Grandpa’s Great Escape by David Walliams Review

A Beautiful Book with a Moving Lesson

When we decided to create The Glass House Christmas Wish List, one of the first books we really wanted to feature was that of bestselling author David Walliams; Grandpa’s Great Escape. Not just because we had heard so many lovely comments about the latest of the author’s literary adventures, but because we like to tackle books that have an important message attached, and this one proved to be no different.

Hear what our Glass House Kids think in our Christmas Wish List Video: 

David Walliams has taken a topic that we have always thought is not discussed enough, that of growing old and the attitudes we have towards those who are elderly.

Throughout the book, which is beautifully illustrated by the talented Tony Ross, the author explores the relationship between 12 year old Jack and his grandpa, who is suffering from dementia.

During World War 2, Jack’s grandpa was a fighter pilot. As dementia grips his mind, he regresses back to his glory days when he was fighting for his country. The stories are vivid and exciting and create a base for the love and admiration Jack has for this amazing man.

Jack’s parents decide to move Grandpa to the old peoples’ home, ‘Twilight Towers’ where one night Grandpa escapes. It takes all of Jack’s skill to remember Grandpa’s vivid stories in order to work out how to find him.

David Walliams has truly made his mark in the publishing world over the past seven years – and when we consider the range of titles he has produced, this is no great surprise. With award-winning children’s books including Demon Dentist and Ratburger, Walliams has regularly topped the charts and seen his works translated into forty languages.

There is little doubt that here is an author who can write books to capture the imagination of any child. However, this story does just a little more than that. Grandpa’s Great Escape made me sit back and take stock of how all of us judge those elderly people around us. The adventure is fast paced and full of beautiful description, more than enough to hold a child’s attention, yet it is a book for parents too. As you sit and read it to your children, you will also find yourself becoming genuinely deeper and deeper entrenched in the story.

Matilda – aged 4,  and Tabitha aged 6 told us what they thought of the book:

“Mummy read me the book on the plane when we were going on holiday. I think Grandpa is really funny and silly and the pictures are funny too.” – Matilda.

“I think it is sad that Grandpa has to live in the home on his own. I like that Jack wants to rescue him. I would rescue my grandad too.” – Tabitha.

Overall, this is a wonderful book that opens up a conversation between children and parents about getting older. A touching tale of love and determination. I can certainly see this being a story we will read over and over again at bedtime.

Grandpa’s Great Escape is published by Harper Collins
ISBN: 978-000749-4-019