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Mega monster
The new children’s book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams – a timeless adventure illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross.
On a volcanic island, in the middle of shark-infested waters, stands The Cruel School. The lessons are appalling, the school dinners are revolting and the teachers are terrifying – especially the mysterious Science teacher Doctor Doktur.
When Larker is sent to the school, she quickly realises something very odd is going on… something involving Doctor Doktur, a pair of strange spectacles, and a ‘Monsterfication Machine’. And ultimately she finds herself face to face with a real life Megamonster.
There seems to be no escape – but for Larker, nothing is impossible…
On a volcanic island, in the middle of shark-infested waters, stands The Cruel School. The lessons are appalling, the school dinners are revolting and the teachers are terrifying – especially the mysterious Science teacher Doctor Doktur.
When Larker is sent to the school, she quickly realises something very odd is going on… something involving Doctor Doktur, a pair of strange spectacles, and a ‘Monsterfication Machine’. And ultimately she finds herself face to face with a real life Megamonster.
There seems to be no escape – but for Larker, nothing is impossible…
379 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2021
157 people are currently reading
821 people want to read
About the author
David Walliams
232 books3,409 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
David Walliams is an actor and writer best known for his work with Matt Lucas in the multi-award-winning sketch show Little Britain. His debut children's novel, The Boy in the Dress, was published in 2008 to unanimous critical acclaim and he has since developed a reputation as a natural successor to Roald Dahl.
David Walliams is an actor and writer best known for his work with Matt Lucas in the multi-award-winning sketch show Little Britain. His debut children's novel, The Boy in the Dress, was published in 2008 to unanimous critical acclaim and he has since developed a reputation as a natural successor to Roald Dahl.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
October 19, 2021
Me and my kids (5 and 7) really, REALLY enjoyed this book! Only downside to it is that it has a lot of different characters to keep up with/remember who's who but, honestly, this just gave me an excuse to do even more daft voices for each person!!
February 6, 2022
A thrill-seaking, action packed, hilarious book. From food fights in dinner halls to a volcanic explosion. From being served luminous green porridge and learning gibberish.My favorite charecter has to be Larker and Worms asthe dandrous duo can defeat anyone in their way.This is a book perfect for everyone definitely worth reading. Overall my favorite wallioms book.
June 27, 2021
This book is a great and fast paced book. It had funny, cheesy jokes in that the children reading the book will understand and the storyline is fasted paced and engaging.
This book is great to be read aloud or independently.
I certainly loved reading it, it reminded me of the books I read growing up (I used to love reading Roald Dahl). This book certainly adds some excitement to reading and might engage even the most reluctant of reluctant readers.
100% recommend. A great novel by David Walliams.
This book is great to be read aloud or independently.
I certainly loved reading it, it reminded me of the books I read growing up (I used to love reading Roald Dahl). This book certainly adds some excitement to reading and might engage even the most reluctant of reluctant readers.
100% recommend. A great novel by David Walliams.
September 6, 2021
This is another mess of a book by David Walliams, there are some good ideas but as a whole it doesn’t really work.
There are far too many characters in this book, all given stupid names and very little characterisation. The plot rushes too quickly with no chance to build any character relationships, or to feel any empathy.
I read this with a nine year old girl and even she realised how stupid the plot was. She kept asking sensible questions like why a girl climbing up a drainpipe was suddenly on the ground, how a child who hadn’t eaten in days could stay up night after night without getting tired, or why she was suddenly best friends with a boy she met briefly at one breakfast?
This feels like a rushed job, the pictures often don’t seem to match well with the text. There are too many ideas but none are properly developed.
A lot of children will probably still get enjoyment out of this, but it isn’t David Walliams at his best.
There are far too many characters in this book, all given stupid names and very little characterisation. The plot rushes too quickly with no chance to build any character relationships, or to feel any empathy.
I read this with a nine year old girl and even she realised how stupid the plot was. She kept asking sensible questions like why a girl climbing up a drainpipe was suddenly on the ground, how a child who hadn’t eaten in days could stay up night after night without getting tired, or why she was suddenly best friends with a boy she met briefly at one breakfast?
