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.” 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. 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.

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. Walliams said Pinocchio was one of his favourite stories growing up, and that he wanted to create his own version with a robot police dog who yearned to be a real dog. “It is a comedy adventure story with a group of supervillains, but I hope my readers will find a positive message in there about being whoever you want to be,” he said. 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.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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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.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. 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.

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. 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. 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”. 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.” 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.

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.”