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Filth and fame: how David Walliams became king of kids’ books

The actor, writer and author has been the UK’s bestselling children’s author for 100 weeks. What is the secret to his success?

David Walliams ’ colossal sales figures are the stuff of dreams for most kids’ authors; he has just hit his 100th consecutive week as the UK’s top‑selling children’s writer . So, what is the secret of his success? Is it the power of celebrity – or is he simply a brilliant author?

Well, fame has certainly helped. Well known for his work with Matt Lucas on the sketch show Little Britain , Walliams had already established himself as a familiar funny face and a writer with a turn for grotesque humour when his first book for children was published by HarperCollins in 2008. The Boy in the Dress was deeply indebted (as Walliams acknowledges) to Roald Dahl ; it also benefited from the involvement of Quentin Blake , the most celebrated of Dahl’s illustrators. It struck an unlikely balance between gross-out humour of the squelchiest kind and subtler ideas of identity and courage; it starred a neglected, put-upon child hero; and it handled the idea of cross-dressing with a humorous lightness of touch. While the Sunday Times’ Nicolette Jones commented gently that Walliams’ writing was “not the finest”, Philip Ardagh praised its “genuine child-appeal”. Book-buying parents, however, were evidently unsure about the theme of transvestism for younger readers.

His second book, Mr Stink, featured a pungent tramp with a tragic history, a bullied girl and a send-up of political ambition, interwoven with waves of typographic stench. By book three, Quentin Blake had been replaced by illustrator Tony Ross, of Little Princess fame , and the balance began to tip towards the gross-out ( Billionaire Boy’s wealth is generated by the invention of a new kind of toilet paper ; Ratburger’s title speaks for itself). Walliams’ gleeful, drawn-out obsession with burps, farts, snot, smells and every flavour of scatological humour began to win over his young readership in droves. According to Charlotte Eyre of the Bookseller: “Walliams had an advantage when entering the children’s market because of his fame, but he soon built up a core base of true fans … and his commitment to producing several books a year ensures a steady stream of new material for them. They don’t have time to lose interest.”

His brand, combining reassuring recognisability and sure-fire child appeal, has been bolstered since 2012 by Christmas TV adaptations; his heavy hardbacks are now a ubiquitous presence in supermarkets, presenting a risk-free choice for parents and gift-buyers short of time, disposable income or bookshops to browse. Book seven, Awful Auntie , sold half a million UK copies in 2014, the year of its publication; in the same year, Walliams earned £7m from book sales . He has now published four picture books, too, and shows no sign of slowing down.

From the perspective of a children’s-book maven, his dominance is slightly dispiriting. The heartwarming playfulness of his debut seems to have dissipated long ago in a cloud of “Oh, publish”, his status as a surreal champion of the outsider lessened by his metamorphosis into a sales phenomenon. Characters such as the omnipresent Raj, the shopkeeper obsessed with flogging gone-off sweets at inflated prices, are enormously popular with children, but feel more stereotypical with every repetition; the cast of The Midnight Gang are sketchily drawn, no longer the people “in the real world, with real emotions”, that Walliams set out to create. He is justly celebrated for enchanting reluctant readers, especially boys – but it is hard not to feel now that they would benefit from more matter with fewer fart jokes.

David Walliams
Children and teenagers
Picture books

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David Walliams

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About the Author

Since 2008, David Walliams has taken the children’s literary world by storm. His bestselling eight novels have been translated into over forty languages and have sold over eight million copies in the UK alone. Walliams’ books have achieved unprecedented critical acclaim and countless broadsheet reviewers have compared him to his all-time hero, Roald Dahl.

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David Walliams Books In Order

Publication order of gangsta granny books, publication order of standalone novels, publication order of picture books, publication order of short story collections, publication order of non-fiction books.

He is mostly known for the partnership that he has with Matt Lucas on the sketch shows called Little Britain, Come Fly With Me, and Rock Profile, all of which are telecast on BBC One. Author David was born on 20 August 1971 in Surrey, The United Kingdom as David Edward Williams. The show Little Britain was one of the most popular shows and has won many awards.

