Discover treasured children’s book authors similar to author Roald Dahl. From bestsellers to hidden gems, these magical books will ignite your kid’s imagination. We’ve gathered 20 great choices for you right below.
About Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl is a popular children’s book author known for creating funny, yet memorable stories that often have somewhat of a dark villain. Many of his books were also made into films such as Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and Matilda.
Dahl’s books have a timeless quality that continues to entertain generations of children, even today. Check out these other exceptional authors who will be sure to make children fall in love with the world of literature and discover worlds they never dreamed possible.
Top 20 Children’s Book Authors Like Roald Dahl
Judy Blume
Peter Hatcher is convinced his brother Fudge is ruining his life. Fudge is an adorable two-year-old, but he gets away with absolute murder. Don’t fall for his charm. This two-year-old throws tantrums almost daily, makes messes, and destroys Peter’s world.
One day Fudge runs off with Peter’s pet turtle. Peter snaps and can’t take it anymore! What can Peter do to finally get rid of the meddlesome Fudge in Tale of the Fourth Grade Nothing? Will he be able to get back his life and his parent’s attention? Find out in this funny, endearing read.
Peter Brown
Roz is a robot but her life is definitely not like an ordinary robot’s. She opens her eyes and finds herself on an island smack in the middle of the wilderness. But this island isn’t paradise. It is extremely remote. Her only chance of survival will be to adapt and get to know her surroundings.
There are predatory animals and unpredictable weather—it’s a crazy world for Roz. But eventually, it starts to feel like home. Roz doesn’t know why she is here and what her purpose is in this adventurous story of The Wild Robot Escapes. Roz may survive, but she knows her future isn’t looking good and what happened in her past?
Rob Buyea
School is complicated for everyone and this fifth-grade class isn’t any different. With so many conflicting personalities it’s uncertain if they can all survive the school year without drama and destruction.
But then a special teacher, Mr. Terupt comes into their lives. He does more than teach them reading, writing, and math. Mr. Terupt won’t be with them forever, but he helps them realize just how strong all their relationships are and how much they will depend on each other to get through the year. A heart-warming book, full of life lessons, is Because of Mr. Terupt.
Beverly Cleary
Book 6 of 8 in the hilarious series about the naughty, infamous Ramona Quimby. She may be eight years old now, yet she hasn’t matured much.
Ramona has the best of intentions, but she isn’t able to stay out of trouble when her mother goes back to work and her father goes back to school. Mrs. Kemp is supposed to be watching Ramona, but will the babysitter survive in the sweet, silly story of Ramona Quimby, Age 8.
Lindsay Currie
A perfect, spooky mystery book for kids ages 9-12. Claire’s dad runs a ghost-themed Chicago bus tour company. She has no interest in it because she doesn’t believe in all this ghost stuff. Claire is therefore understandably annoyed when her dad asks her to help him out.
Things get weird though when Claire starts hearing voices and seeing random numbers appearing everywhere she goes. Let’s not forget the boy with haunting eyes. She’s convinced he plays a part in all this. Claire is being haunted in Scritch, Scratch. Uncover the mystery!
Chris Grabenstein
Luigi Lemoncello is the most famous game maker in the world! So, of course, Kyle is determined to get invited to the town library! It is the scene for Lemoncello’s exclusive new design. Kyle is thrilled when he gets invited, but there is a catch.
Once the kids are in, they can’t get out. They must solve the clues and the puzzle if they are ever going to leave the library. This game is not for the faint of heart in Escape from Lemoncello’s Library . Readers will definitely wish they could be in this adventurous game.
Luna Graves
The third book in the Witches of Peculiar series is Monstrous Matchmakers. Twin witch sisters Bella and Donna are nothing but trouble, despite their best intentions. They mean well. But it’s no surprise when they stir up toil and mischief by deciding to romantically set up Principal Yvette with Vice Principal Arnold.
After all, the principal has been awfully grumpy lately. Maybe she needs a little love in her life to make her happy. Will these matchmakers ruin everything or save the day?
Matthew Gray Gubler
With five crooked teeth, green skin, and three strands of pathetic hair—Rumble Buttercup is not much to look at. But in this New York Times bestseller, kids will learn to be themselves and that no matter what you look like on the outside, there is a special place for you to belong. Don’t judge a person by their looks is the message of this book. Read Rumble Buttercup.
This story may be geared more for 6-7 year old readers, but it is heartfelt and hits in all the right places. Middle-grade readers can also identify with themes of acceptance weaved throughout.
Abby Hanlon
Dory is ignored a lot by her older siblings. Despite the way they treat her—all Dory wants to do is spend time with them. Still, it makes sense they ignore her. She’s the youngest and she’s constantly getting into mischief.
Things change when she is finally needed by her family. Will Dory’s dream of being appreciated and noticed by her family finally comes true in Dory Fantasmagory. Perfect for 7-8 year old readers.
Kevin Hart
Book 2 in the Marcus series is Marcus Makes a Movie, a hilarious story about a boy who has a lot of heart. Marcus realizes he can make after-school film class a lot less terrible. All he has to do is transform his superhero cartoons into a movie!
Marcus is a clueless mess when it comes to filmmaking and will need help from everyone around him. Will they be willing to help the disorganized Marcus? This is a funny story about making your dreams come true and not giving up even when things get hard.
Norton Juster
Milo hates life. He finds everyone and everything he encounters bores him to tears. A tollbooth randomly appears in his room and takes him on a wild adventure.
Milo befriends Tock, a watchdog. He goes to various kingdoms and even goes on a rescue mission. A story full of fun, adventures, and unexpected turns. This book is far from boring in The Phantom Tollbooth.
