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The Boy in the Dress
The sparkling debut children's novel from David Walliams, co-creator and co-star of the multi-award-winning Little Britain. 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.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
David Walliams
160 books3,208 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
David Walliams is an actor and writer best known for his work with Matt Lucas in the multi-award-winning sketch show Little Britain. His debut children's novel, The Boy in the Dress, was published in 2008 to unanimous critical acclaim and he has since developed a reputation as a natural successor to Roald Dahl.
David Walliams is an actor and writer best known for his work with Matt Lucas in the multi-award-winning sketch show Little Britain. His debut children's novel, The Boy in the Dress, was published in 2008 to unanimous critical acclaim and he has since developed a reputation as a natural successor to Roald Dahl.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,257 reviews
March 29, 2017
The first wonderful Walliams book is about a boy named Dennis who meets Lisa and lives out his fantasy of wearing a dress. This creates a few complications, but as in all of Walliams' work, open mindedness and love wins the day! A wonderful tale of tolerance in today's increasingly intolerant world. Fantastic for kids!!!
July 25, 2023
I do have some reservations about this, such as the confusing messaging about Dennis disguising himself as a girl to wear a dress (boys should be able to wear dresses without pretending to be, or passing as, girls) and the fact that when he is pretending to be a girl he must wear high heels to school(???!!!)
There is a sweet story underneath about kids being able to wear what they want, about bullying being wrong, and a criticism of harmful stereotypes like only girls are allowed to cry, but it wasn't always clear what the book was trying to say.
One great thing that came out of this-- my son couldn't fathom why anyone had a problem with Dennis wearing a dress, which surely means I did something right 😂
There is a sweet story underneath about kids being able to wear what they want, about bullying being wrong, and a criticism of harmful stereotypes like only girls are allowed to cry, but it wasn't always clear what the book was trying to say.
One great thing that came out of this-- my son couldn't fathom why anyone had a problem with Dennis wearing a dress, which surely means I did something right 😂
February 10, 2017
Dressing up to look like a girl and trying to pass in school is probably not a good idea. Teasing, bullying, major embarrassment are inevitable. What brings people together and motivates males especially is sport and if they can see victory is within their grasp, well then, anything becomes possible. Including a whole team of boys in tutus.
The book is wonderful on every level, it's a real 5 star read and will move you to tears, or at least that prickling behind your eyelids that means it's time to distract yourself just for a moment. Have another chocolate?
I watched the film of this first and later got the book, they are both equally wonderful because David Walliams is a top author, top actor and a really Top Bloke.
The book is wonderful on every level, it's a real 5 star read and will move you to tears, or at least that prickling behind your eyelids that means it's time to distract yourself just for a moment. Have another chocolate?
I watched the film of this first and later got the book, they are both equally wonderful because David Walliams is a top author, top actor and a really Top Bloke.
December 29, 2015
Dennis lives in an ordinary town, in an ordinary house, on an ordinary street. But Dennis, as we will come to discover, is a not so ordinary boy.
Bravo Mr. Walliams. Never have I read a children's book about a boy who shows an interest in wearing girl's clothing. I think it shows a lot of gumption to talk about these issues and I am happy that they're now starting at a younger level.
I know a lot of reviews speak about Dennis being a cross dresser but I love how Mr. Walliams tackles what I think is more important. That there is nothing wrong with dressing like a girl, and thus, nothing wrong with being a girl.
I, for one, think this to be a brilliant short novel. The quips, and sarcastic jibes are funny and I do like how Mr. Walliams puts himself into it now and again. The humour doesn't detract the plot or meaning from the story at all. In fact, I think he uses it at just the right times.
I can't wait to get stuck into his other books, and yes, I will be passing this over to my nephews and nieces to read.
Bravo Mr. Walliams. Never have I read a children's book about a boy who shows an interest in wearing girl's clothing. I think it shows a lot of gumption to talk about these issues and I am happy that they're now starting at a younger level.
I know a lot of reviews speak about Dennis being a cross dresser but I love how Mr. Walliams tackles what I think is more important. That there is nothing wrong with dressing like a girl, and thus, nothing wrong with being a girl.
I, for one, think this to be a brilliant short novel. The quips, and sarcastic jibes are funny and I do like how Mr. Walliams puts himself into it now and again. The humour doesn't detract the plot or meaning from the story at all. In fact, I think he uses it at just the right times.
I can't wait to get stuck into his other books, and yes, I will be passing this over to my nephews and nieces to read.