This show was the one that set up the television career of author David and made him popular. He made his writing debut with the children’s novel titled ‘The Boy in the Dress’. This book opened to the extreme popularity and acclaim after its publication in the year 2008.

Since then, author David has developed a reputation for himself as a successor of Roald Dahl. Since the year 2012, author David has been working as a judge on the talent show called Britain’s Got Talent on ITV. Other than that, he has also written a played an important role in a couple of seasons of the BBC One show called Big School.

In this television series, he has played the character of a chemistry teacher named Keith Church. In the year 2015, author David starred in the BBC series called Partners in Crime and played the role of Tommy Beresford.

This series is based on the novels written by author Agatha Christie and author David considers himself lucky enough to land a role in the adaptation of the novels written by his ideal writer. Being a writer of children’s books, he has sold over 12.5 million printed copies of his books throughout the world.

Most of his books have also been translated into more than 46 foreign languages all over the world. Because of his growing popularity in such a short period of time, author David has been described by as the fastest growing author of children’s books in The United Kingdom.

On many occasions, the literary style of author David has been compared with the likes of Roald Dahl. David was born in London to Peter Williams and Kathleen. His father was a transportation engineer in London while his mother used to work as a lab technician.

Author David spent most of his growing years in Banstead, Surrey. He completed his schooling from the Collingwood Boys’s School, located in Wallington. He was also a student of the Reigate Grammar School, located in Surrey, where he used to be Robert Shearman’s contemporary.

Between the years 1989 and 1992, author David studied at the Bristol University. During that time, he used to reside at the Manor Hall and later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama in the year 1992. It was during the university holidays in the year 1990 that David met with his future comedy partner named Matt Lucas while performing at the National Youth Theater.

After joining the actors’ union Equity, he changed his name from Williams to Walliams because there was already a person with the name David Williams in the union. One of the earliest novels written by author David Walliams was titled as ‘Billionaire Boy’.

This book was released by the Harper Collins publishers in the year 2010. The story of this novel appears to be an extraordinary and touching description from author David, who had already faced success with his previous novels called Mr Stink and The Boy in the Dress.

As these two novels were very much successful, much more was expected from author David with the novel, Billionaire Boy. The central plot of the book revolves around a boy named Joe, who seems to have a number of reasons to be extremely happy in his life.

In fact, there are about a billion reasons behind his happiness, according to him. Everyone in the town knows that he has enormous wealth and therefore he is one of the richest boys in the city. With the help of the huge amount of money that Joe has to his name, he has developed a private cinema, his personal bowling alley, and also his own butler, who is also believed to be an orangutan.

With all these things happening in his life, he has become the wealthiest 12 year old boy in the whole city. However, Joe does not seem to be happy rather. The reason is that even though he has billions of pounds, he does not have even a single friend with whom he can play.

Soon, someone comes into his life, who appreciates Joe for being himself and not because of his money. But still a problem exists as Joe is about to learn that as soon as money gets involved, nothing remains as it used to be. Joe has always heard his elders, saying that the best things in life always come for free, but if he does care about them, he is definitely going to all of them.

The previous novel proved to be extremely hilarious and was followed by another stunning and hilarious novel written by author David Walliams, titled as ‘Gangsta Granny’. This novel was published by the Children’s Books section of the Harper Collins publishers in the year 2011.

The story of this book is very much moving and went on to become one of the best sellers and fastest growing children’s book in the country. On the whole, the book tells the story of acceptance and prejudice, silly words, funny lists, etc.

It shows each and every hallmark of author David, which are depicted in his previous successful novels. The main protagonist of the novel is named as Ben. He becomes very much bored after being made to stay along with his grandmother at her house. He finds her to be the most boring grandma of all.

Ben even believes that his grandmother does not anything other than playing Scrabble and eating cabbage soup. However, there are several things that she has hidden from him and the rest of the world. Ben’s grandmother once used to be an international jewel thief.

