Paul Jennings is a much-loved Australian children's author celebrated for his funny, strange, and wonderfully unpredictable short stories. Collections such as Unreal! and Unbelievable! have kept young readers hooked for years with their inventive plots, offbeat humor, and perfectly timed twists.
If you enjoy Paul Jennings, these authors are well worth exploring next:
Morris Gleitzman writes stories that are warm, funny, and emotionally sharp. His books often tackle serious subjects, but he does so with a light touch that makes them approachable for younger readers.
A wonderful place to begin is Two Weeks with the Queen, a moving and often funny story about family, friendship, and facing difficult truths with courage.
If you like wild humor and delightfully ridiculous adventures, Andy Griffiths is an easy recommendation. His books are packed with energy, mischief, and the kind of absurd ideas kids love.
Paul Jennings fans will likely have a great time with The 13-Storey Treehouse, a fast, funny read bursting with bizarre inventions, chaotic adventures, and silly illustrations.
Roald Dahl remains one of the great masters of children's fiction, blending dark comedy, unforgettable characters, and a gleeful sense of the unexpected. His stories feel playful, sharp, and just a little wicked.
A perfect introduction is Matilda, the story of a brilliant girl who takes on awful grown-ups using intelligence, resilience, and a touch of magic.
Louis Sachar has a gift for combining humor, oddball characters, and clever plotting. Beneath the fun, his books often carry real emotional weight and satisfying layers of meaning.
His best-known novel, Holes, mixes mystery, adventure, and dry humor in a story that slowly reveals its secrets with impressive skill.
Tim Winton is generally more reflective than Paul Jennings, but readers who enjoy Australian settings and honest storytelling may find a lot to admire in his work. His writing is clear, thoughtful, and deeply connected to place.
Try Blueback, a short, memorable novel about a boy, the sea, and the deep bond between people and the natural world.
Robin Klein writes lively, entertaining stories full of sharp observation and relatable characters. Like Jennings, she understands the ups and downs of childhood and brings plenty of humor to everyday situations.
Hating Alison Ashley is a great pick: witty, grounded, and full of recognizable school drama and friendship troubles.
David Walliams specializes in larger-than-life characters, comic mayhem, and stories that never take themselves too seriously. If you enjoy quirky humor and a touch of outrageousness, his books are a natural fit.
One of his most popular titles is Gangsta Granny, in which a seemingly ordinary grandmother turns out to have a much more surprising side.
Aaron Blabey creates funny, fast-moving stories with a strong visual style and a lot of personality. His books share Jennings' sense of mischief and love of unusual characters.
Try The Bad Guys, a hilarious series opener about a team of supposedly fearsome villains attempting to become heroes instead.
Dav Pilkey is an especially good match for readers who enjoy goofy humor, playful language, and high-energy storytelling. His books are designed to entertain, especially for kids who may not always be eager readers.
Captain Underpants is the obvious place to start, following two prank-loving boys whose comic-book creation suddenly becomes all too real.
Gillian Rubinstein combines everyday concerns with imaginative ideas in a way that should appeal to Paul Jennings fans. Her stories often balance excitement with thoughtful reflections on friendship, fear, and growing up.
In Space Demons, a new video game becomes far more intense than expected, pulling readers into a tense and inventive adventure.
Francesca Simon is a strong choice for readers who enjoy mischievous characters and quick, funny storytelling. She has a knack for capturing the chaos of childhood in a way that feels exaggerated but still recognizable.
Her series Horrid Henry follows one of children's fiction's most gleefully troublesome troublemakers, and the results are consistently entertaining.
Fans of Jennings' sillier side should absolutely give Terry Denton a look. Best known for illustrating and co-writing the wildly popular The 13-Storey Treehouse series with Andy Griffiths, Denton brings nonstop visual comedy and imaginative chaos to the page.
His offbeat ideas and playful sense of fun make these books a terrific choice for readers who love odd, energetic adventures.
Phillip Gwynne blends humor with realism, creating stories that feel both entertaining and emotionally grounded. Readers who appreciate Jennings' ability to connect with young people may respond well to Gwynne's direct, engaging style.
Deadly, Unna? is a thoughtful, accessible novel about friendship, identity, and the challenges of growing up.
Oliver Phommavanh is a great pick for readers who enjoy humor with heart. His books are lively, relatable, and full of family moments, awkward situations, and sharply observed comedy.
Thai-riffic! offers quirky laughs along with a warm look at family life and multicultural Australian experiences.
If the imaginative side of Paul Jennings appeals to you, Emily Rodda is well worth trying. Her books lean more toward fantasy, but they share the same sense of mystery, momentum, and curiosity.
Deltora Quest: The Forests of Silence is an inviting introduction to her work, opening the door to a richly imagined world of puzzles, danger, and adventure.
