'Being different is a superpower!' Comedian and author David Walliams shares love for reading during surprise visit to 800 Wolverhampton children
David Walliams visited Wolverhampton today to talk to schoolchildren about the joys of reading.
Actor, comedian and much-loved children's author David Walliams visited Wolverhampton today (Monday) to share his lifelong love of reading ahead of the launch of his latest book, Santa and Son.
Organised by Wolverhampton Grammar School, and hosted by Wolverhampton's Grand Station, Mr Walliams joined more than 800 children from 28 schools all over the borough as he gave a sneak peek into his upcoming release.
The Little Britain star stormed to the stage dressed in a festive elf costume as he set the mood for what would be a hilarious chat about literature.
Organiser Zoe Rowley, head librarian at Wolverhampton Grammar School, said: "It's incredible. David Walliams is one of children's most loved authors so to bring him here today to meet 28 schools and nearly a thousand children is fantastic.
"It's really amazing to see them all smiling and happy and excited. It's really made it worth all the work.
"At Wolverhampton Grammar School, we try to get every child reading for pleasure. But there will be some children here that have never read a book. We want to change that, no matter what school they're at, no matter they're background, we want every child to love reading."
The author and actor entertained with funny anecdotes and references to his many popular books, including Gangsta Granny, Ratburger and The World's Worst Teachers.
Speaking after the event, Mr Walliams told the Express & Star: "It's a real thrill to see all those smiling faces, and although I'm here to entertain, I'm hoping they can take something away from this and really inspire them to write their own stories and read more.
"Coming here today, if I have inspired some children to read more, I'll be very happy. And you never know, in 10 years' time someone here may tell me that they realised they wanted to be a writer from being here today."
Mr Walliams described Santa and Son as a "Home Alone meets Die Hard" story, where Santa and his son are locked in the world's most famous toy shop while a robbery is under way.
He said: "I wanted this book to be like an action-adventure, Home Alone meets Die Hard.
"It takes place over one night, and it's in a toy store. A toy store is such a great place for a story, especially at night. You can do anything and make anything happen.
"You can use remote control cars, make stink bombs, and the drivable cars. It's really fun and there is something happening all the time."
While at the event, Mr Walliams made sure to talk about the importance of reading, saying that books offer a shareable and interactive experience.
He said: "There's a wealth of information in books; if you don't read at all, you're really going to miss out on all of that.
"There are things that you can connect with, and you'll learn more about yourself. Being different is a superpower.
"Films can be such a passive experience, you don't need to put as much work in. But for books, you have to put your imagination in and be so much more involved, which is extremely important to children.
"A love for books is such a lovely thing for parents and children to share. I really hope that reading will always have a place for families."
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