The World’s Worst Children 1: A book by David Walliams

Being a massive fan of Walliams’ written work, and having all his books and audiobooks to date, I could not wait to get my hands on this upon its release – but my partner amazingly beat me to it by giving it to me as a surprise gift! At first, I felt a little disappointed, as I’m not a lover of short stories of any kind, and was rather hoping it was another full length novel. Having said that though, I was puzzled at the release being so soon after his last, as Mr. Walliams tends to release new novels yearly, and it is only six months or so since the last release. (but then I’m somewhat greedy and impatient for his work) However, I should not have worried, as just like the rest of his great work, this was hilarious too! If I had to choose several of the best stories from this volume, these are the most entertaining kids for me; BERTHA THE BLUBBERER (can’t help laughing now - just visualising her as bald as a coot!) NIGEL NIT-BOY PETULA PERPETUAL-MOTION BRIAN WONG WINDY MINDY SOFIA SOFA It needs to be said; several of these are even funnier on the CDs!!) My joint favourites of all had to be ‘Petula Perpetual-Motion’, and ‘Bertha The Blubberer’, as I just could not stop laughing at these ones; the latter being even funnier when heard on the audiobook, as David Walliams is a master at doing the voices, and making them sound even more hilarious! There’s a hint at the end of the book that there may be a second volume in store, but whether this will come before or after his next full novel we shall have to wait and see. In the meantime; the only one story I did not like that much here in this first, (though again, it was much funnier on CD) was ‘Peter Picker’. (for obvious reasons) Just a little too graphic for me – but I suspect due to its revolting subject matter will be loved by most kids... Those out there that have not yet given Walliams a chance, should really try his books; they are a real up-lifting tonic! I collect all his hardbacks, paperbacks, special editions, audiobooks and DVD movies of the books – never done it with any other writer before! Whatever his other talents or short-comings, the man is a genius when it comes to writing! I’m somewhat irritated when he’s constantly compared to Roald Dahl - not like others; because they think Dahl is better, but because to me, Walliams is unique – and there will never be anybody quite like him... He is able to mix old-fashioned styles and values somehow in his characters, and merge them with up-to-date modern times and culture. I would not have thought this possible to work so successfully, had I not discovered it for myself in all of his books! There's always something anyone and everyone can relate to – and at any age. It would be a crime to say his books are for kids only. Long may he reign supreme!

Well done Mr Walliams. You have succeeded in what I have been been trying to do for a while and that it to get my 7 year old to want to read. Previously he’s always read under duress haha and because he we tell him he ought to, not because he wanted to and this is the first book he’s actually not wanted to stop reading. It’s great because the stories are short enough to get through in an evening, but are beautifully illustrated. there isn’t a single page with just writing on so my son is not immediately put off or daunted by the prospect of reading a whole page full of words. The stories are silly and disgusting so appeal to him!! Show me a 7 year old that doesn’t find farts and bogies funny!!! This is the perfect transition from picture books to chapter books. Needless to say we have purchased books 2 & 3!!!

Bought this and other David Walliams books for my Autistic Stepson, he loves them and wants every new book that is released. I have read it myself and I think it is a really great book, funny and witty, was very hard to put down and I read most of it in one sitting.

Our 7 YO grandaughter loves to read and has read The Worlds Worst Parents and has really wanted to read this series of books, so it was a no brainer. She was absolutely made up when we presented her with this book. Just need to get the rest now.

Purchased a couple of his books recently and really like them. Both kids and adults friendly.

These children are very naughty and terrible.That’s why they are called the world’s worst children and they are very bad behaved.

Bought as a gift and told it was great!

The author has overlooked the fact that several of the worst-children-ever reside in MY house. In those rare cases that these children bother to look up from their Ipads they refer to me as ‘dad’, usually followed by a demand for money or sweets. So the book is incomplete at a minimum. Take for example Juliet-the-Sloth; she leaves her rubbish everywhere throughout the house. Her clothes lie scattered on the floor and hallway for days. She bites nails, only brushes her teeth under immense pressure or in exceptional circumstances. And is happy to go without a shower for days in a row. And why didn’t the book dedicate a chapter to Jonathan-the-wisecrack? – an annoying little chap that claims to know more about his favourite subjects (dinosaurs and Star Wars) than anyone else, he endlessly chats about these topics until your ears drop off. Worse, he is full of awful jokes; tends to run up to adults, grab them tightly only to .. start farting loudly. So I got some first-hand experience with terrible cases myself. And I can tell you it’s not easy and very demanding. I'll be open to an interview with Mr Walliams when he is conducting research for his next book on this topic.

Excellent copy, fast shipping and kid loves reading it.

As always David Walliams delivers, laugh out loud fun read for young and old

Great fun

My two sons (ages 5 & 6) have really enjoyed these stories each evening at bedtime. The next morning breakfast discussion is always hilarious - recounting what horrible child we read about the night before. It's (obviously) British so there is a lot of difference in language, but I like that - we stop and talk about the difference words (head teacher is a principal here etc.) Very funny book, fabulous pictures - great for when you are ready to move from picture books to longer stories but not quite ready for novel yet - there are still lots of pictures.

very interesting, my little girl loves it, we also bought 2 and 3, this is MUST have book for your young children!