Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is classic David Walliams: a big heart wrapped in fart jokes. The premise—a boy rescuing his beloved, dementia-stricken grandpa from a villainous nursing home—has real emotional potential, and the WWII Spitfire sequences add flair. Kids who love Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Captain Underpants will probably eat this up.

But here's the problem: dementia experts have been vocal that this book gets the condition wrong in ways that could actually be harmful. A Queen's University Belfast blog on dementia fiction called it 'badly written' and said it 'instils a false narrative.' That's a significant issue for a book tackling such a sensitive topic. The humor is also relentlessly low-brow—underwear gags, bathroom jokes, slapstick—which some kids adore and some parents find exhausting.

If you've got a reluctant reader who needs something fast and funny, this will do the job. But if you're hoping for a thoughtful, accurate exploration of aging and memory loss, look elsewhere. It's entertaining enough, but it's not going to win any awards for depth or sensitivity.

Age Fit

Best for ages 7–11, the sweet spot for Walliams' blend of slapstick humor and adventure. Younger kids might miss the emotional nuance, while older readers will likely find it too silly and formulaic. Not a book that holds up for teens or adults.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

The book centers on a loving intergenerational relationship between Jack and his grandfather, modeling patience and loyalty even as Grandpa's dementia progresses. The emotional core is warm and the bond is genuine. However, Walliams includes his signature bathroom humor, underwear jokes, and 'nudge nudge, wink wink' moments that can feel gratuitous. The portrayal of dementia has been criticized by experts as potentially harmful and inaccurate, which undermines the wholesomeness of the premise.

Imaginative

68

The WWII Spitfire fantasy sequences offer adventure and historical intrigue, and the nursing home escape plot has classic caper energy. Walliams is known for quirky, Dahl-esque humor and absurd scenarios (Spam a la Custard, slippers to the supermarket). But the execution leans heavily on formula—villain named Matron Swine, predictable beats—and doesn't push boundaries or invite much creative thinking from readers. It's entertaining but not particularly original.

Safe

81

This is a middle-grade book with no graphic violence, sexual content, or triggering material. The bathroom humor and underwear jokes are mild and typical of the genre. The main safety concern is the portrayal of dementia: a dementia fiction blog from Queen's University Belfast called it 'badly written' and 'downright harmful,' saying it 'instils a false narrative about dementia.' For kids unfamiliar with the condition, this could create misconceptions. Otherwise, it's age-appropriate and safe for independent reading.

Enriching

58

The book touches on aging, memory loss, and family loyalty—potentially meaningful themes. The WWII backdrop offers a window into history. But the dementia portrayal has been criticized as inaccurate and potentially damaging, which significantly limits its educational value. The humor is often low-brow (fart jokes, slapstick), and the villain is cartoonishly evil with little nuance. It's entertaining but doesn't offer much depth, empathy-building, or real insight into dementia or caregiving. Amazon readers rate it 4.6/5, suggesting kids enjoy it, but enrichment is modest.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

The grandfather-grandson bond is genuinely affectionate and models patience and loyalty across generations
WWII Spitfire fantasy sequences add adventure and a dash of history to the story
Walliams has a knack for absurd humor (Spam a la Custard!) that makes kids giggle
Fast-paced caper plot keeps reluctant readers turning pages
Amazon readers give it 4.6/5—kids clearly enjoy the ride

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What to Watch For

Dementia experts have called the portrayal 'badly written' and 'downright harmful,' saying it creates a false narrative about the condition
Expect plenty of bathroom humor, underwear jokes, and 'nudge nudge, wink wink' moments—typical Walliams fare
The villain (Matron Swine) is cartoonishly evil with zero nuance
If your family has experience with dementia, the inaccuracies may be frustrating or misleading for kids

Conversation Starters

"What do you think it's like for Grandpa when he can't remember things? How does Jack help him feel safe?"
"Why do you think Grandpa imagines he's back flying Spitfires in WWII? What do you know about that time in history?"
"If someone you loved was getting older and needed more help, how would you want to take care of them?"
"Do you think the nursing home was a good place for Grandpa? What would make it better?"

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Grandpa's Great Escape David Walliams