August 8, 2020
well, no no no. I thought it was a story like George by Alex Gino. while George was transgender, Dennis is a boy that likes dresses because they reminds him of his mom that abandoned the family. That is also a strange detail. he has only good memories of his mom and one day she was gone, left her husband and abandoned 2 young kids? Anyway, Dennis meets Lisa and they share their interest in fashion. Dennis says it wasn't fair that boys clothes are boring and Lisa suggests he wears a dress she made because "I think all those rules are boring, about what people can and can't wear. Surely everyone should be able to wear whatever they like?" sounds good right? a story that seems to question gender roles and gender stereotypes? only it isn't this story. in order to be able to wear the dress Dennis also must wear a wig, make-up and... high heels of course 😕 so he must pass as a girl to wear a dress... (I actually talked with my 11 years old child about it and he said the same. he said it was confusing. if everyone should be allowed to wear what they like why do you need to not look like yourself anymore?) and why 12-14 must wear high heels that described as very high and you cannot run with then?
the book was funny at times though but I found the character of the father to be totally not believable and at the end the message was well - there are men who like to go out dressed up *as women* sometimes and sometimes they succeed in *fooling everyone* but mostly not, just about the most common and most dangerous prejudice about transgender women. dangerous because they are being killind by men who "felt being cheated".
the book was funny at times though but I found the character of the father to be totally not believable and at the end the message was well - there are men who like to go out dressed up *as women* sometimes and sometimes they succeed in *fooling everyone* but mostly not, just about the most common and most dangerous prejudice about transgender women. dangerous because they are being killind by men who "felt being cheated".
September 24, 2021
Lovely short novel about being different. You will love it. I read it in English because the spanish edition had a confusing title: "El Mago del Balón" (something like "The Magician of the Ball") clearly selling this book to a male audience and avoiding any reference to the main fact of the story: cross-dressing. I wonder how many Spanish boys who love soccer are now reading "El Mago del Balón" and thinking that cross-dressing is a better idea.
March 23, 2018
I read this with my class of 8 -9 year olds and they absolutely loved it. There were a few bits that I thought were a bit ‘rude’ for them so had to hastily edit on the hop. David Williams is like the new (ish) Roahl Dahl - he just completely ‘gets’ what children will find funny.
July 21, 2019
Heartwarming and inclusive.
June 9, 2021
Ovaj nam roman donosi avanture dvanaestogodišnjeg Dennisa koji živi uobičajenim životom za svoje godine, sa starijim bratom i s ocem. Nakon rastave roditelja, Dennis se osjeća tužno, pogotovo u situaciji kada mora živjeti kod oca, što mu teško pada jer mu majka iznimno nedostaje. Kroz koje će sve peripetije proći glavni lik kada mu haljine i moda postanu centar svijeta, provjerite između ovih lijepih korica.
Cijeli osvrt pronađite ovdje: https://knjige-u-svom-filmu.webador.c...
Cijeli osvrt pronađite ovdje: https://knjige-u-svom-filmu.webador.c...
October 9, 2012
I’ve read mixed reviews of David Walliams as an author so I thought I’d read one of his books and decide for myself. Although mildly sceptical before reading the book, mainly due to not really being a fan of Little Britain and his comedy television, I think (I’m not totally convinced yet) I quite liked The Boy in the Dress.
The story is about a twelve-year-old boy called Dennis, who lives with his father and his older brother. After his Mother leaves, Dennis develops a fascination with a dress that reminds him of her, which instigates a new found love for fashion. Dennis’ need for a feminine role model leads him to an older girl at school who sympathises with him and enables his desire to wear dresses. The story contains a wider message about individuality, tolerance and understanding, which is very well portrayed by Walliams throughout the book.
One of the first things you notice about the story is that it is written in the third person narrative, allowing Walliams to convey more of his own stamp on the text and allowing his own humorous opinion to shine through in the characters and events. This is used to brilliant comic effect throughout the story. For instance, Walliams refers to the TV show ‘Trisha’ with humorous effect and uses his lack of knowledge regarding football to almost empower the child reading. He also uses some of the characters to promote the comedy in the story, such as Raj, the shop keeper with interesting selling techniques or Darvesh’s mum, the embarrassing proud mother.
The story does have negatives though in my opinion. Walliams seems to be on the verge of adopting certain stereotypes, for example an Asian shopkeeper or a fat lorry driver. Also during the book there is reference to one of Dads pornography magazines which doesn’t seem entirely appropriate for child readers or for a school.
I would conclude that this book is intended for year 4/5 and above and is accommodating for both boys and girls with equal parts based on fashion and football. The illustrations by Quentin Blake are a positive way of reinforcing the story to young readers. Boy in the Dress is probably a book more adept for independent reading time or on a class bookshelf.
The story is about a twelve-year-old boy called Dennis, who lives with his father and his older brother. After his Mother leaves, Dennis develops a fascination with a dress that reminds him of her, which instigates a new found love for fashion. Dennis’ need for a feminine role model leads him to an older girl at school who sympathises with him and enables his desire to wear dresses. The story contains a wider message about individuality, tolerance and understanding, which is very well portrayed by Walliams throughout the book.
