The Beast of Buckingham Palace

Author: David Walliams
Illustrator: Tony Ross
Publisher: Harper Collins Children’s Books
Details: 464 pages; £7  
ISBN: 978-0008262174

Teacher review

When I’m being a bit naughty, I tend to subconsciously, no, consciously, carry out a dull judgement on fellow professionals when meeting them in public places. Wherever it is - coffee shops, football grounds, pubs - we meet, they tell me that they use the same old threadbare planning every year: worksheets from the internet, the ‘cars down a slope’ friction lesson. And more often than not, these are the teachers who usually have none of David Walliams books on their class reading list or school core books list.

If you were to take a KS2 survey of class reading habits, it would not be unusual to find, say, 15-20 per cent of the pupils reading one or more of Walliams’ works. Walliams has become the new Roald Dahl, with children devouring his books as soon as they come out onto the shelves. This latest work is no different. 

The Beast of Buckingham Palace is set 100 years into the future and follows Prince Alfred’s quest for justice. It is another entertaining story to add to the bookshelf, one that promises to capture the young reader and take them on a thrilling journey.

Robert Eves is a teacher and assistant SENCO at St John’s Green Primary School, Colchester

Pupil reviews

‘It was very exciting and funny’

I liked this book so, so much because it was very exciting and funny. It is much better than other David Walliams books I have read, as this book, little by little, builds up the tension. My favourite part of the book is when the Old Ladies and Alfred blow up the Tower of London, while on the HMS Sceptre, to save all of the prisoners!

Madison Austin-Gooding, age 8

‘There’s some amazing illustrations’ 

This book is set 100 years into the future. It is a fantasy story about a Griffin that is summoned by the Lord Protector. Prince Alfred is 12 and lives in Buckingham Palace. He goes on a quest to save the people. It was a really gripping story and I found it hard to put the book down. There were some really amazing illustrations by Tony Ross.

Donovan Doyle, age 8

‘If this was our world, it wouldn’t lack interest’

This is a book for both boys and girls. An exciting book about the future with technology we have not yet got. If this was our world, it wouldn’t lack interest. I think this book might appeal to imaginative people of any age. The best parts of the book show David Walliam’s flair for writing and a style not dissimilar to Polly Ho Yen.

Scarlett Webb, age 8

‘A great read’

I rate this book 9/10. It was a great read. My favourite part of the book was when the little boy got chucked out of the Tower of London and found out that his granny was one of the revolutionaries. I also liked it when the Old Ladies fought the guards of Buckingham Palace. I think anyone interested in the early Harry Potter books will like this book.

Grace Freebody, age 9

‘It’s hilariously funny’

I like the Beast of Buckingham Palace because it’s hilariously funny and has lots of interesting bits. In the book, people burned trees down to make ash and the Earth took its revenge by making violent earthquakes that shook entire cities to the ground.

Alex Zhou, age 9

‘I didn’t like the book…I loved it!’ 

I didn’t like the book…I loved it! It is very similar to Gangsta Granny because both books are adventure stories. The difference is that Gangsta Granny is a comedy and this is a ‘hero wins the day’ story. My favourite bit is when Alfred gets chucked out of the palace and finds his Granny.

Beanie Uren, age 8

‘If you like mythical creatures, then this is for you’ 

This David Walliams’ book is fast becoming my favourite book, despite having a much darker feel to it than some of his others. Rag is my favourite character because he is a funny, loveable person. If you like legendary mythical creatures, then this is the book for you. My favourite part is when Alfred meets the revolutionaries.

Bella Guest, age 9

‘My favourite bit is Walliams’ Dictionary’ 

The story begins with Prince Alfred watching St Paul’s Cathedral being destroyed in the middle of the night. The Queen being questioned by the King and sent to the Tower. Alfred then goes on a quest to rescue his Mum. My favourite part of the book is where Alfred is in the library and finds a book called Walliams’ Dictionary.

Samuel Hall, age 8

‘It’s both sad and hilarious’

I’d score this book 10/10 as it is both sad and hilarious at the same time. My favourite parts of the book involve the character Mite.

Subhaan Famuiwa, age 8

‘A 10/10!’

10/10! My favourite bit is when Nanny pulls Alfred in from the window. At first, he doesn’t know who it is in the dark.

Taliah Dixon, age 9

‘The story hooks you in very quickly’

Another amazing book by David Walliams! Lots of interesting characters, like the young, quivery Prince Alfred and the mysterious Royal Guards. In my opinion, there could be fewer illustrations but I like the fact that they are very detailed. The story is interesting and hooks you in very quickly.

Emily Warren, age 9
 

If you or your class would like to write a review, please contact ella.jackson@tesglobal.com