All her life, she has been making plans and plots to rob the Crown Jewels, but hasn’t succeeded yet. Now, she needs the help of Ben to accomplish her mission. If Ben comes about these truths of her grandmother, he will become totally devastated and shocked.

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Co-Curricular

David Walliams Visits Belmont for World Book Day

Pupils and staff were thrilled to welcome David Walliams for a special celebration of World Book Day. The renowned author engaged the pupils in an unforgettable session, sharing insights into his beloved books, including Billionaire Boy, Gangsta Granny, The World’s Worst Teachers, and his latest book, The Blunders.

The lively event began with David Walliams talking to the pupils about tales from his popular books. From the laugh-out-loud adventures of Billionaire Boy to the fun adventures of Gangsta Granny, the author captivated the audience with his engaging storytelling as he read short paragraphs from a few of his best books.

David Walliams strolled down memory lane, discussing his debut novel, The Boy in the Dress. He shared the inspiration behind the book, drawing from his own life experiences. The author candidly revealed why he felt compelled to write this particular story, creating a connection with the pupils and offering them a glimpse into the creative process that shaped his early works.

Adding an element of humour to the visit, David Walliams playfully hinted at the possibility of a sequel to The World’s Worst Teachers 2. He engaged the pupils in a lighthearted conversation, asking them to suggest which teachers they believed should be featured in this potential follow up. The witty suggestions from the pupils elicited laughter, making the interaction entertaining and memorable. David Walliams generously offered to field questions from the eager pupils, and as he answered their questions, he gave out several free signed copies of his books. The excitement in the room reached a new high as lucky pupils received signed editions from the author himself. The day concluded on a high note as pupils who brought in their own copies of his books, had the opportunity to get them signed by the author.

David Walliams’ visit for World Book Day was nothing short of magical. The pupils were treated to an engaging and interactive experience, gaining insights into the world of literature and the creative process behind their favourite stories. This special day, thanks to David Walliams, will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on young minds and inspire a new generation of readers and writers.

Reading Lists → David Walliams

David Walliams Books In Order (Full List)

David Walliams has published 31 books. The first book was The Boy In The Dress in 2008. Here is a complete list of David Walliams books in order.

Last update: January 11, 2024

1. The Boy In The Dress (2008)

"The Boy In The Dress" by David Walliams is a heartwarming story that celebrates the power of self-expression and true friendship. Join 12-year-old Dennis as he embarks on a journey of courage, acceptance, and breaking societal norms, all with a touch of Walliams' signature humor and charm.

📇 232 Pages
📝 58,000 - 69,600 Word Count
⏱️ 8 Hours Reading Time
Read Amazon Reviews →

2. Mr Stink (2009)

In David Walliams' heartwarming tale, "Mr Stink," a lonely young girl named Chloe befriends a smelly but kind-hearted homeless man. Together, they navigate secrets, friendship, and the power of second chances, making for an unforgettable and humorous adventure.

📇 272 Pages
📝 68,000 - 81,600 Word Count
⏱️ 9 Hours Reading Time

3. Billionaire Boy (2010)

"David Walliams's 'Billionaire Boy' is a heartwarming and hilarious tale about 12-year-old Joe, who, despite having all the money in the world, discovers that true wealth lies in friendship, love, and finding his own path in life. A delightful read for all ages."

📇 288 Pages
📝 72,000 - 86,400 Word Count
⏱️ 10 Hours Reading Time

4. Gangsta Granny (2011)

In "Gangsta Granny," David Walliams takes readers on an hilarious and heartwarming adventure with Ben, whose seemingly boring granny turns out to be a secret jewel thief. Together, they embark on a grand scheme that will leave readers of all ages laughing and cheering.

📇 240 Pages
📝 60,000 - 72,000 Word Count
Free With Audible Trial →

5. Camp David (2012)

Camp David by David Walliams is a hilarious and heartwarming tale about a boy named David who embarks on a summer adventure at a campsite filled with comical characters and unexpected surprises. Get ready for an unforgettable, laugh-out-loud journey through friendship, courage, and the triumph of being yourself.