This feels like a rushed job, the pictures often don’t seem to match well with the text. There are too many ideas but none are properly developed.
A lot of children will probably still get enjoyment out of this, but it isn’t David Walliams at his best.
August 18, 2021
This is one of Walliams books that I consider an inbetweener.
I prefer his books that have a more tangled story such as The ice monster, The Beast of Buckingham Palace, even Code Name Bananas but maybe because I like the history element being thrown into them.
This book I put in the camp with Slime and Fing. Nice little oddities but a struggle to read.
I prefer his books that have a more tangled story such as The ice monster, The Beast of Buckingham Palace, even Code Name Bananas but maybe because I like the history element being thrown into them.
This book I put in the camp with Slime and Fing. Nice little oddities but a struggle to read.
May 12, 2022
The impression is quite cold.
The first part of the book blew me away, especially the Gabber language classes, but after the introduction of a certain machine, everything started to go awry. Excessive.
And of course, the main villain is again a WOMAN, who hates every child in the world.
Three average stars.
The first part of the book blew me away, especially the Gabber language classes, but after the introduction of a certain machine, everything started to go awry. Excessive.
And of course, the main villain is again a WOMAN, who hates every child in the world.
Three average stars.
September 21, 2021
So good!
January 31, 2024
Sjajna!
July 12, 2024
This is the first chapter book I’ve read all on my own. My favourite part was when the castle exploded! My least favourite part was…. nothing, I love the whole book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2023
Larker is a girl who got sent to Cruel School when a teacher picked on her and wrongly accused her of violating school rules.
She was sent to the Cruel School for the worst students.
The level of strangest of the school is over the top.
After reading how horrible the teachers are in the school, the story becomes worse.
That is when the fun begins.
While the story is progressing logically. The incidents turn from normally strange to this is not happening.
That is also when the fun begins. How are the students able to find out the secret of the school and not only survive it? It is a fun read.
This book target much younger readers. Someone who will be okay with badly tell jokes.
4 stars read.
She was sent to the Cruel School for the worst students.
The level of strangest of the school is over the top.
After reading how horrible the teachers are in the school, the story becomes worse.
That is when the fun begins.
While the story is progressing logically. The incidents turn from normally strange to this is not happening.
That is also when the fun begins. How are the students able to find out the secret of the school and not only survive it? It is a fun read.
This book target much younger readers. Someone who will be okay with badly tell jokes.
4 stars read.
May 23, 2022
Me and Minnie both read this dipping in every now and again. It was a slow burner and we spent a lot of time musing why it was called mega monster when we didn’t meet any monsters till three quarters through
A good plot and as always Walliams humour is high
Lots of kids are sent to a school hidden on an island, and filled with naughty children and ran by evil teachers
A good plot and as always Walliams humour is high
Lots of kids are sent to a school hidden on an island, and filled with naughty children and ran by evil teachers
March 13, 2022
New Words Learnt - 0
Book Cover - 3/5
Different but more of the same. Nothing else to add really, it's formula is that of every other DW book. There's no Raj though.
Book Cover - 3/5
Different but more of the same. Nothing else to add really, it's formula is that of every other DW book. There's no Raj though.
September 15, 2023
I don't think there is a David Walliams book I won't enjoy.
I found myself questioning this story when I first started it as I wasn't sure that I would be able to get into it but I was wrong. I quickly got behind Larker as she went on her adventure around the Cruel School.
I found myself questioning this story when I first started it as I wasn't sure that I would be able to get into it but I was wrong. I quickly got behind Larker as she went on her adventure around the Cruel School.
December 14, 2021
absolutely loved this one
July 9, 2022
So random but good.
September 9, 2023
2.5 stars maybe.
November 12, 2023
Un bon David Walliams ! Ça faisait longtemps !
January 9, 2025
Super duper super amazzzzzzzzziiiiiiiinnngggg
June 5, 2025
unfortunately I didn't find this book as good as some of the others, I wasn't really into the whole storyline but it wasn't an awful read
I'm sure the younger readers will enjoy it
I'm sure the younger readers will enjoy it
December 29, 2023
I enjoyed it but not one of my favourites by David Walliams.