Tae Keller
A story overflowing with magic and Korean folklore. Lily and her family move in with her bedridden grandma in When You Trap a Tiger. What Lily doesn’t expect is to find out about a family secret involving tigers.
Tigers are dangerous and mysterious. Lily will need to muster all the strength deep within herself to face the tiger and uncover the past. A magical read that will keep kids enchanted long after the last page is read.
Gordon Korman
Book 1 out of 2 in the series, Donovan Curtis has always been a troublemaker in his middle school. Somehow, he accidentally is enrolled in the gifted school. At first Donvan thinks this may be the perfect place for him. After all, it’s a fresh start!
Very quickly though, the teachers and students realize Donvan doesn’t belong at this school. Math and science are hard. He isn’t a genius, but maybe he’s the special gift they all need in Ungifted.
Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Carley is a foster child who has a tough life. She’s managed to get through it though by guarding her emotions and having a sense of humor along the way.
Things change quickly when Carley moves in with the Murphys. They are unlike any family she’s experienced before because, well, they are normal and conventional. At first, Carley finds herself even more guarded than usual.
But over time, she feels she’s part of the family and embraces it. What will happen when her biological mom wants her back? Will Carley be able to leave life with the Murphys in the emotional read of One For the Murphys.
Lemony Snicket
The humorous, but dark story of the Baudelaire children. Three siblings are struck by tragedy again and again in A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning. They lose their parents and her constantly facing death threats. Someone wants them dead.
The villain tries in horrifying ways to ruin what is left of the children’s lives. A darkly menacing, yet hilarious read that will keep you coming back for more.
Jerry Spinelli
A book for every kid who has thought or known that they were a little bit different is Spinelli’s Loser. Zinkoff tries to be like the other kids, but he also is in his own world most of the time.
He is clumsy, awkward, and even has his own language. Zinkoff doesn’t even notice when he isn’t fitting in. A special story that lets kids know we are all a little unique and that even the hero messes up along the way.
A story that will leave you cheering for the anti-hero!
Nancy Springer
Enola Holmes is more than just a teenage detective. She’s also Sherlock Holmes’ little sister. Enola goes on a wild ride full of suspense and intrigue all while trying to escape from violent, murderous villains and trying to outsmart her famous brother.
Find out what happens to Enola as she tries to solve the crime and uncover her mother’s disappearance in Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess. Enola is on the case!
David Walliams
Orphan Elsie hears about a mysterious ice monster that was found. Her dream is to leave London and find out more about this creature. How will an orphan change her fate and follow her dreams?
Elsie somehow manages to get to the North Pole. She meets the magical monster face-to-face! An adventurous, funny read for lovers of Roald Dahl is The Ice Monster.
E.B. White
The beloved classic that never goes out of style is Charlotte’s Web. Little piglet Wilbur is the runt of his litter. Sweet, young girl Fern saves his life and falls in love with Wilbur. Eventually, Fern’s parents make her move Wilbur to the barn as he gets bigger.
Wilbur gets lonely without Fern and only wants a friend. In the barn, he learns life lessons and the meaning of friendship with the help of Charlotte the spider and other barnyard characters. One of the sweetest stories of all time.
Diana Wynne Jones
A thrilling ride is exactly what this fantasy read is. In Howl’s Moving Castle Sophie finds herself under a spell when she accidentally meets the Witch of Waste. The spell changes Sophie into an old woman.
The only way Sophie can get back to her old world and her three sisters is to break the curse. She must go to the dangerous Wizard Howl’s Castle. This crazy adventure is book one in a three-part series. Buckle up and go read this fun book.
FAQ
What should I read if I like Roald Dahl?
Neil Gaiman, Natalie Babbitt, and Jeff Brown are all fantastic authors to read if you like Roald Dahl.
The most popular and most loved children’s author is Roald Dahl.
An author who has a reputation of being similar is David Wallaims. He is also known for his sense of humor in his children’s books.
Eric Carle is very popular, as is Beverly Cleary, and Kate DiCamillo.
What is the most popular Roald Dahl book?
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is considered Dahl’s most successful and popular book.
What are the most popular children’s books of all time?
1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (J.K. Rowling, 1997)
2. The Cat in the Hat (Dr. Seuss, 1957)
3. Where the Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak, 1963)
4. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White, 1952)
5. The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle, 1969)
6. Green Eggs and Ham (Dr. Seuss, 1960)
7. The Giving Tree (Shel Silverstein, 1964)
8. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (C.S. Lewis, 1950)
9. Goodnight Moon (Margaret Wise Brown, 1947)
10. The Tale of Peter Rabbit (Beatrix Potter, 1902)
11. Clifford the Big Red Dog (Norman Bridwell, 1963)
12. The Poky Little Puppy (Janette Sebring Lowrey, 1942)
13. The Snowy Day (Ezra Jack Keats, 1962)
14. The Tale of Benjamin Bunny (Beatrix Potter, 1904)
15. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (Laura Joffe Numeroff, 1985)
16. The Very Quiet Cricket (Eric Carle, 1990)
17. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, 1943)
18. Where the Sidewalk Ends (Shel Silverstein, 1974)
19. The Wind in the Willows (Kenneth Grahame, 1908)
20. The Story of Babar (Jean de Brunhoff, 1931)
She is an avid reader and is never without a book in hand. Some of her favorites are psychological thrillers, compelling women’s fiction, and book club reads as well as young adult. You can find Lisa on Instagram @lisaschwarz.writer
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