One of the first things you notice about the story is that it is written in the third person narrative, allowing Walliams to convey more of his own stamp on the text and allowing his own humorous opinion to shine through in the characters and events. This is used to brilliant comic effect throughout the story. For instance, Walliams refers to the TV show ‘Trisha’ with humorous effect and uses his lack of knowledge regarding football to almost empower the child reading. He also uses some of the characters to promote the comedy in the story, such as Raj, the shop keeper with interesting selling techniques or Darvesh’s mum, the embarrassing proud mother.
The story does have negatives though in my opinion. Walliams seems to be on the verge of adopting certain stereotypes, for example an Asian shopkeeper or a fat lorry driver. Also during the book there is reference to one of Dads pornography magazines which doesn’t seem entirely appropriate for child readers or for a school.
I would conclude that this book is intended for year 4/5 and above and is accommodating for both boys and girls with equal parts based on fashion and football. The illustrations by Quentin Blake are a positive way of reinforcing the story to young readers. Boy in the Dress is probably a book more adept for independent reading time or on a class bookshelf.
Read
May 16, 2015On a trip to England, I saw this book prominently displayed along with Walliam's other books. I've never heard of that author before, but I was instantly hit with nostalgia, because when I was a young girl living in England, I LOVED Roald Dahl's books, and, at a first glance, Walliam's books reminded me of those (especially this book, having been illustrated by Quentin Blake).
I was also very intrigued by the premise... a book about cross-dressing for a middle-grade audience? I was very curious to see how such a topic would be handled!
I was delighted to see that it was handled with a lot of sensitivity, heart, and humor, with an overall "what's the big deal" attitude. I can only imagine some confused child out there being really comforted by the funny and accepting tone of this book.
It did indeed remind me of Roald Dahl, and I liked how it was written very simply for a young audience, and yet the author doesn't talk down to his readers or shy away from some slightly more adult concepts.
The story had a heartwarming ending, but I feel some of the characters' changes came around a little too quickly/neatly. But then again, it is a kids' book, and I can't fault it for having a neat and tidy feel-good ending.
I'm not even sure if this book is available in the US, but I hope more books like this are written for kids!
I was also very intrigued by the premise... a book about cross-dressing for a middle-grade audience? I was very curious to see how such a topic would be handled!
I was delighted to see that it was handled with a lot of sensitivity, heart, and humor, with an overall "what's the big deal" attitude. I can only imagine some confused child out there being really comforted by the funny and accepting tone of this book.
It did indeed remind me of Roald Dahl, and I liked how it was written very simply for a young audience, and yet the author doesn't talk down to his readers or shy away from some slightly more adult concepts.
The story had a heartwarming ending, but I feel some of the characters' changes came around a little too quickly/neatly. But then again, it is a kids' book, and I can't fault it for having a neat and tidy feel-good ending.
I'm not even sure if this book is available in the US, but I hope more books like this are written for kids!
September 3, 2015
This is a great book to read to your kids or have your kids read if: 1. you want to abandon your kids and help prepare them for it (the mom leaves in the the first page and the rest of the book the boy struggles with her abandonment); 2. you want to explain pornography to your young kids (it discusses the dad looking at it); 3. you suspect one of your kids is a closeted cross-dresser and you want to send the message that it is okay (which I would be supportive of but I was just surprised by the book when it came home from school; 4. you want to teach a life lesson on "not judging a book by its cover-- It says "Most hilarious book ever" on the front and we haven't laughed once. :-(
January 21, 2018
Videorecensione: https://youtu.be/zSzs21ZU3hM
September 20, 2019
Great book.
I'm not sure why its taken me so long to read a David walliams book.
I love his humour and will definitely be reading alot more of his now.
I'm not sure why its taken me so long to read a David walliams book.
I love his humour and will definitely be reading alot more of his now.
February 7, 2017
David Walliamsin "Poika ja mekko" (Tammi, 2015) kertoo 12-vuotiaasta englantilaispojasta Dennisistä, joka elää yhdessä rekkaa ajavan isänsä ja isoveljensä kanssa. Äiti on lähtenyt kävelemään, mikä on tehnyt perheen elämästä vähän ilotonta ja harmaata. Halaaminenkin on pannassa, mitä nyt futismatsien jälkeen voi toista rutistaa - tosin Dennisin joukkueen pelejä isä ei oikein koskaan ehdi katsomaan, vaikka poika on yksi parhaista pelaajista.
Dennisin maailma muuttuu kertaheitolla värikkäämmäksi, kun hän uskaltautuu ostamaan Vogue-lehden. Se sisältää kuvia kauniista naisten vaatteista ja upeista mekoista. Lisa, koulun suosituin tyttö, jakaa Dennisin mielenkiinnon kohteen ja tytön avustuksella hän vetää jopa mekon ylleen.