📇 368 Pages
📝 92,000 - 110,400 Word Count
⏱️ 12 Hours Reading Time

6. Ratburger (2012)

In David Walliams' Ratburger, young Zoe faces a dreadful predicament when her evil stepmother, a burger van operator, tries to capture her pet rat. Join Zoe on a hilarious and heartwarming adventure to save her unconventional friend and escape her horrid home life.

📇 320 Pages
📝 80,000 - 96,000 Word Count
⏱️ 11 Hours Reading Time

7. Awful Auntie (2012)

In "Awful Auntie", David Walliams takes readers on an exhilarating adventure with Stella Saxby, a young girl trying to outsmart her dreadful Aunt Alberta and solve the mysteries of Saxby Hall. With humor and heart, Walliams delivers another unforgettable tale perfect for both kids and adults.

📇 416 Pages
📝 104,000 - 124,800 Word Count
⏱️ 14 Hours Reading Time

8. Demon Dentist (2013)

In "Demon Dentist," David Walliams unravels a spine-chilling tale that will leave readers gripping the edge of their seats. Brace yourselves to face the monstrous dentist resolute on tormenting the unsuspecting town with dark secrets tied to their oral health.

📇 448 Pages
📝 112,000 - 134,400 Word Count
⏱️ 15 Hours Reading Time

9. The Slightly Annoying Elephant (2013)

In "The Slightly Annoying Elephant," David Walliams brings forth a delightful tale of a cheeky pachyderm who brightens the life of a boy named Sam, but quickly proves to be a hilarious handful. Prepare to be tickled by this charming and mischievous adventure.

📝 8,000 - 9,600 Word Count
⏱️ 1 Hours Reading Time

10. First Hippo On The Moon (2014)

David Walliams takes us on a hilarious and space-tastic adventure as two hippos embark on a race to be the first on the moon. With his signature wit and captivating storytelling, Walliams brings this tale to life in a funny and heartwarming way.

11. Grandpa’s Great Escape (2015)

In "Grandpa's Great Escape" by David Walliams, embark on an extraordinary adventure as young Jack and his brave grandpa team up to outwit the sinister Matron and her cronies in a heartwarming, hilarious tale of triumph and the power of imagination.

📇 352 Pages
📝 88,000 - 105,600 Word Count

12. The Queen's Orang-utan (2015)

In "The Queen's Orang-Utan" by David Walliams, join young Timothy on an unforgettable adventure as he discovers a mischievous orangutan living secretly in Buckingham Palace. Will he be able to keep this royal secret under wraps? A delightful tale of friendship, mischief, and palace intrigue.

13. The Bear Who Went Boo! (2015)

In "The Bear Who Went Boo!" by David Walliams, meet a shy little bear who embarks on an extraordinary adventure of surprising the world with the most unexpected 'BOO!' Filled with laughter, heartwarming moments, and delightful illustrations, it reminds us of the joy in overcoming our fears.

14. The Midnight Gang (2016)

David Walliams brings his signature wit and heart to "The Midnight Gang," a delightful and uplifting adventure that follows a group of young hospital patients as they embark on unforgettable midnight escapades. Join the gang as they navigate friendships, bravery, and the importance of dreams.

📇 478 Pages
📝 119,500 - 143,400 Word Count
⏱️ 16 Hours Reading Time

15. World's Worst Children (2016)

David Walliams pushes the boundaries of children's literature with his laugh-out-loud hilarious and mischievous tales in "World's Worst Children," introducing us to the most revolting and entertaining characters that both kids and adults will delight in.

16. There's A Snake In My School! (2016)

In David Walliams' whimsical children's book, "There's A Snake In My School!", chaos ensues when a mischievous snake slithers its way into a bustling school. Join the hilarious adventures of the students and their hilarious teacher!

17. Bad Dad (2017)

In this heartwarming and hilarious adventure, join Frank, a kind-hearted father turned unlikely bank robber, and his son, as they embark on a daring escapade to save their family and teach the true meaning of love. David Walliams delivers yet another delightful tale for all ages.

