Frank’s Dad is famous racing driver Gilbert the Great. He’s also Frank’s hero. Gilbert doesn’t know Frank sneaks out to watch his races, until there is a terrible accident and Frank is by his side.

Gilbert now has to wear a wooden leg. The following months are tough ones where mum leaves, Gilbert can’t find a job, and they lose everything. Still, Gilbert is Frank’s hero all the way through.

Gilbert loves his son just as much, and when times are tough, there is always a huggle to be had. Join a cuddle with a hug! He decides to spoil Frank one day and the racing car set he gives his son for Christmas offers hours and hours of fun for them both, now that he can’t race.

This racing car set was expensive however, and a loan was taken out with the wrong person.

Mr Big is the local crime boss, and his henchman Fingers and Thumbs will do his bidding at a flick of his fingers. Against his better judgement, and Frank’s pleading for him not to do it, Gilbert is under their control.

Mr Big’s power, and his thug’s strength are no match for the quick thinking Frankie, his great Aunt Flip’s willingness to help, and some very clever driving.

Car chases, Bank robberies, more money than Frank’s seen before and his belief and love in his dad, drives this book by funny-man David Walliams. There’s also terrible quiche, policeman’s missing trousers, a one-eyed prison guard and a LGBTQ+ romance all in the mix.

Overall a funny read like his other stories, Bad Dad has some deeper themes woven through the story. These are not hidden by any means, and will delight years 6 and up as a read aloud. As always the fonts dance big and small, depending on how much action is happening on the page.

Never quite sure how Frank and his Dad were going to get out of one tricky situation after another, I really enjoyed Bad Dad.

Author – David Walliams

Illustrator – Tony Ross

Age – 6+

Quick Review

Frank idolises his racing driving dad, even after the accident that results in him wearing a wooden leg. Times get tough, but Frank’s love never wavers – especially when Dad gets mixed up with the wrong people. Action packed funny story.

Click on More Titles by David Walliams

(Funny, Car chases, Car racing, Police cars, Bank Robbers, Dumb sidekicks, Explosions, Old lady auntie, Terrible cooking, Humour, LGBTQ+)