David Walliams is officially out. His publisher has pulled the plug on his entire back catalog, effectively ending his decade-long run as the most bankable name in middle-grade fiction. The move comes after a series of conduct allegations that finally made his brand of humor—which was already under fire for being mean-spirited—impossible for a major house to defend.
The decision to drop the author follows reports of inappropriate behavior and offensive conduct during filming, including accounts of Nazi salutes on set and derogatory comments about contestants. While the industry is calling it a "conduct scandal," for many parents, it’s the final chapter in a long-running debate about whether his books were ever actually good for kids in the first place.
TL;DR: David Walliams’ publisher has dropped him following serious reports of inappropriate behavior and offensive conduct. His books, including The Boy in the Dress and Gangsta Granny, have long been criticized for using lazy, harmful stereotypes. If your kid is looking for funny, high-energy reads that don't punch down, check out our best books for kids list.
The immediate reason for the removal of David Walliams books from shelves is a pattern of behavior that came to light through leaked transcripts and reports from filming sets. This wasn't a single "bad joke" moment; it was a documented history of derogatory remarks and, most notably, allegations of making Nazi salutes during production.
For a children's author whose entire platform was built on being the "new Roald Dahl," this level of personal conduct made his position untenable. Publishers are generally willing to weather a lot of controversy for a best-seller, but when the behavior targets the very inclusivity and kindness that modern children's literature tries to champion, the brand becomes toxic.
Even before the scandal, Walliams was a polarizing figure in the library. He specialized in a specific kind of British "gross-out" humor that prioritized the gag over the character. While kids loved the fast pace and the Tony Ross illustrations, many parents and critics pointed out that the humor often relied on punching down.
- Lazy Stereotypes: His books frequently used "humorous" descriptions of characters that leaned on fat-phobia, classism, and racial tropes.
- The Cruelty Gap: Unlike Roald Dahl, who used cruelty to highlight the absurdity of adults, Walliams’ books often felt like they were laughing at the marginalized characters rather than with the underdog.
- "Little Britain" for Kids: Walliams rose to fame with a sketch show that hasn't aged well due to its reliance on blackface and mocking the vulnerable. He brought that same energy to his children's books, which worked for a while because it was "edgy," but eventually felt dated and out of step.
If your kid is a fan of the Walliams style—fast-paced, funny, and a little bit rebellious—you don't have to settle for mean-spirited writing. There are plenty of authors doing high-energy comedy that actually has a heart.
This series hits the same "fast and funny" notes but replaces the mean-spiritedness with genuine friendship and monster-slaying action. It’s a great pick for reluctant readers who need a book to move as fast as a video game.
For younger kids who like the visual humor of the Walliams books, this series is the move. It’s funny, it’s a bit gross, but it’s fundamentally about characters trying to be better than their stereotypes—the exact opposite of the Walliams approach.
If you want something with the whimsical, slightly weird British energy but with 100% more soul, Hilda is fantastic. It’s adventurous and funny without ever needing to make someone the butt of the joke.
If your kid has a shelf full of Gangsta Granny or Bad Dad, you don't need to have a bonfire in the backyard. But you can use this as a moment to talk about why things change.
The conversation to have: "The guy who wrote these books wasn't very kind to the people he worked with, and his books often made fun of people in ways that aren't okay anymore. We’re going to keep these for now, but let’s look at some other authors who are just as funny but much kinder."
Focus on the idea that humor is a skill. Making people laugh by being mean is easy; making them laugh while being clever is the real talent. Point them toward authors like Dav Pilkey or Jeff Kinney, who understand that a fart joke is fine, but a joke at someone’s expense is just lazy.
Q: Why was David Walliams dropped by his publisher?
His publisher, HarperCollins, ended their relationship following reports of inappropriate behavior and offensive conduct during filming. This included allegations of making Nazi salutes and using derogatory language about contestants on the shows he worked on.
Q: Are David Walliams books banned?
They aren't "banned" by the government, but his publisher has stopped printing them and is pulling them from major retailers. You might still find them in used bookstores or libraries, but they are being phased out of new bookshops.
Q: What age are David Walliams books for?
They are typically aimed at kids aged 7 to 12. They are popular with "reluctant readers" because they use large fonts, lots of pictures, and simple, fast-paced humor.
Q: What are some better alternatives to David Walliams?
If your kid likes the humor, try The Bad Guys, Dog Man, or The Last Kids on Earth. For more "Roald Dahl" vibes without the controversy, stick with Roald Dahl himself or try Lemony Snicket.
David Walliams was a publishing phenomenon because he knew how to capture a kid's attention with high-octane silliness. But the conduct scandal is a reminder that the person behind the brand matters. For parents, the "pulling from the shelves" is less about losing a great author and more about clearing space for a new generation of writers who can be funny without being cruel.
- Check out our best books for kids list for by-age recommendations.
- If your kid loves funny series, see our guide to the best graphic novels for elementary schoolers.
- Get a personalized book recommendation