📇 421 Pages
📝 105,250 - 126,300 Word Count

18. The World's Worst Children 2 (2017)

In David Walliams' uproariously funny sequel, The World's Worst Children 2, prepare to meet ten more insufferably naughty and hilariously mischievous kids. With uproarious illustrations, the perfect book to tickle your funny bone!

19. Boogie Bear (2017)

In this heartwarming tale by David Walliams, readers embark on a wildly entertaining adventure with a bear who loves to boogie! Join Boogie Bear as he spreads joy, laughter, and some jazzy dance moves in this enchanting picture book for all ages.

📝 10,000 - 12,000 Word Count

20. Blob (2017)

In "Blob," David Walliams takes readers on a hilarious and heartwarming journey as a young girl named Chloe befriends a mysterious and mischievous blob, discovering the true meaning of friendship and standing up for what you believe in.

📇 129 Pages
📝 32,250 - 38,700 Word Count
⏱️ 4 Hours Reading Time

21. The Ice Monster (2018)

In this heartwarming and whimsical tale, bestselling author David Walliams takes readers on an unforgettable adventure alongside a courageous young girl named Elsie and her remarkable friendship with a mysterious Ice Monster. With laughter, tears, and extraordinary quests, this enchanting book will captivate readers of all ages.

📇 496 Pages
📝 124,000 - 148,800 Word Count
⏱️ 17 Hours Reading Time

22. The World's Worst Children 3 (2018)

In "The World's Worst Children 3" by David Walliams, prepare to meet twelve outrageously mischievous and hilariously naughty youngsters who will leave you in fits of laughter and awe. Get ready for another wild ride!

23. Geronimo (2018)

"Geronimo" by David Walliams is a hilarious and heartwarming children's novel that follows a young boy named Geronimo as he embarks on a wild and wacky adventure, filled with lovable characters, unexpected twists, and valuable life lessons.

24. Fing (2019)

In "Fing" by David Walliams, meet the Meeks - a seemingly ordinary family - whose lives take a wild turn when their prank-loving daughter, Myrtle, discovers a peculiar, magical creature called a "Fing." Full of laughter, quirky characters, and unexpected adventures, this hilarious tale is perfect for young readers.

25. The Beast Of Buckingham Palace (2019)

In David Walliams' thrilling tale, "The Beast of Buckingham Palace," a young prince embarks on a dangerous journey to save his family and London from the clutches of a terrifying creature lurking within the walls of the iconic palace.

📇 391 Pages
📝 97,750 - 117,300 Word Count
⏱️ 13 Hours Reading Time

26. World's Worst Teachers (2019)

In "World's Worst Teachers", bestselling author David Walliams introduces us to a hilariously horrid cast of educators who will leave you in stitches. Prepare for uproarious tales of outrageous pranks, bizarre lessons, and jaw-dropping mayhem in this side-splitting collection.

📇 312 Pages
📝 78,000 - 93,600 Word Count

27. Slime (2020)

Slime by David Walliams is a hilarious and slimetastically delightful book that follows young Ned as he encounters an alien named Hubble who grants him three wishes. But when the wishes go awry, Ned must find a way to fix the mess he's created.

28. Code Name Bananas (2020)

In David Walliams' action-packed adventure, "Code Name Bananas," young Eric sets off on a wild journey with his mischievous monkey friend, Barry. Together, they must uncover a secret plot during World War II. A thrilling and humorous tale for readers of all ages.

📇 480 Pages
📝 120,000 - 144,000 Word Count

29. The World’s Worst Parents (2020)

In "The World's Worst Parents," David Walliams takes his readers on an uproariously funny journey, introducing a host of eccentric, clueless, and supremely hilarious parents. Get ready to meet a cast of characters bound to tickle your funny bone and leave you in fits of laughter.

30. Gangsta Granny Strikes Again (2021)

In "Gangsta Granny Strikes Again," David Walliams takes us on another hilarious adventure with Granny, the secret mastermind with a taste for adrenaline. Prepare for more laughter, mischief, and unexpected surprises!