Se on sen verran hauska kokemus, että pienen suostuttelun jälkeen Dennis intoutuu jopa lähtemään kouluun upeassa koltussa, korkokengissä ja täydessä meikissä. Hän esiintyy siellä ranskalaisena vaihto-oppilaana, mikä tosin on aika haastavaa kun koittaa ranskan kaksoistunnin aika... Vielä siitä selvitään säikähdyksellä, mutta mitä mahtaa tapahtua, kun Dennisin salaisuus paljastuu viimein epähuomiossa?
No niin, sanotaan se suoraan: "Poika ja mekko" on loistava kirja. Se on tavattoman hauska, mutta siinä on samalla myös painavaa asiaa erilaisuudesta, suvaitsevaisuudesta, ystävyydestä ja perheestä. Pidin riemukkaista henkilöhahmoista (suosikkini saattoi olla kulmapuodin intialainen myyjä), englantilaisen miljöön kuvaamisesta, pienestä romanttisesta vivahteesta ja legendaarisen Quentin Blaken kuvituksesta.
En ole lukenut yhtä hyvää lastenromaania viiteen herran elämään, ja tästä tulee ehdottomasti yksi niistä kirjoista joita tulen suosittelemaan niin alakoululaisille kuin vanhemmille. Täydet viisi tähteä.
Dennisin maailma muuttuu kertaheitolla värikkäämmäksi, kun hän uskaltautuu ostamaan Vogue-lehden. Se sisältää kuvia kauniista naisten vaatteista ja upeista mekoista. Lisa, koulun suosituin tyttö, jakaa Dennisin mielenkiinnon kohteen ja tytön avustuksella hän vetää jopa mekon ylleen.
Se on sen verran hauska kokemus, että pienen suostuttelun jälkeen Dennis intoutuu jopa lähtemään kouluun upeassa koltussa, korkokengissä ja täydessä meikissä. Hän esiintyy siellä ranskalaisena vaihto-oppilaana, mikä tosin on aika haastavaa kun koittaa ranskan kaksoistunnin aika... Vielä siitä selvitään säikähdyksellä, mutta mitä mahtaa tapahtua, kun Dennisin salaisuus paljastuu viimein epähuomiossa?
No niin, sanotaan se suoraan: "Poika ja mekko" on loistava kirja. Se on tavattoman hauska, mutta siinä on samalla myös painavaa asiaa erilaisuudesta, suvaitsevaisuudesta, ystävyydestä ja perheestä. Pidin riemukkaista henkilöhahmoista (suosikkini saattoi olla kulmapuodin intialainen myyjä), englantilaisen miljöön kuvaamisesta, pienestä romanttisesta vivahteesta ja legendaarisen Quentin Blaken kuvituksesta.
En ole lukenut yhtä hyvää lastenromaania viiteen herran elämään, ja tästä tulee ehdottomasti yksi niistä kirjoista joita tulen suosittelemaan niin alakoululaisille kuin vanhemmille. Täydet viisi tähteä.
September 14, 2011
‘The Boy in the Dress’ is a children’s book by David Walliams which details the adventures of twelve year old Dennis whose past times include cross-dressing and the reactions of his family and friends to this. When Dennis’ parents split up, he’s devastated and when forced to live with his father, the only comfort he finds is his mother’s left behind clothes. This sets off a series of comical transgender themes that allows the reader to light-heartedly enjoy his embarrassing explorations into the unknown which ultimately result in him wearing a dress to school. I would recommend this book for children ages between nine and twelve.
March 17, 2021
Toplo, poučno i zabavno!
I nakon drugog čitanja, osjećaj je isti... i ocjena također
I nakon drugog čitanja, osjećaj je isti... i ocjena također
February 22, 2012
it was such a FUNNY book! i loved the character denis! and i also loved raaj! and the descriptions of lisa was BRILLIANT i could see her in my head ! i love this book and i think- i know that David Williams is AWESOME! Cant wait to read his other books :D
January 30, 2020
Love the premise, hate the execution.
December 15, 2009
The boring and lonely life of 12-year-old Dennis, who still mourns his mom's leaving and his dad's depression, is lightened only by soccer playing and (a more recent discovery) a love of women's fashion. His dad forbids his reading of Vogue magazine, but new friend Lisa pushes him to play dress-up, and that is how Dennis ends up at school as "Denise," Lisa's French exchange student, in high heels, makeup, and a sequin dress. That is, until a passing soccer ball can't be resisted and his cover is blown.
Okay, so I'm going to dissect this book far more than anyone should for such a quick read! As with Johnny in Debbie Harry sings in French, this book makes a clear point that cross-dressing doesn't equal gay. In fact, both Johnny's girlfriend and Dennis's love of soccer seem pushed heavy-handedly to the forefront for that very reason. Similarly, both boys' personal acceptance of their newfound love of cross-dressing occurs almost overnight, as do their gal pals' support and parent/guardians' journey from anger to acceptance. Do some girls just long for someone to dress up? Do some boys just long for a reprieve from boring men's clothes? (I gotta admit, if I were a guy, I too would feel stifled by my limited fashion choices.) And do some parents turn to whole-hearted acceptance after just a brief time to think about things?
