Discover Francesca Simon's children's books with reviews | Toppsta

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Francesca Simon

5 stars across 308 books

Francesca Simon Biography
Francesca Simon is one of the UK's most popular authors, having written over 50 books for children of all ages, her best known series is Horrid Henry which began in 1994.

Francesca grew up in California before studying at Yale and Oxford Universities. She turned down a career as a medievalist and became a successful freelance journalist instead. She was inspired to start writing children's books after reading so many stories to her son Joshua. Her Horrid Henry series, illustrated by Tony Ross, is popular worldwide selling millions of copies and being published in 27 languages. In 2008, Horrid Henry and the Abominable Snowman won the Children’s Book of the Year Award at the Galaxy British Book Awards.

Francesca lives in North London with her family.

Francesca Simon Facts
Francesca loves inspiring young writers and is often a judge for school competitions. She has also been a judge for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize and the Roald Dahl Funny Prize.

One of Francesca's proudest moments in her career was in 2009 when she was awarded a Gold Blue Peter badge.

Our favourite Francesca Simon Book Characters
Henry - from the Horrid Henry series
Margaret - from Moody Margaret Strikes Back

Our favourite Francesca Simon Book Quotes
“There's nothing that makes a girl feel less like smiling than some oaf leering at her to change her face” (The Monstrous Child)

“Horrid Henry scowled. Typical teacher. You’re interested enough in what they’re saying to ask a question, and suddenly they don’t want to answer.” (Horrid Henry's Stinkbomb)

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Horrid Henry Early Reader: Horrid Henry's Birthday Party: Book 2

22nd January 2009

Horrid Henry Early Reader: Horrid Henry's Birthday Party: Book 2

Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and ... MoreHorrid Henry Early Reader: Horrid Henry's Birthday Party: Book 2

(14 reviews) Review

Horrid Henry Early Reader: Horrid Henry and the Demon Dinner Lady: Book 21

7th March 2013

Horrid Henry Early Reader: Horrid Henry and the Demon Dinner Lady: Book 21

Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and re... MoreHorrid Henry Early Reader: Horrid Henry and the Demon Dinner Lady: Book 21

(14 reviews) Review

Horrid Henry Early Reader: Horrid Henry Gets Rich Quick: Book 5

7th January 2010

Horrid Henry Early Reader: Horrid Henry Gets Rich Quick: Book 5

Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and re... MoreHorrid Henry Early Reader: Horrid Henry Gets Rich Quick: Book 5

(14 reviews) Review

Horrid Henry Early Reader: Horrid Henry's Holiday: Book 3

28th May 2009

Horrid Henry Early Reader: Horrid Henry's Holiday: Book 3

Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and re... MoreHorrid Henry Early Reader: Horrid Henry's Holiday: Book 3

(14 reviews) Review

Horrid Henry Early Reader: Horrid Henry's Nits: Book 7

5th August 2010

Horrid Henry Early Reader: Horrid Henry's Nits: Book 7

Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and ... MoreHorrid Henry Early Reader: Horrid Henry's Nits: Book 7

(13 reviews) Review

Don't Be Horrid, Henry!: Book 1

1st January 2007

Don't Be Horrid, Henry!: Book 1

Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and re... MoreDon't Be Horrid, Henry!: Book 1

(12 reviews) Review

Horrid Henry: Terrible Teachers: 6 Stories

3rd August 2023

Horrid Henry: Terrible Teachers: 6 Stories

Number One for Fiendish Fun! Join Horrid Henry in a bumper book of mayhem with this brilliantly mischievous collection o... MoreHorrid Henry: Terrible Teachers: 6 Stories

(12 reviews) Review

Horrid Henry Funny Fact Files: World Book Day 2017

23rd February 2017

Horrid Henry Funny Fact Files: World Book Day 2017

An exclusive World Book Day 2017 collection of Horrid Henry's best and most brilliant facts! Collated especially t... MoreHorrid Henry Funny Fact Files: World Book Day 2017

(11 reviews) Review

Two Terrible Vikings

4th February 2021

Two Terrible Vikings

This viking duo will give Horrid Henry a run for his money!What if your parents WANTED you to behave badly?Set in the sn... MoreTwo Terrible Vikings

(11 reviews) Review

Show More Books

New Book

Horrid Henry: Rules the School

12th February 2026

(0 reviews)

Coming Soon

Horrid Henry: Fun and Games

Paperback

18th June 2026

Recent Reviews

Horrid Henry Funny Fact Files: World Book Day 2017

by Olin

Typical Horrid Henry style, Olin loved reading all the funny facts to me and laughed a lot...
Horrid Henry's Underpants: Book 11

by jasirat

i like this book because its a pageturner its when henry great aunt thinks henry is a girl and calls him henriette and gifts him a pair of girl underp...
Horrid Henry Early Reader: Horrid Henry's Birthday Party: Book 2

by jasirat

i like this horrid henry book becuz its when henrys birthday party came and everyone was invited even henrys friend ralph he bought henry a super soak...