10+ Best Julia Donaldson Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that will captivate your 7-year-old's imagination? Look no further than Julia Donaldson books for 7-year-olds! Renowned for her enchanting storytelling, Donaldson's books are a hit with kids and parents alike. Keep reading to discover a variety of her magical titles that are sure to become favorites in your home. Whether your little one loves adventures, mysteries, or charming characters, there’s a Julia Donaldson book waiting to be explored!

Fun Julia Donaldson Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A clever mouse uses the threat of a terrifying creature called the Gruffalo to keep dangers at bay in the deep, dark wood. But what happens when he comes face-to-face with the mythical beast himself?
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful tale that teaches the value of quick thinking and intelligence over brute strength. The rhythmic, rhyming text makes it a joy to read aloud.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love enchanting forest creatures and a touch of suspense.

• Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A kind witch invites various animals to join her on her broom, much to the frustration of her cat. Their teamwork is put to the test when they face a fearsome dragon.
  • Why we recommend this book: This story is not only fun but also emphasizes the importance of sharing and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about witches and magical adventures, and lessons on friendship and cooperation.

• The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Travel
  • Synopsis: This tale features a tiny snail with an insatiable itch to see the world and the great big grey-blue humpback whale who offers to take her on a trip around the globe.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages wanderlust and shows how even the smallest creature can make a big difference. The poetic narrative and beautiful illustrations enhance the reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers eager to learn about different places and the wonders of nature.

• Zog by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Education
  • Synopsis: Zog, a keen but accident-prone dragon, learns flying, roaring, and breathing fire at Dragon School. He aims to win a gold star but keeps getting into mishaps, which are sorted with the help of a mysterious girl.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny and heartwarming story that highlights perseverance and the value of helping others.
  • Perfect for: Children who love dragons and stories about school and learning.

• Stick Man by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Family
  • Synopsis: Stick Man lives in the family tree with his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three. One day, he's carried away from his family and must navigate a perilous journey back home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story of resilience and the importance of family. The adventurous plot keeps young readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate a good adventure and heartwarming tales of family bonds.

Educational Julia Donaldson Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Smartest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Social Themes
  • Synopsis: George, a kind-hearted giant, buys new clothes to replace his tattered gown. He ends up giving away his new items to animals in need, each time replacing them with something less suitable but more helpful to his new friends.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, generosity, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the value of kindness and selflessness through engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy heartwarming stories about helping others and making friends.

• Tiddler: The Story-Telling Fish by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Tiddler is a small fish with a big imagination who tells tall tales about his adventures. One day, he gets caught in a net and must use his storytelling skills to find his way back home.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, storytelling, orientation
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the power of imagination and the importance of storytelling, all wrapped up in a fun and adventurous narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories and have a vivid imagination.

• The Detective Dog by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Animals
  • Synopsis: Nell, a talented detective dog with a keen sense of smell, helps solve the mystery of missing books from the school library, leading to an unexpected adventure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, attention to detail, love for reading
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a fun mystery with the joy of reading, encouraging children to explore books and libraries.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and any child who appreciates a good mystery and the company of a clever canine.

Challenging Julia Donaldson Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Highway Rat by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A swashbuckling rat steals food from other animals until he meets his match in a clever duck.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces themes of justice and redemption, wrapped in rich, descriptive language that challenges young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fun twist on the classic highwayman tale, encouraging discussions about right and wrong.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories with a moral and those fascinated by charismatic villain characters.

• The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Rebecca Cobb
  • Genre(s): Family, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A little girl and her paper dolls go on a fantastical adventure through the house and the girl's imagination.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores loss and memory, presenting these themes in a subtle way that requires deeper comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a beautifully illustrated story that captures the power of imagination and the poignancy of memories.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate a touching story and the magic of imagination.

• The Further Adventures of the Owl and the Pussy-cat by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Charlotte Voake
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This sequel to Edward Lear’s classic takes the beloved characters on a new adventure to find the stolen ring.
  • Why this book is challenging: Written in verse, it challenges readers with its rhythmic and lyrical structure while introducing sophisticated vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It extends a classic poem, offering a new journey that sparks creativity and love for poetry.
  • Perfect for: Young poets and readers who enjoy whimsical tales filled with rhyme and rhythm.

• The Giants and the Joneses by Julia Donaldson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Three children climb up a beanstalk and find themselves in a land of giants where they must navigate their way home.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces a constructed language, Groilish, which the giants speak, adding an intriguing linguistic twist for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an adventurous story with a linguistic element that enhances both the fun and the educational value.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who love a good fantasy and are interested in languages.

• The Troll by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A troll whose bridge no longer attracts goats finds himself on a pirate ship, encountering new challenges and adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story cleverly intertwines two classic folklore themes, requiring readers to understand and appreciate the merging of different narrative traditions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a humorous tale that encourages flexibility in thinking and the enjoyment of mixed-up fairy tales.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who like laughing and thinking at the same time, and those who enjoy twisted fairy tales.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the magical world of Julia Donaldson books with your 7-year-old, you're in for a treat. To make the most out of this reading adventure, it's great to incorporate some fun exercises that not only enhance the reading experience but also develop good reading habits. Here’s a list of exercises tailored for young readers exploring Julia Donaldson's enchanting stories.

• Create a Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map or a timeline that follows the story's plot.
  • How it helps: Helps children understand the sequence of events and the elements of the story.
  • Tips: Use colorful markers or crayons to make it visually engaging and fun.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book as different characters.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of character traits and motivations.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to use quotes from the book to make it more authentic.

• Story Prediction Box
  • What it is: Before finishing the story, guess what might happen next and discuss.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and anticipatory skills.
  • Tips: Write down each prediction on a piece of paper and place it in a box or a jar.

• Word Hunt
  • What it is: Find new or interesting words in the book and look up their meanings.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and comprehension skills.
  • Tips: Create a special notebook for new words and their definitions.

• Reading Aloud Session
  • What it is: Take turns reading the book aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and reading fluency.
  • Tips: Make it a regular part of your reading routine, perhaps before bedtime.

• Book Review Art
  • What it is: Draw a picture or make a craft related to the book, then write a short review.
  • How it helps: Encourages artistic expression and the ability to articulate opinions.
  • Tips: Display the artwork and reviews on a "book review wall" at home.

• Question Exchange
  • What it is: Come up with questions about the story for each other to answer.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and recall abilities.
  • Tips: Make it a fun game by adding rewards for correct answers.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only make the journey through Julia Donaldson's books more enjoyable but also fruitful. These activities are designed to engage your child’s creativity and critical thinking while reinforcing the joy of reading. So, grab a book, pick an exercise, and let the fun begin! Happy reading!