In spite of some sugar-coating and simplifying, I do think both of these books are important for adding shades of gray to the view of gender roles and sexuality as seen through children's literature. The main problem I had with this book was trying to figure out the intended audience. Dennis is 12, but the book is written in a very juvenile style. This works during comic moments, of which there are many, but Dennis's thoughts and experiences are more those of a middle schooler. He's not just a free-spirited, creative-dressing child playing pretend; he's looking for acceptance from friends and family for taking a stand and staking out a bit of his own developing identity. But then there are the illustrations and cover by Quentin Blake, which add much personality and expression to the simple text, but further muddy the target age range. Still, it's a valuable book that I hope will be read.
Favorite quotes:
"She was so utterly gorgeous that probably even the hearts of squirrels missed a beat when she walked by."
"You look amazing. And it's all about confidence. If you believe it, everyone else will too."
Picture on p. 201 -- if you want to see a visual rendition of the expression "helpless with pride," it's here. Props to Quentin Blake.
Okay, so I'm going to dissect this book far more than anyone should for such a quick read! As with Johnny in Debbie Harry sings in French, this book makes a clear point that cross-dressing doesn't equal gay. In fact, both Johnny's girlfriend and Dennis's love of soccer seem pushed heavy-handedly to the forefront for that very reason. Similarly, both boys' personal acceptance of their newfound love of cross-dressing occurs almost overnight, as do their gal pals' support and parent/guardians' journey from anger to acceptance. Do some girls just long for someone to dress up? Do some boys just long for a reprieve from boring men's clothes? (I gotta admit, if I were a guy, I too would feel stifled by my limited fashion choices.) And do some parents turn to whole-hearted acceptance after just a brief time to think about things?
In spite of some sugar-coating and simplifying, I do think both of these books are important for adding shades of gray to the view of gender roles and sexuality as seen through children's literature. The main problem I had with this book was trying to figure out the intended audience. Dennis is 12, but the book is written in a very juvenile style. This works during comic moments, of which there are many, but Dennis's thoughts and experiences are more those of a middle schooler. He's not just a free-spirited, creative-dressing child playing pretend; he's looking for acceptance from friends and family for taking a stand and staking out a bit of his own developing identity. But then there are the illustrations and cover by Quentin Blake, which add much personality and expression to the simple text, but further muddy the target age range. Still, it's a valuable book that I hope will be read.
Favorite quotes:
"She was so utterly gorgeous that probably even the hearts of squirrels missed a beat when she walked by."
"You look amazing. And it's all about confidence. If you believe it, everyone else will too."
Picture on p. 201 -- if you want to see a visual rendition of the expression "helpless with pride," it's here. Props to Quentin Blake.
March 13, 2017
I enjoyed this book which engages our sympathy for a lad whose mother has left home. His dad, a long distance truck driver in Britain, is gruff and tired and doesn't want any reminders of the two lads' mother in the house. The older boy is compliant but the younger just tries not to cry. He has one photo of his mum in a pretty dress, and this leads to him looking at Vogue magazine, an odd choice for a twelve year old as his friends would say. The football team considers him their star, along with one good pal who is a Sikh and the chatty local shopkeeper, so his life would be good if he just had his mum back.
By chatting to a budding dress designer in a higher class, and trying on a dress she's made, just for fun, the lad starts to see that his life could look brighter. But boys in dresses are not welcome at school....
I did like the nice mix of characters and the way that sexuality isn't even explored, because at twelve, why worry? There is the odd jeer, but overall we see that some people dress differently than others and at different times, and life can be far more colourful and interesting if you don't follow all the rules all the time.
By chatting to a budding dress designer in a higher class, and trying on a dress she's made, just for fun, the lad starts to see that his life could look brighter. But boys in dresses are not welcome at school....
I did like the nice mix of characters and the way that sexuality isn't even explored, because at twelve, why worry? There is the odd jeer, but overall we see that some people dress differently than others and at different times, and life can be far more colourful and interesting if you don't follow all the rules all the time.
January 14, 2016
Second in a Walliams trio I'm reading this year.
This one was worse than The Billionaire Boy. Badly written - "he said, mutely" Really? The characters in this book and those in Billionaire Boy are interchangeable. So is the plot to a certain extent. More or less the same father, shopkeeper, headmaster, teacher, boy, love interest, "ethnic" friend etc. There's a boring pattern emerging. Very basic and silly. For the first half of the book I almost had brain freeze, the writing was so dull.
As for the message, bleh, who cares? Walliams makes the mistake of thinking everybody is intolerant. Well, where I come from, it's wear what the fuck you like, just don't tell me what to wear or what to do, and it's always been that way.
