Review:
The boy in the dress by David Walliams
Ill. Quentin Blake. HarperCollins, 2008.ISBN
9780007279036
(Ages: 12+) When Dennis is befriended by Lisa and so has access to her
marvelous wardrobe, a new world opens for him and he is able to talk to
someone with the same tastes; reading Vogue and trying on a variety of
fabulous dresses. But when one day Lisa convinces him to dress up and
attend their school, bad things are bound to happen. Kicking the
football to his best friend Darveesh, he stumbles and falling
backwards, dislodges his wig and is exposed. Expulsion means he can no
longer play in the grand final on Saturday, and as he is the best
striker the team has, everyone is distraught. But on the day, Lisa
comes up with a cunning plan to turn everything around, even Dennis'
father is proud, and all is saved.
A laugh out loud story of one boy's dreams,
The boy in the dress,
promotes the idea that everyone is different and that difference makes
us who we are. The acceptance of Dennis' behavior by all who matter is
the underlying foundation of the tale, and one that will endear the
story to its readers. Dennis' father, a gruff, burly man, deserted by
his wife, finally comes to be proud of his son, who loves him dearly.
It is a tender moment in a book full of comic situations.
The accompanying drawings by Quentin Blake add to the fun and frivolity
of the story. Facebook has images of David being photographed in scenes
from the book, and it is fascinating to see the plethora of videos of
boys in dresses aping sections of the story. This handsomely presented
hardback book with its vibrant purple cover and silver lettering will
have instant appeal to students wanting a funny read. Knowing of the
series Little Britain will also be an attraction, and the cover the
book and its author are receiving on Facebook will add to its success.
Fran Knight
Home
© Pledger
Consulting, 2007