The World’s Worst Parents by David Walliams | Book Review

In my continuing determination to read children’s books, there are two reasons why I picked this up:

One- David Walliams making another addition to his ‘World’s Worst’ series after Worst Children and Worst Teachers.

Two- Tony Ross’s illustrations. In. Colour.

Parents. Sure, some parents are embarrassing – but they’re NOTHING on this lot. These are ten tales of the world’s most spectacularly silly mums and deliriously daft dads.

Pinch your nose for Peter Pong, the man with the stinkiest feet in the world. Jump out of the way of Harriet Hurry, the fastest mum on two wheels. Watch out for Monty Monopolize, the dad who takes all his kids’ toys. And, oh no, it’s Supermum! Brandishing a toilet brush, a mop and a very bad homemade outfit.

So, are you ready to meet the worst parents ever?

I absolutely love this series even though the characters aren’t exactly the type to appeal to anyone. They do hold the record for being the world’s worst, after all. This time it is parents who are unforgivingly cringeworthy.

As is a feature of the series, each of the books include a letter from someone special. This has one from the author’s mum who very kindly (or not) offers him ideas for his next book. As part of the acknowledgements, the author also shares anecdotes about all the people involved in it. I reserve my opinion on whether these are true or fictitious but I do insist they are fascinating to read.

Each of the ten stories bring out some of the strongest emotions. At the same time, they allow you to reflect on yourself and right the wrongs. If I had to pick my favourite worsts (did I get that right?), I’d choose Miss Tutelage and Harriet Hurry, and maybe Supermum! She is innovative. You have to give her credit for that.

As far as the artwork goes, of course, when you already love Tony Ross’s black and white illustrations, these done in vibrant colour are irresistible.

Read this to guarantee some amazing laughs. You will enjoy it by yourself as well as in sharing with the little ones around you.

The World’s Worst Parents by David Walliams. Illustrated in colour by Tony Ross. Published in 2020 by HarperCollins Children’s Book, HarperCollins India.

Book 22 of 2021.

Aquamarine Flavours Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.

Available on Amazon*.

About Photo: These little plastic bricks have a love-hate relationship with parents the world over. But Monty Monopolize went a little overboard when he bought the largest set ever produced with one million pieces and refused to share it with his children, causing a tsunami of destruction.
My bricks, on the other hand, made from 230gsm cardstock, are definitely harmless and entirely recyclable.

About the Author: David Walliams is an English comedian, actor, writer, and television personality. He began writing children’s novels in 2008 and has been described as “the fastest-growing children’s author in the UK”, with a literary style compared to that of Roald Dahl.

He continues to take the literary world by storm and his books have been adapted for the television and stage. David’s books have now exceeded 100 non-consecutive weeks at children’s number one, and have been translated in over 55 languages, selling more than 40 million copies worldwide.

To know more, follow him on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

About the Illustrator: Tony Ross was born in London in 1938. He went to art school in Liverpool and has since worked as a typographer for design and advertising agencies. His cartoons have appeared in Punch, Town, Time and Tide and the News of the World. His first book Hugo and the Wicked Winter was published in 1972. Tony has since written over 100 books and illustrated over 2000! Two of his creations, Towser and The Little Princess have been turned into TV series.
Tony lives in Wales.

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