May 15, 2022
Почитател съм на книгите на Дейвид и винаги успяват да ме забавляват. Тази също беше интересна, но ми дойде малко хаотично как се сформираха различните чудовища, заради което намалих малко оценката си.
Read
December 1, 2021Kinderen zijn soms net monsters en hier is het bewijs. (Volledige Recensie voor en op Biblion).
Het meisje Larker wordt vanwege haar flauwe grappen en stoute gedrag naar de allerergste school die je maar kan bedenken gestuurd: The Cruel School. Niemand is ooit meer van de Wrede School teruggekomen. Tijd dus voor Larker om te ontsnappen. Maar dan blijkt dat er rare dingen gebeuren op de school. Een humoristisch jeugdverhaal vol karikaturen, met veel woordgrapjes en dubbelzinnigheden die zowel fysiek als verbaal worden uitgebeeld.
Weer typisch de Walliams stijl. Engels jeugdboek.
Het meisje Larker wordt vanwege haar flauwe grappen en stoute gedrag naar de allerergste school die je maar kan bedenken gestuurd: The Cruel School. Niemand is ooit meer van de Wrede School teruggekomen. Tijd dus voor Larker om te ontsnappen. Maar dan blijkt dat er rare dingen gebeuren op de school. Een humoristisch jeugdverhaal vol karikaturen, met veel woordgrapjes en dubbelzinnigheden die zowel fysiek als verbaal worden uitgebeeld.
Weer typisch de Walliams stijl. Engels jeugdboek.
May 27, 2022
I enjoyed it - but definitely not on the top of my list of daVid Walliams books. But only David can make a plot so horrific and eerie into a kids book and make it sound cute and adorable. Props to him for that!
January 2, 2024
I have been reading this to my youngest at bed time. It was a fun one for Halloween but obviously not my normal jam. I think he liked it, though it did work a treat at putting him to sleep. So, take that as you will.
August 17, 2021
I really loved this book! 📕
August 15, 2021
‘On a volcanic island, in the middle of shark-infested waters, stands The Cruel School. The lessons are appalling, the school dinners are revolting and the teachers are terrifying – especially the mysterious Science teacher Doctor Doktur.
When Larker is sent to the school, she quickly realises something very odd is going on… something involving Doctor Doktur, a pair of strange spectacles, and a ‘Monsterfication Machine’. And ultimately she finds herself face to face with a real life Megamonster.
There seems to be no escape – but for Larker, nothing is impossible…’
I loved this book.
I am a massive fan of David Walliams’ book so I was very excited to get my hands on this book. Given that I have read all of David Walliams' books I went into this one with high hopes. I am happy to say it definitely lived up to my high expectations.
This book had everything one expects from a David Walliams book; a fantastic story, wonderful characters, and a great message for young readers. All of this is delivered with wit and intelligence that only David Walliams can produce. The way in which the characters learn as they go through strange yet entertaining situations is thrilling for readers.
One of the greatest elements of this book; as with all David Walliams’ books, is that it perfectly walks the naughty line. Young readers get to read a wonderful book that is a little bit rude, a whole lot of fun, and totally addictive.
This book is enhanced by Tony Ross’ perfect illustrations. The partnership of Walliams and Ross is a match made in heaven. The way the illustrations perfectly capture the story and add an awesome visual layer to this book makes for an unforgettable reading experience.
If you have a middle-grade reader in your life you need to get them a copy of this book.
Megamonster by David Walliams is a must-have for all middle-grade readers.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
When Larker is sent to the school, she quickly realises something very odd is going on… something involving Doctor Doktur, a pair of strange spectacles, and a ‘Monsterfication Machine’. And ultimately she finds herself face to face with a real life Megamonster.
There seems to be no escape – but for Larker, nothing is impossible…’
I loved this book.
I am a massive fan of David Walliams’ book so I was very excited to get my hands on this book. Given that I have read all of David Walliams' books I went into this one with high hopes. I am happy to say it definitely lived up to my high expectations.
