“Totally awesome,” was the verdict of Tom, aged eight, as he left the Memorial Hall at the College following the first of David Walliams’s two sell out events on Sunday (September 30) – with Ade Adepitan there to introduce the famous author to an excited – even over-excited? – audience.
“I really like his books – they are really exciting, funny and very entertaining,” commented Toby, aged seven.
“His books are awesome and great for all ages,” added Beth – aged 10.
This proved true as grandparents, parents and children all attended the talks which ended to shouts, cheers, whistles and stupendous applause.
Nanny Rose went with her daughter Stephanie and granddaughter Isla: “He was very funny – he read from his books, doing all the voices. We enjoyed the part about the girl who played a tuba with her bottom so it got a bit smelly and everyone fainted.”
Nina, aged eight and Marley, aged nine said: “Everything was good. We learned how his sister used to dress him up in a bridesmaid dress and show him off around the town. This gave him the inspiration for The Boy in the Dress.”
Oliver is aged 10: “He was very funny and kind. He gave away signed books to ten children who asked questions. I liked the part he read from The World’s Worst Children. ”
For Isabel, nine, whose favourite Walliams book is Gangsta Granny, it was exciting to be able to meet her favourite author. Sister Phoebe is 11 and her favourite book is Billionaire Boy: “It was exciting – and there was the stress of asking a question and getting a golden ticket to win a set of books.”
Gabby Walker, is the mother of Eve,11: “He was so kind and really good with the children and responding to their questions.”
Signed copies of The World’s Worst Children will be on sale in The White Horse Bookshop this coming week.
Front row L to R: Tom, 8, Beth, 10 and Toby, 7. Back row: Tom and Beth’s Dad and Toby’s Dad