A close candidate for my chewing-gum-for-the-brain shelf.
Verdict: passable, barely.
TV adaptations of these are perhaps better than the books because of Walliams' long-time TV writing partner Kevin Cecil (Black Books etc.)
This one was worse than The Billionaire Boy. Badly written - "he said, mutely" Really? The characters in this book and those in Billionaire Boy are interchangeable. So is the plot to a certain extent. More or less the same father, shopkeeper, headmaster, teacher, boy, love interest, "ethnic" friend etc. There's a boring pattern emerging. Very basic and silly. For the first half of the book I almost had brain freeze, the writing was so dull.
As for the message, bleh, who cares? Walliams makes the mistake of thinking everybody is intolerant. Well, where I come from, it's wear what the fuck you like, just don't tell me what to wear or what to do, and it's always been that way.
A close candidate for my chewing-gum-for-the-brain shelf.
Verdict: passable, barely.
TV adaptations of these are perhaps better than the books because of Walliams' long-time TV writing partner Kevin Cecil (Black Books etc.)
September 25, 2018
Misogyny, homophobia, fatshaming throughout the book.
The gender roles of clothes change slightly throughout the book, but not as much as it seems. Honestly, there are better books, and I would not recomment it to anyone.
There is just too much bad stuff to weigh up for the small good stuff.
The friendships in the book are good, it's the best thing about the book.
But it's like finding a marble in a sea of dogturds- simply not worth it.
The gender roles of clothes change slightly throughout the book, but not as much as it seems. Honestly, there are better books, and I would not recomment it to anyone.
There is just too much bad stuff to weigh up for the small good stuff.
The friendships in the book are good, it's the best thing about the book.
But it's like finding a marble in a sea of dogturds- simply not worth it.
January 7, 2015
Dennis’s life is rather lonely. His mother left two years ago when he was ten, and his father drives long distances as a truck driver. He and his brother don’t get along very well. He enjoys soccer, and is the star of his school’s team, and discovers from looking at a Vogue magazine that he also enjoys women’s fashion. When a chance meeting with his crush (the older, popular, and aspiring fashion designer Lisa) results in a friendship, Lisa convinces him to try on some of her designs. As a fun adventure, Dennis dresses up as “Denise” and in full-makeup and wig is able to fool some of the neighborhood regulars. This inspires them to try to pass him off as Denise at school, but once his cover is blown, Dennis faces some harsh consequences.
I didn’t get the impression that Dennis was transgender. Dressing up is a fun activity for him and a way to reconnect with his absent mother, but he doesn’t seem to identify with Denise in any significant way. In short, there isn’t a need or sense of urgency. He seems to be going along for a laugh, or to make the girl like him. I’m looking for honest portrayals of LGBT kids and teens, so with full disclosure, the uncertainty of Dennis’s motives disappointed me, and I may be coming from a place of unfulfilled expectations. This is about a boy in a dress, not a transgender character.
The book is funny, and the iconic Quentin Blake illustrations added a whimsical characteristic to the tone. (Readers will recognize the scribbly, cartoony illustrations that have become a calling card of Roald Dahl books.) The narrator, an unnamed adult, has some great moments explaining things and other great moments showing his/her ignorance. The voice is delightful, and I can see why there are comparisons between Walliams and Dahl (aside from the illustrations). Walliams is nowhere near as dark as Dahl, however, at least not in this book. I can’t speak for others.
The story explores themes of acceptance. Dennis’s dad can’t stand the idea of him looking at a fashion magazine, while Lisa thinks anyone should be able to explore all of fashion. His best friend Darvesh, a Sikh, understands how identity and clothes are intertwined, and also how they are separate. For example, he wears a patka to keep his uncut hair out of his face. When Dennis puts on a patka, it doesn’t make Dennis a Sikh. Some kids think he’s weird, but they value him as a talented soccer player.
This theme is surprisingly and disappointingly contradicted in one of the resolutions to the story. I actually held the book out in front of me, sighed, and asked it, “Really? You seriously just did that?” To me, this is a huge flaw.
The themes of gender expectations and why boys can’t wear dresses and still be masculine were inconsistent. Characters explicitly ask these questions, but Dennis isn’t trying to be a boy in a dress. He’s trying to trick everyone into thinking he’s Denise, Lisa’s French pen-pal. The goal is to not be recognized as Dennis and then never speak of it again.
The story feels overly simplistic and shallow to me. I wonder if transgender readers can see themselves in Dennis or his experiences. I’m curious as to how these individuals, especially children, respond to Dennis.