This book had everything one expects from a David Walliams book; a fantastic story, wonderful characters, and a great message for young readers. All of this is delivered with wit and intelligence that only David Walliams can produce. The way in which the characters learn as they go through strange yet entertaining situations is thrilling for readers.
One of the greatest elements of this book; as with all David Walliams’ books, is that it perfectly walks the naughty line. Young readers get to read a wonderful book that is a little bit rude, a whole lot of fun, and totally addictive.
This book is enhanced by Tony Ross’ perfect illustrations. The partnership of Walliams and Ross is a match made in heaven. The way the illustrations perfectly capture the story and add an awesome visual layer to this book makes for an unforgettable reading experience.
If you have a middle-grade reader in your life you need to get them a copy of this book.
Megamonster by David Walliams is a must-have for all middle-grade readers.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
October 19, 2021
My last book haul comprised of illustrated books in varied genres and I couldn't resist adding the latest offering from David Walliams to the selection.
On a volcanic island, in the middle of shark-infested waters, stands The Cruel School. The lessons are appalling, the school dinners are revolting and the teachers are terrifying – especially the mysterious Science teacher Doctor Doktur.
When Larker is sent to the school, she quickly realises something very odd is going on… something involving Doctor Doktur, a pair of strange spectacles, and a ‘Monsterfication Machine’. And ultimately she finds herself face to face with a real life Megamonster.
There seems to be no escape – but for Larker, nothing is impossible…
It has been a while since Walliams wrote a story about a girl with wit as sharp as a smooth edge of paper, a delightful sense of humour, and courage that fails at nothing. (... other than sharks?)
Here, you meet the weirdest characters caught in bizarre situations which are curiously entertaining. They are annoying, rude, and mean but there is a worthy lesson to be imbibed from the exciting adventure this book takes you on.
I always marvel at how Tony Ross manages to bring his illustrations to life in black and white. I don't know about you but the way he plays with the greys on his palette makes them so incredibly detailed. And the text layout and font styling is the cherry on top.
This magical story of bravery will convince little girls that courage does not differentiate gender. Whatever one can do, she will most likely do it better, simpler and quicker once she puts her mind to it.
For complete review, visit https://aquamarineflavours.wordpress....
Find me on other platforms via https://linktr.ee/AshieJayn
On a volcanic island, in the middle of shark-infested waters, stands The Cruel School. The lessons are appalling, the school dinners are revolting and the teachers are terrifying – especially the mysterious Science teacher Doctor Doktur.
When Larker is sent to the school, she quickly realises something very odd is going on… something involving Doctor Doktur, a pair of strange spectacles, and a ‘Monsterfication Machine’. And ultimately she finds herself face to face with a real life Megamonster.
There seems to be no escape – but for Larker, nothing is impossible…
It has been a while since Walliams wrote a story about a girl with wit as sharp as a smooth edge of paper, a delightful sense of humour, and courage that fails at nothing. (... other than sharks?)
Here, you meet the weirdest characters caught in bizarre situations which are curiously entertaining. They are annoying, rude, and mean but there is a worthy lesson to be imbibed from the exciting adventure this book takes you on.
I always marvel at how Tony Ross manages to bring his illustrations to life in black and white. I don't know about you but the way he plays with the greys on his palette makes them so incredibly detailed. And the text layout and font styling is the cherry on top.
This magical story of bravery will convince little girls that courage does not differentiate gender. Whatever one can do, she will most likely do it better, simpler and quicker once she puts her mind to it.
For complete review, visit https://aquamarineflavours.wordpress....
Find me on other platforms via https://linktr.ee/AshieJayn
September 30, 2025
This story follows Larker, an orphan child - who is sent to the cruel school, holding the biggest troublemakers. The school itself is built on a mysterious and isolated island on top of a volcano, a castle holding the darkest of secrets. The water surrounding it is full of danger, ready to punish anyone daring to escape. Larker immediately begins finding irregularities like this sudden ticking noise nobody else seems to notice. The more Larker tries to discover the more disturbing the school becomes. Children who went to detention seem to be zombified and killed, but they seemingly come back, something strange is going on and Larker is going to discover the truth.
