Gangsta Granny: The beloved bestseller from David Walliams celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2021

I bought this for a 5 year old granddaughter who is quite an advanced reader. She has read, and thoroughly enjoyed, most of Roald Dahl's books, so thought as I'm a granny who definitely does not knit shreddies, we'd try a different author and chose this for two reasons: firstly the granny connection and secondly I had read glowing reports of Walliams. She was able to read the book independently; a few words needed explaining but I do think that it's good to extend a child's vocabulary. It has been a great success. My daughter sits with her to read every night, and she was so impressed with it that I was banned from reading it when I babysat, because she didn't want to miss any part of it. Both of them said they frequently laughed out loud. I'm in two minds about the ending, however. I think my daughter was more affected by the ending than my granddaughter. Perhaps this was because we had recently experienced the sudden death of my husband. I was told, very matter-of-factly, 'Gangsta granny died. Of cancer. My granddad's dead as well' This totally threw me, but on reflection, it did lead to us discussing some lovely memories. Trying to explain to a 5 year old that her granddad is dead isn't easy and I think this book, as well as being funny, helped to open up conversations. She has begged for more Walliams' books and I have noted that in some reviews of other works, age inappropriate language/subject matter has been mentioned. By far the overall reviews are extremely positive, however. He has usurped Dahl as her favourite writer. I'm definitely buying her more, but have decided to make a note of any that have the occasional negative comment not to avoid them, but to make sure that my daughter/I am prepared for any discussion.

Daughter loved this book & was laughing out loud!

Not read this myself but the kids like it

Not bad

This is without doubt one of the best books my son has read. From the very first chapter he was hooked and has giggled his way through. I've managed to read snippets of the book so far, but plan to read it properly once he's finished. Although we've only had the book a couple of days, he's not been able to put it down so far. From what I've read and the huge amount retold to me by my son, the story is amusing and adventurous but tackles lots of issues and morals. Respect, honesty, trust and life to name a few. Walliams seems to write in a way that children can relate to without being patronising or scrimping on detail and humour. My son is 7 and understands all the language and isn't struggling with the vocabulary, and I don't think that he realised that reading could provide him with so much entertainment until he received this book! We shall definitley be purchasing more of Walliams books- I believe that 'Ratburger' is the next choice! If your children enjoy series such as 'Mr Gum' and Roald Dahl's works then these will almost certainly be a hit.

My first recognition of David Walliams was as a comedy actor on TV, then I was very impressed by his cross-channel swim, and by his increasing involvement in other physical events and support of charities. I can now add to my admiration the writing of children's books - after a sneak read of `Gangsta Granny' which is to be a Christmas stocking-filler for one of my grandchildren. It is most attractively presented with superb dustwrapper, endpapers (hardback) and illustrations, and inside the same techniques of spoofs and caricature are evident as in `Little Britain' for which David Walliams was a co-writer. `Gangsta Granny' is essentially an outrageously funny story, but it is spiced-up with emotion and poignancy and there is sympathetic consideration of the elderly, illness and death. Behind a storyline appealing to children with straightforward language and dialogue there are personal interjections by the author to influence behaviour - not least to encourage readership, but also dealing with preconceptions and intolerance, and the bringing about of transformation of attitudes and relationships. However narrative skilfully avoids preaching, and with up to date references to TV programs and personalities it remains a slapstick story for kids.

I'm a fully gown adult with a kid at heart attitude. I love an easy read so I got into collecting David Walliams books for a childish giggle. Entertaining books for both adults and kids. An easy read but probably only my 3rd or 4th book that I've read in full in all of my 29 years of life haha! The story took a sad twist at the end which I thought was quite serious for a children's book! But brings the reality of life into a subtle educational perspective. David Walliams down to a T. I will be passing this book down to my son once he's old enough. I would suggest this book for around the ago of 10+

I haven't read it, but the child for whom it was purchased (7yrs), assures me that it is an excellent and exciting story. She rates it at 5 stars.

Es para mi sobrina, es uno de los 4 libros que deberán leer en el ciclo escolar, llego antes de la fecha programada y bien empacado sin ningún problema, muy recomendable gracias

Great and easy read for 8+ year old kid. Ny kid finished it in 4 days.

História captivante para incentivar a leitura em inglês das crianças

Neatly delivered in packaging. Son looooves the book! Thank you for an amazing service♡

So funny