Best David Walliams Book Sets for Children (2026)

For a child hunting for best david walliams book sets for children, the question is which set fits the reader in front of you. This list compares Walliams sets and singles by listed reading age, grade level, page count and series position. Classic alternatives round out the list.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	The Bad Guys Box Set by Blabey	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	World's Worst Children 1 by Walliams	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Slime by Walliams	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Worlds Worst Children Set by Walliams	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Five on a Treasure Island by Blyton	9.4/10	Buy on Amazon

1

The Bad Guys Box Set by Blabey

Aaron Blabey·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 1440-page boxed set collecting the first five illustrated adventures of animal characters attempting good deeds.

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Pros

• Includes the first five books of the series in one boxed set
• The listing states the pages are in full color
• Illustrated comic format appeals to reluctant readers
• Grade level 2 to 5 fits elementary and early middle grade readers

Cons

• 1440 pages total across five volumes requires storage space
• The reading age of 6 to 8 years is marked as from customers
• Published February 27, 2018, so newer individual installments are not included
• Fast-paced graphic storytelling may not satisfy readers wanting longer text chapters

2

World's Worst Children 1 by Walliams

David Walliams·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Book 1 of 8 for a young reader starting a series.

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Pros

• Book 1 of 8, opening a long series
• Grade level 2 to 3, reading age 7 years and up
• 272 pages, a manageable length

Cons

• Later books sold separately
• Beastly characters, not for sensitive readers
• Single volume, not a set

3

Slime by Walliams

David Walliams·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A standalone Walliams story, 320 pages, reading age 7 to 9 years.

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Pros

• Listed reading age of 7 to 9 years
• 320 pages, a full-length story
• 1st edition, July 21, 2022

Cons

• No grade level stated
• Single volume rather than a box set
• No description beyond title and specs

4

Worlds Worst Children Set by Walliams

unknown author·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A three-book Walliams collection in one set.

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Pros

• Three books in one set
• World's Worst Children stories together
• One purchase, several stories

Cons

• No reading age or grade level
• No page count stated
• Author listed as unknown author

5

Five on a Treasure Island by Blyton

Enid Blyton·9.4/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Book 1 of 21 in Blyton's Famous Five adventures.

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Pros

• Book 1 of 21, a classic series
• Listed reading age of 9 to 11 years
• 192 pages, shorter than the singles

Cons

• Not a Walliams book
• Part of a 21-book series
• No grade level stated

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More picks to compare

• The Terrific Ten by WalliamsTen Walliams novels in one box set for readers age 9 to 12 years.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 25 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level. Three of the five listings give a reading age, and one also gives a grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best david walliams book sets for children

Match the reading age and grade level

The World’s Worst Children 1 lists grade level 2 to 3 with a reading age of 7 years and up, while Slime lists 7 to 9 years and Five on a Treasure Island lists 9 to 11 years. For more classic stories at this level, see our famous children’s story books list.

Start with Book 1 of a series

The World’s Worst Children 1 is Book 1 of 8, and Five on a Treasure Island is Book 1 of 21. The Bad Guys Box Set gathers Books 1 to 5 in one purchase.

Sets versus single volumes

A set suits a reader who already likes the author, while a single volume suits a reader trying Walliams for the first time. For sets bought as presents, see our book box sets for gifting list.

Before you buy

• Check the format: the three-book collection is a set.
• For a series, start with Book 1.
• Compare the listed reading age with the reader before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should a reader start with David Walliams book sets?

Start with The World’s Worst Children 1, Book 1 of 8, or the three-book collection.

What age do these book sets suit?

Slime lists 7 to 9 years, The World’s Worst Children 1 lists 7 years and up, and Five on a Treasure Island lists 9 to 11 years.

Which edition of Slime is listed here?

The Slime listing gives a publication date of July 21, 2022, and an edition of 1st.

Still deciding? Our top pickThe Bad Guys Box Set by Blabey

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Related lists

See every middle grade list and all kids and teens lists.

More lists: famous children’s story books, book box sets for gifting and twisted fiction box sets.