Murphy and in addition to a great story it consists of lovely illustrations. This book is the first in the series of ‘The Worst Witch’ books about Mildred Hubble who starts her magic education at Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches. It is a great character to read about after Matilda who is likable and relatable.
Pippi Longstocking – Astrid Lindgren & Tony Ross
Sometimes I think that Matilda should have been a series just like all other good books like Harry Potter and The Worst Witch. But no worries, if you are missing Matilda a lot, another good book that we can recommend is Pippi Longstocking. It is a lovely tale of a girl you will be able to identify with. Written by Astrid Lindgren, their illustrations are so accurate, they match 100% to what has been expressed in words; illustrations are done by Lauren Child.
Another book that you will definitely adore is Charlotte’s Web, on which a movie was also made in 2007 film. It tells the story about a girl called Fern who has a friend Wilbur, a pig who is friends with Charlotte. It will make you cry, so be forewarned.
It is true that Holly Webb is best known for her animal stories that have been bestsellers for years now, but Rose books are a bit different. They merge the classic fairy tales with the modern-day fantasy. The stories revolve around a girl named Rose who leaves her orphanage in pursuit of an alchemist called Mr Fountain. The man’s house is full of magic and during her stay finds that she is magic too. This one is definitely the one of the best books you should read after Matilda!
Ballet Shoes – Noel Streatfeild
Carnegie Medal winner Ballet Shoes is a book full of magic that every Matilda fan should read.
Dead Man’s Cove – Lauren St. John
If you would love to have a go at a children detective story, this one is the best after Matilda. The story is about an orphan girl named Laura who visits Cornwall, her uncle, planning to do some detective work she finds so inspiring in her favorite novels. You will love the fact that our brave classic heroine gets more than her expectations.
It is a story about a small boy who finds himself in a hotel full of witches, the creatures his grandmother told him to avoid at all costs. It has a really gripping plot.
Danny the Champion of the World – Roald Dahl
This is a story about Danny and his father William who tries and succeeds in outwitting Mr. Hazell, their corrupt & greedy neighbor. This book has tendency to make children laugh at every plot twist & turn.
James and the Giant Peach – Roald Dahl
This book is by Roald Dahl and just like Matilda it is about a child whose parents are far far away from the true meaning of ‘parents’. His name is James and his life changes when a magic potion spills on a peach tree and results in a peach that is as big as a house. James encounters some talking invertebrates in a secret room and embarks on an adventure that is crazy and intriguing. And yes, it is crazier than what you witnessed in Matilda.
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