To ban David Walliams’ books

[Strictlycomeparent]

When his books first started coming out (pre me having kids) I was a bit surprised as his comedy is very much not family friendly. I read one when mine were little and was totally shocked by the attitudes it was promoting in children. The books seemed mean and unpleasant. He is someone who I have never understood how his brand of ‘funny’ is seen as anything other than a kind of bullying.

So I decided not to ever buy them for my kids and ask family members not to either. I mentioned this to a friend and she thought I was being very strange and acted like they were children’s classics that I was depriving my children from.

AIBU?

They’ve been banned in my classroom for a very long time.

I just opened this thread (as I hate Walliams and his books) and seconds later, the top headline on the Radio 2 news was that he’s been dropped by Harper Collins.

If that’s because of you, OP, then well done!

If anyone would like an Instagram page which shows some great book ideas, follow missdorransclassroom
She’s been talking about why Williams’ books need to be thrown away for a very long time.

Anyone else you want to take down?

One of my kids didn’t like his books. My younger child seems to be more into a couple of them at least. Personally I tried to read a few out loud and they were dire. I’m not a kid though. The Worlds Worst collection seem pretty good though and think I’d have enjoyed those as a kid.

Start a thread about Trump, please @Strictlycomeparent !

Now there’s an idea! But maybe I have to get up at silly o clock for it to work 😄

🤣

Take one for the team 😂

MN has had rumours about Walliams FOR YEARS. I echo the point about this being amongst the least surprising news of 2025.

Theres only been a handful of men who have had similar over the years. As a rule these have almost all eventually reached a point where there's been a crisis point.

It not remotely surprising that he's been given the boot.

In terms of reluctant readers there are plenty of other authors out there which fall into this gap. They just aren't written by celebs.

As a rule you should avoid celeb written books - there are better alternative authors. Start with the book trust recommended lists, stick the title on search Amazon and check out the reviews but see what alternatives it suggests and what the reviews are.

Walliams books have appeared in this house. They have disappeared unread. Its magic.

Mmm. It’s quite amazing this thread was posted on the morning of the story about Walliams and his publisher coming out. I mean, I’m definitely no fan of his books but.. well, that’s one hell of a coincidence, don’t you think?! Amazing how life works sometimes!

https://www.itv.com/news/2025-12-19/david-walliams-let-go-by-publisher-after-reported-inappropriate-behaviour-claims

I'm not keen on the worlds worst books but I love the midnight gang and so does my 12 year old. So many authors and tv programmes avoid the realities of children in hospital and fictional children's wards are full of children with broken limbs or having their tonsils out. When in reality in our local children's ward a small number of children will be there for minor one off things but most will be children with serious long term conditions. David Walliams is one of the few authors who are not afraid to write about children with serious illnesses in a children's book.

Also my Grandad loved the gangster granny films.

Everyone says that - but why...?

Are you the CEO of Harper Collins?!

I’d get up at stupid o clock every day for at least the next year if it got rid of the orange lunatic for good.

Would love if she took to mumsnet before making her decisions.

I’m reporting for duty…

I’ve always thought The Donald was problematic and I’ve banned him from not just my house (he never comes for dinner) but also my TV for a while now. I’ve spoken to extended family and they have agreed, that we should extend this to banning him from Christmas dinner (I texted him to say he isn’t welcome).

But I want to go even further and go no contact by banning him from all public duties for 10 years. My great uncle twice removed is unfortunately a fan though…. AIBU?

We have a couple. I've tried reading them as bedtime stories and they are fucking awful. Absolute purile dross. I almost never give up on books but I couldn't finish it.

🤞 that your magic works!