We took our Primary class up to Eden Court Theatre to see Billionaire Boy, a brilliant adaption of David Walliams hugely popular children book of the same name. Although for children, the show was equally as enjoyable for myself and the other staff members that were there.
Having not read any of David Williams books before (of which there are loads by the way) I decided to give a few a go. In one weekend I polished off The Boy In The Dress and Mr Stink, the first two novels he released in 2008/2009 and in the space of a week my collection of his books has gone from zero to five. I am so enjoying reading them, understanding why the kids I work with love them so much and feeling like a kid again myself.
Today I thought I would give you a wee review of the three I have read so far which is Mr Stink and The Boy In The Dress and Demon Dentist. I had heard people talk before about the beauty in the book The Boy in The Dress but never understood why, but now I know.
The Boy in the Dress follows the story of a young boy called Dennis. Dennis gets very sad and lonely at home as his mother left when he was little, his father works long hours and his brother prefers to be out with his friends. Although amazingly great at football, the schools star striker in fact, Dennis has a secret. He loves reading VOGUE and spends hours looking at the fashion, the style, the bright colours and the beautiful models. Its not until he receives detention and meets a girl called Lisa they realise they share the same passion for fashion. Lisa convinces Dennis to try on one of the dresses she has made and instantly Dennis finds that the adores wearing a dress, wearing makeup and heels, it makes him feel wonderful.
Mr Stink is Walliams second novel which again, is a joy to read. Chloe is a young, shy girl who becomes friends with the old tramp who sits on the local park bench day in day out. As Chloes mother runs from MP, one of her promises is to remove all homeless from the streets. Chloe takes it upon herself to regime Mr Stink, in her garden shed. A beautiful friendship blossoms between the two unlikely characters and they are able to help each other with their problems.
Mr Stink focuses on acceptance of other people, no matter their situation. It reminds us that on the surface someone may look a certain way but you should.d not treat them any differently, you don't know what their background is or how they have ended up where they are, a lesson I feel is very much needed in this modern day society. I think this book too is brilliant to open the eyes of younger children, let them understand these positive messages.
Demon Dentist is the final one Ive read for the moment, another hilarious book for children to sink their teeth into....see what I did there? This story follows Alfie, a young boy with quite possibly the worlds most terrible teeth. His father worked in the mines but due to illness and the closing of the mines, they are a very poor father and son duo, just getting by everyday with a cup of tea and leftover biscuits. When Winnie, the larger than life social worker comes into their life she starts to try and get Alfie to visit the dentist. As children leave a tooth under their pillow for the tooth fairy, they are left with horrible items such as dead spiders, live bats and hundreds of live earwigs. But what's leaving them there? Alfie is fully aware that visiting the dentist is a terrible idea, but why?
This novel is one of Walliams most outrageous but children will LOVE! It shows the meaning of appreciating what you have and the endless love a parent can have for a child. Another heartwarmer.
These three Walliams novels are the ones I have read so far, all in the space of a few days! Its been great being able to talk to the kiddos at work about them and hear their favourite parts too.
I have two more on my bookshelf to read,
Billionaire Boy and Ive just started
The Ice Monster.
I shall let you know in an update soon how these were and Im more than sure ill be purchasing a few more to read now that I have a lot of time on my hands!
Hope you are all staying safe and well, stay home!
Amy x
