jaruth's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely loved this one! Sadly, I've been in a reading rut this whole year, but I'm happy to say this book was the cure! I laughed all the way through, with some sadness in the middle, and finished it in a day.
I happily recommend it! Well done, Mr. Walliams!
I happily recommend it! Well done, Mr. Walliams!
thomasawriter's review against another edition
4.0
A fantastically whimsical and beautifully written book. The moral lessons David Walliams manages to include in this novel make it a perfect choice for not just children but many adults too. I think many people would actually be helped by reading this novel whether they are just like the main character, or like the ,ore judgmental characters who get their points of view changed. The boy in the dress is a modern classic, a lesson of kindness in an entertaining and colourful sequin dress.
mettemaritt's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
helenkat's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
Reminiscent of Roald Dahl's style - with illustrations by Quentin Blake, I thoroughly enjoyed this book about a boy who feels stuck and different. He comes to life when he wears a dress and nothing is the same since.
I enjoyed reading this story but at the same time dreaded the approaching black moment. I wanted to keep Dennis safe from that but of course all is well in the end. A wonderful book about acceptance.
Reminiscent of Roald Dahl's style - with illustrations by Quentin Blake, I thoroughly enjoyed this book about a boy who feels stuck and different. He comes to life when he wears a dress and nothing is the same since.
I enjoyed reading this story but at the same time dreaded the approaching black moment. I wanted to keep Dennis safe from that but of course all is well in the end. A wonderful book about acceptance.
littleelfman's review against another edition
5.0
I am SO Happy this book exists! It is Brilliant and should be read by everyone over 9!
esme_noodles's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
amyalicejakob's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
0.25
Just. The worst. David Walliams cashing in on trans issues while being an utterly vile human being? The fact this is purported to be some kind of trans inspiration is just woeful. Accept this boy in a dress.... but only if he's good at football and is straight. Lisa is a classic manic pixie dream girl, and the only other women who feature are either dead or a characature. But the worst part of it is the snivelling, judgemental tone in which he treats others, while trying to push a message of accepting others. Read: accept me, I'm quirky! But not them. Especially if they're fat.
The fat shaming in this book is honestly shocking. It's linked up with character flaws (they're always stupid, ugly, laughable) and it absolutely basks in the descriptions of fat bodies, describing the visceral eating they're doing. A particular low of this book is when Lisa is described as kind, and not passing on of other children's cruelty because she doesn't use the nickname "big mac and fries" for the "fattest kid in school". And then, I kid you not, the following sentence is a hyperbolic joke of the kid's "breakfast" - chocolate bar after chocolate bar.... and a diet coke. Do you not know how cruelty starts, David? Do you honestly not know how it becomes acceptable for children to say horrible things to others? It's by listening to adults lay the groundwork for them.
Plus if you're giving this book to kids, be prepared to explain dirty mags under the mattress.
If you want to educate about kindness, about acceptance, about trans issues, or even about just wanting to wear a dress, with no gender questioning, GO ELSEWHERE.
Celebrities should not be allowed to write books based on the power of their name, because there are probably thousands of budding writers out there who should be getting this attention instead.
The fat shaming in this book is honestly shocking. It's linked up with character flaws (they're always stupid, ugly, laughable) and it absolutely basks in the descriptions of fat bodies, describing the visceral eating they're doing. A particular low of this book is when Lisa is described as kind, and not passing on of other children's cruelty because she doesn't use the nickname "big mac and fries" for the "fattest kid in school". And then, I kid you not, the following sentence is a hyperbolic joke of the kid's "breakfast" - chocolate bar after chocolate bar.... and a diet coke. Do you not know how cruelty starts, David? Do you honestly not know how it becomes acceptable for children to say horrible things to others? It's by listening to adults lay the groundwork for them.
Plus if you're giving this book to kids, be prepared to explain dirty mags under the mattress.
If you want to educate about kindness, about acceptance, about trans issues, or even about just wanting to wear a dress, with no gender questioning, GO ELSEWHERE.
Celebrities should not be allowed to write books based on the power of their name, because there are probably thousands of budding writers out there who should be getting this attention instead.
mingo11's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0