As far as age-appropriateness goes, it’s hard to put an age on this. The oversimplification and light tone makes me want to put it in younger readers’ hands, so they’ll be empathetic when some of their classmates start blurring gender lines around puberty, or even before. Plus, the entire look of the book—the cover and illustrations—implies an elementary school audience. However, there are a few mature references, such as the one about dad’s naughty magazines and a couple of slang British slurs. These make me think that readers should be closer to Dennis’s twelve years of age (at minimum).
American readers might struggle with some British phrasing, but should be able to use context clues to overcome confusion.
• Mild language, British slang and slurs, infrequent
• Sexual situations are mild—most notably a mention of dad’s dirty magazine and how Dennis isn’t interested because he likes looking at the clothes women wear.
• No violence
• No drug/alcohol use
I didn’t get the impression that Dennis was transgender. Dressing up is a fun activity for him and a way to reconnect with his absent mother, but he doesn’t seem to identify with Denise in any significant way. In short, there isn’t a need or sense of urgency. He seems to be going along for a laugh, or to make the girl like him. I’m looking for honest portrayals of LGBT kids and teens, so with full disclosure, the uncertainty of Dennis’s motives disappointed me, and I may be coming from a place of unfulfilled expectations. This is about a boy in a dress, not a transgender character.
The book is funny, and the iconic Quentin Blake illustrations added a whimsical characteristic to the tone. (Readers will recognize the scribbly, cartoony illustrations that have become a calling card of Roald Dahl books.) The narrator, an unnamed adult, has some great moments explaining things and other great moments showing his/her ignorance. The voice is delightful, and I can see why there are comparisons between Walliams and Dahl (aside from the illustrations). Walliams is nowhere near as dark as Dahl, however, at least not in this book. I can’t speak for others.
The story explores themes of acceptance. Dennis’s dad can’t stand the idea of him looking at a fashion magazine, while Lisa thinks anyone should be able to explore all of fashion. His best friend Darvesh, a Sikh, understands how identity and clothes are intertwined, and also how they are separate. For example, he wears a patka to keep his uncut hair out of his face. When Dennis puts on a patka, it doesn’t make Dennis a Sikh. Some kids think he’s weird, but they value him as a talented soccer player.
This theme is surprisingly and disappointingly contradicted in one of the resolutions to the story. I actually held the book out in front of me, sighed, and asked it, “Really? You seriously just did that?” To me, this is a huge flaw.
The themes of gender expectations and why boys can’t wear dresses and still be masculine were inconsistent. Characters explicitly ask these questions, but Dennis isn’t trying to be a boy in a dress. He’s trying to trick everyone into thinking he’s Denise, Lisa’s French pen-pal. The goal is to not be recognized as Dennis and then never speak of it again.
The story feels overly simplistic and shallow to me. I wonder if transgender readers can see themselves in Dennis or his experiences. I’m curious as to how these individuals, especially children, respond to Dennis.
As far as age-appropriateness goes, it’s hard to put an age on this. The oversimplification and light tone makes me want to put it in younger readers’ hands, so they’ll be empathetic when some of their classmates start blurring gender lines around puberty, or even before. Plus, the entire look of the book—the cover and illustrations—implies an elementary school audience. However, there are a few mature references, such as the one about dad’s naughty magazines and a couple of slang British slurs. These make me think that readers should be closer to Dennis’s twelve years of age (at minimum).
American readers might struggle with some British phrasing, but should be able to use context clues to overcome confusion.
• Mild language, British slang and slurs, infrequent
• Sexual situations are mild—most notably a mention of dad’s dirty magazine and how Dennis isn’t interested because he likes looking at the clothes women wear.
• No violence
• No drug/alcohol use
December 28, 2012
Such a beautifully written, intelligent and compassionate book. Very tender and kind...a touching story.
November 1, 2017
That was one really good lesson!
Well done, Mr Walliams :)
Well done, Mr Walliams :)
April 30, 2022
Trong The Boy in the Dress , Dennis, một cậu bé có sở thích đặc biệt về mấy thứ linh tinh của con gái, váy vóc, tạp chí Phụ nữ, đó là một niềm vui của Dennis; nhưng không phải ai cũng hiểu được những niềm vui kia. Đây là một câu chuyện để mọi người (trẻ em lẫn người lớn) hiểu rằng ai cũng có sở thích của họ, cuộc sống đôi khi phải đấu tranh để mọi người chấp nhận sự "khác biệt" của bạn.
Những cuốn sách của Walliams luôn mang đến cho mình tiếng cười, những nhân vật thì khỏi phải bàn (Họ TUYỆT VỜI!) Bác Raj một lần nữa lại xuất hiện =)))
Những cuốn sách của Walliams mà mình đã đọc qua, hình ảnh người cha được khắc họa rất cảm động. Ở The Boy in the Dress mình cảm thấy Bố của Dennis chưa khai thác đủ sâu, nhưng mình vẫn bị cảm động bởi ông ấy.