📇 317 Pages
📝 79,250 - 95,100 Word Count

31. The World's Worst Pets (2022)

In David Walliams' uproariously funny book "The World's Worst Pets", prepare to meet some quirkily mischievous and utterly bonkers creatures that will have you laughing out loud. This wild adventure is a delightful and whimsical must-read for animal lovers of all ages.

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Meet david walliams.

MEET DAVID WALLIAMS for a special Christmas signing of GANGSTA GRANNY STRIKES AGAIN!

Don’t miss your chance to meet David Walliams as he signs copies of Gangsta Granny Strikes Again!

Gangsta Granny Strikes Again! is a hilarious mystery-adventure illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross. It’s also the sequel to the much-loved and bestselling Gangsta Granny which is celebrating its 10 th anniversary year!

This wonderfully entertaining and laugh-out-loud escapade will have readers on the edge of their seats as they join Ben on his quest to unravel the mystery of the return of The Black Cat.

All tickets to signings include a copy of Gangsta Granny Strikes Again (RRP £14.99) AND an exclusive Gangsta Granny swag bag. Parents accompanying their children do not require a ticket:

Book your tickets for Bluewater here!

FRIDAY 17 TH DECEMBER @ WATERSTONES BLUEWATER, 4PM

We look forward to seeing you there (costumes encouraged)! #GangstaGranny

Gangsta Granny Strikes Again!

The most beloved book of the decade STRIKES AGAIN with a hilarious new adventure for all the family!

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The dismal world of David Walliams

Lazy prose, stale humour, zero imagination: his bestselling children’s books belong to the Boaty McBoatface school of fiction.

By Tom Gatti

It is David Walliams’s world, we just live in it. At least that is how it seems to many British parents, trapped in what he might call the Burptastic Snot-sphere of Mr Wallybottom. Walliams’s children’s books, which frame him as the hilarious, heart-warming heir to Roald Dahl , are inescapable: since 2013 he has produced between two and four a year. In 2019 the TV comedian joined a small group of authors – including JK Rowling and Dan Brown – whose writing has earned more than £100m in the UK. In 2022 his publisher, HarperCollins, owned by Rupert Murdoch’s NewsCorp, announced that Walliams has sold more than 50 million books worldwide. This July The World’s Worst Monsters , his 38th title, was published.

Why does David Walliams retain such a grip on our children’s imaginations when his own is so impoverished? His 2008 debut, The Boy in the Dress , a story of a cross-dressing lad gaining acceptance from his divorcee father, was elevated by illustrations by Dahl’s former collaborator Quentin Blake. But Walliams’s subsequent output has offered diminishing returns, and the “World’s Worst” series is, well, the worst. Let’s put to one side the dubious stereotyping of Mr Raj the Asian news agent, the Chinese boy Brian Wong “who was never wrong” (but was later deemed to be “wrong” enough to be removed from publication) and the women who are constantly brandishing mops and “bog brushes”. After all, Dahl was a reliable source of unpleasant prejudices, as the row over “updated” editions earlier this year reminded us .

But Dahl’s work has a subversive linguistic energy that cannot be denied. Walliams’s only gifts are for repetition. Characters are scatologically formulaic: Windy Mindy and her lethal “bottom burps”, Terry Tetch, whose “chunder thunder” ends up on his own face. (In The World’s Worst Pets Walliams raises the stakes and introduces a goldfish that can “furp” – “when someone, or something, farts and burps at precisely the same time”.) Original scenarios are rare. When Posy Pooch’s two Tibetan mastiffs conceive, they have 99 puppies, leaving a household of “one hundred and one dogs”. Bertha the Blubberer is a Violet Elizabeth Bott-style screamer, so of course her nemesis is called William. Walliams might be aiming for homage, but the effect is storytelling by ChatGPT.

