It would be very easy to disregard David Walliams as yet another 'celebrity author', looking to make some extra money or boost his celebrity status by churning out children's books. However, Gangsta Granny is yet another prime example of his talent in providing a heart warming and funny story that is relevant and enjoyable to children.The story centres around a young boy named Ben who is the subject of pushy parents. Seemingly having no-one else to turn to, Ben is shipped off to his cabbage obsessed granny, when aforementioned parents take their love of celebrity dancing to a new height. Initially Ben feels as though things couldn't get worse, until he discovers that his granny may not simply be the cabbage eating bore that he suspects her to be.Of all of Walliam's books, this is my personal favourite. Perhaps it taps into the special bond that I had with my nan (a bond that many of us have/have had with our grandparents), or it may simply be that amongst the copious amounts of comedy, there is a very distinct and sentimental message that readers of all ages will appreciate. ‘Gangsta Granny’ is an extremely funny adventure, which actually hides a story with deeper meaning. The language is reasonably straightforward and clearly written for a young audience and yet it manages to introduce ideas that are clearly intended to model positive behavior and discipline as well as ideas of tolerance and unraveling preconceptions.However, there is a point, which the story does bring the reader crashing back to reality that could perhaps, been handled more sensitively. I would sooner not spoil the book for the reader except to say that you may need tissues for yourself and probably for any child reading it or reading it to them.Gansta Granny was in fact made into a TV programme but it lost some o f the more subtle points so even if you have seen the TV version it’s still worth reading.
What do You think about Gangsta Granny (2011)?
they are so sneaky what were they thinking stealing the crown jewels!
—asharaw
this is a fun easy read and i really enjoyed it.
—Alexis
