The sparkling debut children's novel from David Walliams, number one bestseller and fastest growing children's author in the country, with sparkling new cover look to tie in with later books. Dennis was different. Why was he different, you ask? Well, a small clue might be in the title of this book...Charming, surprising and hilarious - The Boy in the Dress is everything you would expect from the co-creator of Little Britain. David Walliams's beautiful first novel will touch the hearts (and funny bones) of children and adults alike.
Dennis is a bit surprised—but not terribly nonplussed—to discover that he enjoys wearing dresses. The 12-year-old does, however, realize this is not the kind of revelation he wants to share with his truck-driving dad, his older brother, or his mates on the school football team, where he is a star player. But these things have a way of getting out, and soon enough Dennis finds himself both exposed and expelled. Is this the end? Well, no, it’s not, and in his first novel for young readers, Walliams—a celebrated English comedian—has written a witty, high-spirited and, well, sensible story about cross-dressing and other real-life issues. Yes, things may be resolved a bit too easily and some American readers may scratch their heads over the profusion of Briticisms and cultural references, but context and Blake’s inspired illustrations help explain most of them. Besides, readers will likely be having far too good a time to much care. Grades 4-7. --Michael Cart
Description:
The sparkling debut children's novel from David Walliams, number one bestseller and fastest growing children's author in the country, with sparkling new cover look to tie in with later books. Dennis was different. Why was he different, you ask? Well, a small clue might be in the title of this book...Charming, surprising and hilarious - The Boy in the Dress is everything you would expect from the co-creator of Little Britain. David Walliams's beautiful first novel will touch the hearts (and funny bones) of children and adults alike.
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From School Library Journal
Grade 6–8—The protagonist in this offbeat story is Dennis, a 12-year-old boy whose eclectic interests range from football (soccer) to fashion. He's mocked for his purchase of Vogue magazine but he just can't resist poring over the photo shoots, enamored with the color, cut, and style of women's dresses. Dennis meets up with Lisa, the school hottie, who is two years older and also a fashion aficionado. She plays dress up with Dennis and convinces him to come to school as "Denise," a French exchange student. Hilarity ensues as soccer-star Dennis, outfitted in an orange sequined sheath, complete with wig and makeup, attempts to pull off the ruse. This quirky comedy also has poignant moments between Dennis and his dad and brother. It's a quick read and Blake's stylistic line illustrations are the icing on the cake. All that being said, it's difficult to predict an audience for this book. Younger students may be turned off by the Briticisms, and it's a bit too juvenile for older readers.—Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, PA
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From Booklist
Dennis is a bit surprised—but not terribly nonplussed—to discover that he enjoys wearing dresses. The 12-year-old does, however, realize this is not the kind of revelation he wants to share with his truck-driving dad, his older brother, or his mates on the school football team, where he is a star player. But these things have a way of getting out, and soon enough Dennis finds himself both exposed and expelled. Is this the end? Well, no, it’s not, and in his first novel for young readers, Walliams—a celebrated English comedian—has written a witty, high-spirited and, well, sensible story about cross-dressing and other real-life issues. Yes, things may be resolved a bit too easily and some American readers may scratch their heads over the profusion of Briticisms and cultural references, but context and Blake’s inspired illustrations help explain most of them. Besides, readers will likely be having far too good a time to much care. Grades 4-7. --Michael Cart