It is difficult, however, to imagine a large language model AI turning in anything as lazy as Walliams’s prose. He loves onomatopoeia but employs it in a deadeningly literal way: “Peter gulped in fear. Gulp!” When he invents a word – “pongtasmagoric”, for example – he is so pleased with himself he includes an arch footnote flagging it. The rest of the time he is careful not to exert himself. Walliams is happy with “dreaded double history”, so why shouldn’t it be followed by “dreaded worksheets”? When a “damp, limp vegetable” is thrown, why wouldn’t it leave “a damp, green, vegetably mess”? In the fictional theme park of “Loopyland”, the most spectacular attraction is called the “Loop-the-loop Loopy Coaster”. This is the Boaty McBoatface school of writing.

The lack of invention brings with it a lack of emotional impact. As the stories end, children, parents and teachers are punished and taught a lesson, or they continue to rebel; we are asked to swallow a platitude (“all you have to do is believe”) or regurgitate laughter (“HA! HA!”). The outcomes are as interchangeable as they are inconsequential. Dahl turned meanness into an art form, Walliams simply uses it for a punchline.

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[See also: The best children’s books for summer 2023 ]

Easy to read, full of bodily functions, familiar tropes and lavish, lively illustrations, it’s unsurprising that Walliams’s books are popular with children. The reason why they are a phenomenon, though, has little to do with talent and much to do with the market. The UK’s children’s books sector was worth £445.3m in 2022, its biggest year yet – but the money is being made by a select few. As the writer Frank Cottrell-Boyce recently lamented, the “critical discussion” around children’s books has narrowed, with little review space in the mainstream media, no prominent prize, and supermarkets and online retailers presenting time-pressed parents with a very small range of well-known authors.

Walliams’s future is not entirely secure, however: questions over his character linger. In 2018 he hosted a Presidents Club charity auction, a men-only event at which female hospitality staff were reportedly sexually harassed by guests. In 2020 his sketch show Little Britain was dropped by several streaming services due to its use of blackface. In 2022 recordings were leaked of Walliams making offensive remarks about Britain’s Got Talent contestants; he later quit his role as a judge on the programme. Walliams’s phenomenal rise as an author has been driven by a relentless publishing schedule and a Murdoch-backed marketing budget. But the recent trajectory has been downwards: although The World’s Worst Monsters went straight to no 1 in the UK chart, it sold half as many copies in its first week as The World’s Worst Pets did in 2022 – and neither came near Walliams’s pre-pandemic heights. Might his appeal be finally waning?

It is not common practice for authors to thank their publisher’s CEO, but David Walliams likes to name-check Charlie Redmayne of HarperCollins at the beginning of each book. The world’s worst children’s writer knows that bottom burps can only get him so far.

This article was originally published on 27 July 2023.

[See also: The dark heart of Roald Dahl ]

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About David
Comedian and Children’s Author David Walliams named Judge of the 10th
TV star and author David Walliams will be reading his stories to kids
David Walliams is first children’s author to reach 100 weeks at number
Photos de David Walliams
David Walliams to be honoured at Irish Book Awards

