The Walliams Formula
If you've read one David Walliams book, you know the vibe: a lonely child, a preposterous antagonist, and a lot of jokes about bodily functions. Billionaire Boy (2010) is arguably the best of his early run because the stakes are so relatable. Every kid has fantasized about having a blank check, and Walliams plays that out to its most absurd conclusion.
Joe Spud has a racing track in his backyard and a robot butler, but he’s miserable because everyone at his elite private school is a snob. The story really kicks off when he convinces his dad to let him attend the local state school incognito. It’s a classic 'fish out of water' story that explores the social friction of wealth.
Why It Works for Modern Kids
In an era of YouTube influencers and 'flexing' culture, the book’s critique of materialism feels even more relevant than it did in 2010. Joe's dad, who made his billions from a new type of toilet paper, is a walking cautionary tale about losing sight of what matters. While the humor is loud and sometimes crude, the relationship between Joe and his new friend Bob provides a grounded, sweet counterweight to the madness.
If your kid loved the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or the more anarchic side of Roald Dahl (think The Twits), this will be a home run. It’s also an excellent choice for a family read-aloud because the character voices are so easy to ham up.
