Education plays a key role in the survival of adversity. I truly believe that I would not be the survivor I am today without it. I think one of the most important parts of this is the ability to read. The ability to read also provides you with the tools to write; as it expands your vocabulary and you gain knowledge. Keeping diaries and expressing my feelings has been a key part of my journey. Reading also helps your analytical skills, and helps you to focus and concentrate. Some things are just too difficult to talk about. Reading gives insights into how others live, it helps you to develop how you think and feel – and most importantly for me, that you are not alone.
Yesterday I told you about Save the Children’s Read on Get On Campaign, but today I am super excited to share with you the news that my FAVOURITE contemporary children’s author David Walliams is supporting the campaign. David took the time to go and read some of his books to children on one of the Born to Read programmes.
David Wailliams The Boy in the Dress
I wanted to share with you my thoughts on my favourite David Walliams book – The Boy in the Dress. This book truly reflects for me the difference a book can make on someone’s life. Myself and my husband read this book with our six year old son. I personally feel it covered some very important issues that I wanted my son to know about. The story is simply one of a young boy who feels different. He likes dresses and it appears that this is only acceptable for girls. But when encouraged by a girl he slowly pushes his fears to one side and allows himself to be who he wants to be. To do what he wants to do. That actually it turns out not so bad. That other people do accept him as he wants to be. It even goes as far as to show that he is not alone. Not only do other males like wearing dresses but that they are just as scared as he is about letting people know.
There are several reasons I liked this book for my six year old boy:
- It is ok for people to be different.
- And different does not mean not likable. This can be applied to whether my son feels different in any way, and to if he thinks something is a bit unusual about someone.
- Everyone has feelings. It is never ok to be horrid to someone – especially just because they are different.
- It gives him insight into how others make think and feel – he probably never even considered that a boy may want to wear a dress, never mind be nervous about how others would react.
- My son can wear dresses if he wants to. I want him to know whatever issues he has in his life he can talk to me. I will always love him and support him (yes I discussed this with him).
- Never let fear stand in your way of doing something you want to do, or being the person you want to be.
- Other people may feel just like you do, even if you feel at your utmost alone.
- Friendship is important – and being kind to someone, even if you fear others will not like you, is a quality you must strive for.
If you haven’t read The Boy in the Dress please do. It is aimed at 8-12 year olds but we read it with our 6 year old. As we take turns in reading with him I had missed huge parts and one day just needed to read the entire book. I got so engrossed in the sensitive and funny nature of the book that I completely missed the fact that David may have been drawing on personal experiences (even with the Little Britain references). It was only when I reached the end that the penny dropped and I realised what a brave book this was to write. I am in complete awe of David Walliams and his ability to push his own fears aside and help other little boys who may fancy putting on a dress.
For some reason my daughter isn’t bothered by David Walliams’ books even though her friends read them. We did enjoy watching Gangster Granny at Christmas.
Love David Walliams, such a brilliant bloke.
We haven’t tried any of his books yet as I though my daughter was too young but you’ve convinced me otherwise!
I absolutely love David Walliams, I think he is amazing x
We have a couple of his books but I think I definitely need The boy in the dress. How fantasticthat he was reading these
Absolutely love David Walliams, can’t wait to introduce Boo to his books.
I love David. Kitty is probably just about ready for his books now so I’ll get hunting online. Great that he’s supporting STC 🙂
Sounds like a great book with important messagesx
Have to say I am not a huge fan of his, but good on him for showing support to such an important campaign!
I love David Walliams, he’s a great person and I love that he’s getting behind this campaign. I read a shocking article about children’s reading skills, so I’m glad that someone famous and funny promotes such an important skill x
Min i adores all of David Walliams books and would KILL to meet him. We also have the audio pack from the book people which was really great value
David Walliams is awesome! Yet to read any of his books – definitely need to get cracking on that!x
My son loved all his books and they were the only books I could get him to read in year 6. Great post for a brilliant cause. xxx
LOVE this blog post, I have seen the books and not picked them up thinking they were too ‘old’ for the twins but they are 6 like your son so I’ll pop one in my basket next time I’m in the supermarket
How cool and good is this!
I will definitely be seeking out this book to read with my boys. They’ve started to notice that some boys like boys (in a romantic way) and that some people look different and act different . We’re beginning to discuss what that means and how we don’t all have to conform to the “girls like pink and boys like blue” way that society seems to dictate.
Oh haven’t read any of his books. My eldest loves reading and hopefully my youngest will too
Oh haven’t read any of his books. My eldest loves reading and hopefully the youngest will too
My eldest son loves his book, he can hardly put them down!
Thats great. I love it when big names pubicly support important causes like this one. Will look out for the books now.
I have all his books on my kindle – the kids love him. It’s a great campaign to be backing x
none of my girls have read his books yet- maybe we should!
My kids 7 and 10 adore davids book they think he is like Roald Dahl
Sounds like a great set of books.Reading is so good for kids that what ever they read will always broaden their knowledge.
I love david walliams. I love how he always wants to get involved with charities too. the books sound great x