COMMENTS

About David
David Walliams paid a special visit to his Britain's Got Talent Golden Buzzer act Flakefleet Primary School to drop off the very first copies of The World's Worst Teachers! ... David reads some of his books during a visit to a London school! David Walliams talks literary success in 2012 (BookD Podcast) Terms and Conditions ...
David Walliams
David Walliams (born August 20, 1971, Banstead, England) English comedian, actor, writer, and presenter, who first gained fame with the television show Little Britain, a sketch comedy that he and his frequent collaborator, Matt Lucas, starred in and wrote. Walliams later became a successful children's book author.. Williams grew up in Banstead, England, a suburb of London.
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Pupils from Co Fermanagh were thrilled after a visit from David Walliams. Monday, 29 January 2024 ... part of a tour by the popular author to promote his latest book. Walliams already has a ...
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Walliams' gleeful, drawn-out obsession with burps, farts, snot, smells and every flavour of scatological humour began to win over his young readership in droves. According to Charlotte Eyre of ...
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World Of David Walliams. 207K likes · 803 talking about this. The World of David Walliams Facebook page is managed by HarperCollins Children's Books. Find out more
David Walliams
David Edward Williams OBE (born 20 August 1971), known professionally as David Walliams (/ ˈ w æ l j ə m z /), is an English comedian, actor, writer, and television personality.He is best known for his work with Matt Lucas on the BBC sketch comedy series Little Britain (2003-2006) and Come Fly With Me (2010-2011). From 2012 to 2022, Walliams was a judge on the television talent show ...
David Walliams
Since 2008, David Walliams has taken the children's literary world by storm. His bestselling eight novels have been translated into over forty languages and have sold over eight million copies in the UK alone. Walliams' books have achieved unprecedented critical acclaim and countless broadsheet reviewers have compared him to his all-time ...
David Walliams
David Walliams is the New York Times bestselling author of Demon Dentist, The Midnight Gang, and Grandpa's Great Escape. His novels have sold over eighteen million copies worldwide and have been translated into over fifty-three languages. David's books have achieved unprecedented critical acclaim—with many reviewers comparing him to his all-time hero, Roald Dahl. In addition to being a ...
David Walliams bibliography
David Walliams (born 1971) is a British writer of children's books, having sold more than 37 million copies worldwide.. Walliams began writing children's novels in 2008 after securing a contract with the publisher HarperCollins.His books have been translated into 53 languages, and he has been described as "the fastest-growing children's author in the UK", with a literary style compared to that ...
Walliams, David
Multi-talented David Walliams is the fastest growing children's author in the UK market, selling an average of 20,000 books each week. David began his publishing career at HarperCollins in early 2008 with his debut novel, The Boy in the Dress, followed by Mr Stink in 2009, Billionaire Boy in 2010 and Gangsta Granny in 2011. Cumulatively, David's first four titles sold over a million copies ...
David Walliams
Inside Little Britain. (2006) Description / Buy at Amazon. Camp David. (2012) Description / Buy at Amazon. David Walliams is a popular author from England, who is famous for writing his works based on the Children's Books and humor genres. Apart from being a noteworthy author, David is also popular as an actor, comedian, activist, and ...
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The author candidly revealed why he felt compelled to write this particular story, creating a connection with the pupils and offering them a glimpse into the creative process that shaped his early works. Adding an element of humour to the visit, David Walliams playfully hinted at the possibility of a sequel to The World's Worst Teachers 2.
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And new for 2020, The World of David Walliams will be joining the line-up as the Alton Towers Resort celebrates 40 years as the UK's leading theme park! To find out more visit www.altontowers.com. Alton Towers Resort is part of Merlin Entertainments - www.merlinentertainments.biz. As a children's author David Walliams is one of today's ...
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David Walliams is quickly becoming one of Britain's most popular children's authors. After publishing his first book, The Boy in the Dress, in 2008, David's publishing career has flourished and to date he has sold more than 12.5 million books worldwide. ... even visit the spooky library vaults to delve into the dusty pages of the ...
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The first book was The Boy In The Dress in 2008. Here is a complete list of David Walliams books in order. Last update: January 11, 2024. 1. The Boy In The Dress (2008) "The Boy In The Dress" by David Walliams is a heartwarming story that celebrates the power of self-expression and true friendship.
MEET DAVID WALLIAMS!
MEET DAVID WALLIAMS for a special Christmas signing of GANGSTA GRANNY STRIKES AGAIN! Don't miss your chance to meet David Walliams as he signs copies of Gangsta Granny Strikes Again! Gangsta Granny Strikes Again! is a hilarious mystery-adventure illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross. It's also the sequel to the much-loved and ...
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Visit the Books & Authors Overview. Books & Authors Overview. Author and Illustrator Interviews. Author Study Toolkit. Book Finder. Themed Booklists. ... David Walliams. Age Level: 9-12. Genre: Fiction, Science Fiction. Find this author's books on these booklists. Themed Booklist. Summer Reading Guide 2016.
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Illustration by Nate Kitch. It is David Walliams's world, we just live in it. At least that is how it seems to many British parents, trapped in what he might call the Burptastic Snot-sphere of Mr Wallybottom. Walliams's children's books, which frame him as the hilarious, heart-warming heir to Roald Dahl, are inescapable: since 2013 he has ...
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