Age rating and parents' guide:Fortunately, the Milk
by Neil Gaiman
Ages 9–11
Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman is best for children aged 9–11. It has no violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language.
When Mum goes away on a business trip, Dad is left in charge and immediately runs out of milk for breakfast. He nips down to the corner shop, but takes an extraordinarily long time to return. His explanation is an absurd, breathless tall tale involving alien abductions, time-travelling dinosaurs, swashbuckling pirates, and wobbly piranha-filled waters. Packed with zany illustrations and fast-paced slapstick, it is a brilliantly silly romp that keeps young readers laughing throughout Dad's wild adventure.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- None
- Scary moments
- Mild
- Romance
- None
- Bad language
- None
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Early chapter book
- Easy to get into from the first page
- Plenty of illustrations
- Emotionally light
- A good pick for reluctant readers
Great for kids who like
- Action & Adventure
Reading mood
- Adventurous
Good to talk about
- Family
- Action & Adventure
Books like Fortunately, the Milk
Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.
Ages 6–11
The Gopi Diaries
by Sudha Murty
Told entirely from the innocent, curious perspective of a Golden Retriever pup named Gopi, this heartwarming story follows his arrival into a loving Indian household. As Gopi explores his new surroundings, he learns about human habits, bonds with family members, and gets into gentle mischief. With simple language, warm illustrations, and genuine affection throughout, it gives children a lighthearted look at family life through the eyes of an energetic pet.
Ages 9–11
The Story Pirates Present (series)
by Story Pirates & Geoff Rodkey
Based on the popular podcast and stage show, this creative series combines a wacky, fast-paced adventure novel with an interactive guide to creative writing. Kids follow ridiculous comedic quests, such as digging to the center of the earth or solving absurd mysteries, inspired by real story ideas submitted by children. Alongside the silly story, dedicated sections teach young readers how to develop their own characters, build plots, and create wild fiction of their own. It is funny, inspiring, and great for budding writers.
Ages 9–11
I Survived (series)
by Lauren Tarshis
This popular series follows fictional young characters as they live through some of the most terrifying events in world history, from natural disasters like volcanic eruptions and earthquakes to historical battles and shipwrecks. Written in short, accessible chapters, each story mixes high-stakes survival and danger with historical facts. Children are drawn to the pulse-pounding tension, emotional courage, and fascinating real-world details included at the end of each book.
Ages 9–11
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
by Kate DiCamillo
Edward Tulane is an exquisitely made china rabbit who is vain, selfish, and deeply cherished by a little girl. When he is accidentally thrown overboard during an ocean voyage, Edward begins a long, unexpected odyssey across the country. Passing through the hands of fishermen, hoboes, and a sick child, his fragile porcelain body suffers hardships as his cold heart slowly cracks open. It is a poignant, beautifully told tale about the vulnerability of learning to love, balancing quiet sorrow with profound hope.
Ages 9–11
Gangsta Granny
by David Walliams
Ben dreads staying with his cabbage-obsessed grandmother every Friday evening, convinced she is the most boring person alive. Everything changes when he stumbles upon a tin full of diamonds and discovers she is actually an international jewel thief with eyes on the Crown Jewels. Teaming up for an audacious heist brings the pair close together. Packed with silly humour, cheeky jokes, and real warmth, this story delivers fast-paced laughs alongside a genuinely touching look at the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
Ages 9–12
The Magic Drum and Other Favourite Stories
by Sudha Murty
This charming collection gathers traditional folk tales and timeless stories remembered by the author from her childhood. Readers meet a lively cast of clever villagers, foolish kings, princesses, and magical creatures, including a drum that produces food and animals outsmarting their foes. The writing is simple, warm, and humorous, celebrating wit, honesty, and common sense. Children enjoy the quick, satisfying chapters and memorable characters, making it ideal for independent reading or sharing aloud at bedtime.
A good book is the start. A mentor makes it stick.
In a free 1:1 session, a trained Bookstaken mentor reads with your child, asks what they think and helps the reading habit last.