Mean big brothers, wimpy antics and awkward situations… You guessed it: this month's most read book on the Children's Books site is the "fantastic"and "side-splittingly funny" Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney! Littered with cool doodles, this diary-style series follows 12-year-old Greg Heffley as he muddles his way through middle school, accompanied by his best friend Rowley.
First thing to note: these books are HILARIOUS! And the comedy was definitely something our site members enjoyed: "If you like the type of books that make you laugh out loud then they're definitely the books for you", recommended dalmenyp67. Charlotte from the Purple Unicorns reading group agreed: "This series is really funny and very easy to read … Kinney's writing and illustrations are hilarious". Krazy Kesh aptly summed up the humour of the books: "This book will tickle your funny bone till you will not be able to keep a straight face for days on end."
Elsewhere, Max from the Millennium RIOT Readers praised the characterisation of the books: "My favourite character has to be Greg as he can be horrible but the audience always roots for him anyway!" Meanwhile, IolantheWrites felt the doodles added to Greg's character: "I like the way Kinney made it into a mix of cartoons and text which spiced up the book and made Greg's character more fun and unique - it looks just like a real diary!"
For our readers, the plot also seemed to strike exactly the right balance between reality and ridiculousness. "Greg finds himself in ridiculously…but strangely plausible (!!!) situations, and always seems to wriggle out of them in ridiculous…but strangely plausible ways! Some of this book is really cleverly written, especially the more humorous parts," praised TheBookThief.
Our reviewers recommended the books for ages nine and up. "I recommend this book to readers around 10-13 who enjoy reading as it is quite easy to read, but it has some challenging words as well," commented Max. But AgentRedfort felt a confident eight-year-old reader could also enjoy the books: "The rating on this book is nine plus, but I think even a seven or eight year old could read this book and enjoy it."
Summing up the series overall, Yuffa couldn't praise the books enough: "These are the best books I have ever read. I can't stop reading them. I've read them again and again and again." Likewise, IolantheWrites said the books are perfect for a wet boring day, as "they will make your sides ache with laughter".
Looking for something else to read? Other top reads this month included:
• All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven – our January Teen book club recommended read
• Awful Auntie by David Walliams
• Gone by Michael Grant
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• Hetty Feather by Jacqueline Wilson
