The Boy in the Dress

by David Walliams
The Boy in the Dress cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Children's Fiction
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Paperback • £7.99 CD-Audio • £9.99
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Format • £6.50
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Technical
  • ID: 3683
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780007302086
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2009-06-25
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3

The Boy in the Dress is the sparkling debut children’s novel from David Walliams, a number one bestseller and the fastest-growing children’s author in the country. This story follows Dennis, a boy who discovers the joy and confidence that comes from wearing a dress, defying societal expectations and embracing his true self. Through humor and heart, the novel explores themes of friendship, family, and the importance of being true to oneself. The book is not just a story about a boy in a dress; it's a celebration of diversity and acceptance. It highlights the power of individuality and the courage it takes to stand out. With its engaging narrative and relatable characters, The Boy in the Dress is a must-read for children and adults alike, offering a message of hope and understanding in a world that often tries to fit everyone into a mold.

Reviews
The Book Bag · 2025-10-18
insightful 4.00

The book appears simple at first glance but reveals deeper layers upon reflection. It cleverly addresses complex themes in an accessible way.

This reviewer found the book to be deceptively simple, with a surface-level story that becomes more profound upon deeper reflection. The themes of acceptance and individuality are woven seamlessly into the narrative, making it both engaging and thought-provoking. They appreciate how the book handles these topics with a light touch, making it accessible for younger readers while still offering depth for older audiences. The reviewer also notes the clever use of humor and heartwarming moments that make the book a joy to read.

Quick quotes

    It is a very clever book, but seems quite simple when you read it.

    It's only afterwards, when you think about it, that you realise there is a lot in there.

    The book cleverly addresses complex themes in an accessible way.

A Bookworm's Musings · 2019-10-10
engaging 4.50

The book was engaging from start to finish, with an unpredictable ending that kept the reviewer hooked. They enjoyed trying to guess the outcome but were pleasantly surprised.

The reviewer found this book to be incredibly engaging, unable to put it down from the first word to the last. They particularly enjoyed the unpredictability of the story, which kept them guessing until the very end. The reviewer appreciated the heartwarming and humorous elements that made the book a delightful read. They also noted how the book's themes of acceptance and individuality are handled with sensitivity and wit, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    From first word to last, this book was engaging and I did not want to put it down.

    I couldn't predict the ending, though I did try to guess.

    The book's themes of acceptance and individuality are handled with sensitivity and wit.

Sally Partridge · Sally Partridge · 2018-01-05
delightful 4.25

The book was unexpectedly delightful, with a brilliant cast of characters and Walliams' signature comic style. It is charming and well-written.

Sally Partridge found the book to be unexpectedly delightful, praising its well-written narrative and charming characters. She particularly enjoyed Walliams' signature comic style, which adds a layer of humor and warmth to the story. The reviewer appreciated how the book addresses themes of acceptance and individuality with a lighthearted touch, making it a joy to read. She also noted the brilliant cast of characters, who add depth and richness to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    The Boy in the Dress was unexpectedly delightful.

    It's well written, charming, with a brilliant cast of characters.

    Walliams' signature comic style adds a layer of humor and warmth to the story.

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