Walliams targets 7+ readers with new ‘daft story’

David Walliams’ next publication, a funny story entitled Fing aimed at children of seven and over, "dovetails seamlessly" with his short stories and middle-grade novels, and “is the perfect invitation for younger readers to Walliams”, according to his publisher HarperCollins Children’s Books.

Fing, out in hardback (£12.99) and e-book on 21st February, is about the Meek family. Librarians Mr and Mrs Meek will do anything to keep their daughter, Myrtle, happy. Myrtle always wants more, more, more and when she decides that she wants a ‘Fing’, her parents go on a quest through forbidden vaults of the library, through the pages of a mysterious book called The Monsterpaedia and to the farthest corners of the jungle to see if they can find one.

The book will be illustrated by Walliams’ long-time collaborator Tony Ross.

Walliams said: “I wanted to write a story just to make children laugh, and nothing else. I think this is my funniest book, and I hope it will appeal to young readers and reluctant readers everywhere.”

His publisher Ann-Janine Murtagh added: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be publishing a new David Walliams book – what a wonderful surprise for Walliams readers everywhere! David’s writing is on fabulous form with Fing – a gloriously surreal tall story, full of verbal tomfoolery and flamboyant fun! Together with Tony’s witty illustrations it is hilarious and will make readers young and old laugh out loud. This highly original and unexpected new novel is a fizzing new addition to the Walliams family bookshelf.”

Walliams was the UK’s most successful writer last year, with his titles selling £17.1m through Nielsen BookScan. His global sales have now exceeded 29 million copies and his books have been translated into 53 languages, according to HarperCollins.