Không quá "í ẹ" như những cuốn sách trước, The Boy in the Dress vẫn là một câu chuyện đơn giản và dễ đọc, hài hước, cảm động và ý nghĩa. Và một phần khiến mình thích sách của Walliams là phần minh họa.
September 18, 2013
The young boy Dennis who is the main character of the book comes from a single parent home (father is present) and he deeply misses his mother. Dennis is very talented at football which he plays with his best friend Darvesh, Dennis also enjoys watching “women’s” daytime TV, in particular Trisha and Loose Women. Throughout the book there are typical everyday experiences which happen to Dennis including detentions, trips to the shops and playing football.
Dennis then meets a young girl Lisa in detention and they share a love for fashion and the magazine Vogue, Lisa invites Dennis over to her house to discuss fashion where he tries on a dress she has been making. After some persuasion Dennis then dresses up as a girl and takes a trip to the local shop run by Raj – Raj is fooled into thinking Dennis is a French exchange student called Denise. So pleased with being able to convince Raj Dennis and Lisa decided to take this one step further and Dennis attends school the next day as Denise, unfortunately Lisa has double French lesson and Denise felt the only way to get round not being French was to insult the teacher and make her cry.
Later in the story Dennis goes to kick a football to his friend Darvesh in the playground and falls over resulting in his wig and heels falling over and exposing him as Dennis, this resulted in Dennis being excluded from the school and not being able to play in the School Football Final.
The football game comes along and the team are losing badly, after numerous failing attempts to convince the head teacher to allow Dennis to play, the whole school team come out after half time dressed in dresses, this then convinced the head teacher to allow Dennis to play and resulting in the school winning the cup.
I really enjoyed the book as it explored issues (including being transvestite without highlighting the actual phrase) which are often deemed as sensitive; this was done really well using humour.
Appropriate for age 9+
Dennis then meets a young girl Lisa in detention and they share a love for fashion and the magazine Vogue, Lisa invites Dennis over to her house to discuss fashion where he tries on a dress she has been making. After some persuasion Dennis then dresses up as a girl and takes a trip to the local shop run by Raj – Raj is fooled into thinking Dennis is a French exchange student called Denise. So pleased with being able to convince Raj Dennis and Lisa decided to take this one step further and Dennis attends school the next day as Denise, unfortunately Lisa has double French lesson and Denise felt the only way to get round not being French was to insult the teacher and make her cry.
Later in the story Dennis goes to kick a football to his friend Darvesh in the playground and falls over resulting in his wig and heels falling over and exposing him as Dennis, this resulted in Dennis being excluded from the school and not being able to play in the School Football Final.
The football game comes along and the team are losing badly, after numerous failing attempts to convince the head teacher to allow Dennis to play, the whole school team come out after half time dressed in dresses, this then convinced the head teacher to allow Dennis to play and resulting in the school winning the cup.
I really enjoyed the book as it explored issues (including being transvestite without highlighting the actual phrase) which are often deemed as sensitive; this was done really well using humour.
Appropriate for age 9+
September 30, 2023
I recently decided to give one of my favourite childhood authors another chance and read some of his books to see if I could still like them as a teenager.
Im more than happy to report that "the boy in the dress" which also happens to be his debut novel is a great read for younger (8-9+) and older readers alike .
Through humouristic simple language David is dismantling toxic masculinity ideas, presenting a heterosexual male who loves both football and dresses, two activities one labelled as "manly" and the other as "girly" interests. I think this is truly one of the best features of the book : David has more interests than just liking dresses. His personality as a character doesn't revolve around enjoying just dresses or other activities deemed as stereotypically girly, but rather a wide range of interests.
I had to remove two stars for the ending which felt abrupt. I'd really enjoy this book more if it was a bit longer but other than that this was a really funny read that I would definitely recommend.
Im more than happy to report that "the boy in the dress" which also happens to be his debut novel is a great read for younger (8-9+) and older readers alike .
Through humouristic simple language David is dismantling toxic masculinity ideas, presenting a heterosexual male who loves both football and dresses, two activities one labelled as "manly" and the other as "girly" interests. I think this is truly one of the best features of the book : David has more interests than just liking dresses. His personality as a character doesn't revolve around enjoying just dresses or other activities deemed as stereotypically girly, but rather a wide range of interests.
I had to remove two stars for the ending which felt abrupt. I'd really enjoy this book more if it was a bit longer but other than that this was a really funny read that I would definitely recommend.
January 5, 2017
It's very important to teach kids that different is okay, even great. The Boy in the Dress does just that. The reviews says that it is a charming, comic tale. It is that, but it's also about a boy's loneliness after his mother's departure, his sadness, his desire to get out of the ordinary life in his ordinary home in his ordinary town.
Quentin Blake's drawings and the very Dahlian flow of the story makes this a must-read, for both children and adults.
Quentin Blake's drawings and the very Dahlian flow of the story makes this a must-read, for both children and adults.
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