Robodog: The incredibly funny new illustrated children’s book for 2023, from the multi-million bestselling author of SPACEBOY

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The Lincoln Waterstones was abuzz with anticipation as Walliams took the time to greet his adoring readers, sign copies of “The Blunders,” and share stories about his writing process. Among the delighted crowd was 9-year-old Cody James, accompanied by his mother, Gemma, and 10-year-old Maddie Lawley, along with her brother Charlie. Cally Poplak, executive publisher, said: “Hot off the heels of securing the bestselling children’s book of 2022 we couldn’t be more excited to publish David Walliams’ next adventure. David’s books bring joy and laughter to children and parents around the globe." Adam Stower said: “ The Blunders has been a joy to illustrate. It brings together all the things I love in a story – hilarious comedy, madcap action and a family of loveable eccentrics. Even Blunder Hall and the ancient family Rolls Royce are brimming with character. I’ve had so much fun. I hope the readers love it too.”

Adam Stower is an award-winning author and illustrator of children’s books. Adam’s most recent accolade was winning the 2020 Alligator’s Mouth Award for Illustrated Early Fiction with King Coo: The Curse of the Mummy’s Gold. Adam was born in England, grew up in Switzerland and has loved drawing ever since he was old enough to hold a crayon. He went to art school in Norwich, and Brighton too, where he still lives beside the sea with his wife and a cat called Murray. Drawing on the golden age of comic books as well as classic children’s literature, and infused with David’s love of cinema, this is a non-stop, laugh-out-loud comic adventure that, like all of David’s novels, is also full of heart. Gloriously illustrated by the versatile Adam Stower, who brings his own deep love of film and comics to the world of Bedlam, it will be the perfect tonic for families everywhere this Easter and beyond,” he said. The charismatic children’s author and former Britain’s Got Talent judge, David Walliams, left a lasting impression on young readers during his book tour stop at Lincoln Waterstones on Friday the October 13th. Fans eagerly gathered at the bookstore to meet the acclaimed writer, celebrated for his enchanting works such as “The Boy in the Dress” and “Gangsta Granny,” to get their hands on his latest release, “The Blunders”. Cody James & his mother, Gemma. Pictures by Noah Cole. Eight-year-old Maddie Lawley and her brother Charlie were equally thrilled. “Meeting David Walliams was like a dream come true. I love his books, and he’s really nice. I can’t wait to start reading ‘The Blunders’.” HarperCollins Children’s Books, unprecedented three-time winner of Children’s Publisher of the Year (2014, 2015, 2016) is one of the leading publishers of children’s books, recognised for nurturing new talent as well as boasting a reputable list of established bestselling authors. Respected worldwide for its tradition of publishing quality, award-winning books for young readers, HarperCollins is home to many children’s classics, including The Chronicles of Narnia, the Paddington stories, The Cat in the Hat and The Tiger Who Came to Tea, and to some of the biggest names in children’s literature past and present, including David Walliams, Judith Kerr, David Baddiel, Lauren Child, Oliver Jeffers and Michael Morpurgo.

Maddie Lawley, who was holding a copy of “The World’s Worst Children,” shared her experience with an infectious grin. “David Walliams is even funnier in person! He told us all about ‘The Blunders’ and how he came up with the characters. It was amazing to meet him, and I can’t wait to read the new book.” Maddie Lawley and her brother Charlie after meeting David Walliams. Now a wonderful part of our Christmas, not only do we get a new book to fall in love with each year, but the BBC have been adapting David’s books for Christmas TV specials since 2013, bringing even more of David’s magic into our homes. Gemma James, Cody’s mother, expressed her joy at seeing her son so enthralled by Walliams’ storytelling. “As a parent, it’s wonderful to see the joy that David Walliams’ books bring to my son. He’s an inspiration, and this event has made Cody’s year. We can’t wait to dive into ‘The Blunders’ together.” Walliams was judging alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon when the remarks were made. Shortly after the transcript was leaked, the former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli was announced as David Walliams’ replacement on Britain’s Got Talent in January 2023.

It’s moments like these that make writing for children so rewarding,” Walliams noted. “Their excitement and enthusiasm is truly infectious, and I hope that ‘The Blunders’ will bring as much joy to them as it did for me while writing it.” David’s publishing has evolved into one of the biggest multi-media entertainment brands in the UK today, engaging and delighting children across a multitude of platforms. The world beyond the books includes licensed products, TV adaptations, theatre productions, arena tours, and an attraction based on David’s perennial bestselling novel Gangsta Granny at Alton Towers Resort. David Walliams said: “It’s my funniest book yet. I can’t wait for everyone to meet the most eccentric family of all time, the Blunders. It was a blast to write and I hope will be a blast to read too.” Thames TV, the production company behind Britain’s Got Talent, which is part of FremantleMedia, said the company regarded Walliams’ comments as private but that his language was “inappropriate”. Lawyers for Walliams and Thames TV said the comments were part of a private conversation never intended for broadcast.

In a statement after the incident, Thames TV said: “Although relating to a private conversation almost three years ago, the language used was inappropriate. Even though it was private, those involved have been spoken to and reminded of their responsibilities and the show’s expectations as to future professional conduct.” Absurd and hilarious, The Blunders is David Walliams’ funniest book yet – a laugh-out-loud tale of the most blundering and lovable family in history! A hugely entertaining adventure that combines timeless, nonstop comedy, the wild inventiveness of comics, a crumbling old house and a madcap family full of heart, humour and hare-brained ideas, it will delight children and adults alike.

Cody, clutching his freshly acquired copy of “The Blunders,” couldn’t contain his excitement as he met the author in person. “Meeting David Walliams was like meeting Superman. He even signed my book, and it’s going to be my favourite forever”.

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This family of hapless blunderers live in a crumbling country house named Blunder Hall. But when they find themselves facing a terrible threat, they must do what they’ve never done before – come together, Blunder to Blunder, as a family, to save Blunder Hall. What could possibly go wrong…? David Walliams has revolutionised reading for children and has become one of the most influential children’s writers today. Since the publication of his ground-breaking first novel, The Boy in the Dress (2008), Walliams has seen unprecedented growth with global sales exceeding 55 million copies, and his books translated into 55 languages across 37 titles, including two charity releases, Blob (World Book Day 2017) and The Queen’s Orang-utan (Comic Relief 2015). Collectively across his titles, David has celebrated 78 weeks (non-consecutive) at number one in the overall book charts and more than 239 weeks (non-consecutive) at number one in the Children’s charts – an achievement no other children’s writer has reached. In his hilarious chapter books for older children, David Walliams has introduced us to unforgettable characters such as Gangsta Granny, The Billionaire Boy, Spaceboy and of course Raj the corner shop owner. With stories that young readers can’t wait to get their hands on, Walliams’ books are a must-have for children’s bookshelves. An instant comedy classic, with characters brought hilariously to life by Adam Stower, The Blunders will give readers everywhere the gift of laughter this Autumn. The actor and comedian had been part of the judging lineup since 2012 but his position came into question after the Guardian saw a leaked transcript of offensive comments he had made during an audition show at the London Palladium in January 2020.

Writing about unique and empowering characters such as Dennis - a 12 year old football fan who wears a dress to school – and Mr Stink – a homeless man who is befriended by 12 year old Chloe - David has captured our kids’ imaginations in entirely new ways. Creating tender moments alongside laugh-out-loud comedy, David has allowed younger readers to explore completely original stories and meet characters unusual to children’s fiction. Meet the Blunders: Bertie, Betsy, their children Brutus and Bunny, their beloved grandma Old Lady Blunder and their pet ostrich, Cedric. An ostrich is not a sensible pet, but then the Blunders are not sensible people. They are the silliest, clumsiest, funniest family in the world. David Walliams and Tony Ross have become the dream team for heart-warming picture books that little ones and their parents love to read again and again. From a slightly annoying elephant, to Boogie Bear, to Geronimo the baby penguin; Walliams and Ross have sparked little ones’ love of books with vibrant and fun characters.

A spokesperson for Britain’s Got Talent said next year’s judging lineup was yet to be finalised and no decision had been taken on whether Walliams would be involved. A report in the Sun, however, stated that he would be leaving the programme after 10 years. Walliams, one of the UK’s best-known television personalities and children’s book authors, announced he was leaving Britain’s Got Talent in November 2022 after it was reported that he had made disrespectful comments about contestants on the show.