My favourite character in this novel is Spod. Unlike others he is nothing wicked, living his entire life there he grew emotionless. Spod quickly becomes friends with Larker helping her navigate the seemingly endless school. Larker is extremely brave unlike Spod, Larker chooses to call out the teachers on their unfairness while Spod is trying to stay out of trouble to not get a detention. Their quite opposite personalities make them a better friendship in my opinion.
This book was an enjoyable read, but the ending was a bit too chaotic. This novel was thrilling, and action packed, and I really liked the main characters energy and playfulness at times. Even though she never had a good life she still enjoys cracking jokes and making people laugh.
Overall, this book was humorous, adventure-filled, and secretive. It was like going through a roller coaster of pure emotions. Although the ending was a bit goofy I still enjoyed this book. So I give it a 4/5.
My favourite character in this novel is Spod. Unlike others he is nothing wicked, living his entire life there he grew emotionless. Spod quickly becomes friends with Larker helping her navigate the seemingly endless school. Larker is extremely brave unlike Spod, Larker chooses to call out the teachers on their unfairness while Spod is trying to stay out of trouble to not get a detention. Their quite opposite personalities make them a better friendship in my opinion.
This book was an enjoyable read, but the ending was a bit too chaotic. This novel was thrilling, and action packed, and I really liked the main characters energy and playfulness at times. Even though she never had a good life she still enjoys cracking jokes and making people laugh.
Overall, this book was humorous, adventure-filled, and secretive. It was like going through a roller coaster of pure emotions. Although the ending was a bit goofy I still enjoyed this book. So I give it a 4/5.
July 1, 2022
I know adults may review this in regards to if a child would enjoy it, but I'm reviewing it as an adult reading it. I really enjoyed it and felt engaged throughout the book.
David Walliams books are a great escape (pardon the pun) from the real world. I think this about the 18th book by Mr Walliams that I've read and it is as good as any of the others. It's set in a fantastical world that Walliams is great at inventing and filling with a menagerie of characters.
We follow Larker who finds herself sent to Cruel School as a punishment and her adventures within it. Larker is a likeable character, whom is well written and is a strong female character. It's a fast paced book and the illustrations within the pages help flesh out the story in the readers minds eye.
As a 40 plus reader I love these books. A really great way to forget the real world and enter Walliams world. A great place to visit and get whisked to a world like ours but very magical and fun. Highly recommended to all ages.
David Walliams books are a great escape (pardon the pun) from the real world. I think this about the 18th book by Mr Walliams that I've read and it is as good as any of the others. It's set in a fantastical world that Walliams is great at inventing and filling with a menagerie of characters.
We follow Larker who finds herself sent to Cruel School as a punishment and her adventures within it. Larker is a likeable character, whom is well written and is a strong female character. It's a fast paced book and the illustrations within the pages help flesh out the story in the readers minds eye.
As a 40 plus reader I love these books. A really great way to forget the real world and enter Walliams world. A great place to visit and get whisked to a world like ours but very magical and fun. Highly recommended to all ages.
July 16, 2021
This is the first David Walliams book I’ve read, and after hearing nothing but praise for his previous books, I was excited to finally give it a go. I have to say, I was a bit disappointed. I’m sure kids will enjoy reading it, but I expect a higher standard for quality literature, be it for kis, YA or adults. The same jokes over and over again, as well as some very juvenile humour made it a seem like it’s dragging, and I often found my thoughts wandering off, even though it’s not a long book. The plot was somewhat entertaining, but there was just nothing underneath it, and I think that’s what I found the most disappointing. Overall, I think three stars is a realistic review - it’s fine, and children would find it entertaining, but if you are looking for a new classic, I would look eslewhere.
I think I’ll give another one of his books a try, maybe it will leave a better impression. I think my expectations were just a bit too high this time :)
I think I’ll give another one of his books a try, maybe it will leave a better impression. I think my expectations were just a bit too high this time :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews