Even though David Walliams has a rare comment about his son, he revealed that despite his son’s dyslexia, he is determined to encourage him and other children to read.
David Walliams has revealed that his son is dyslexic. The former Little Britain star, 54, has started up a second career as a children’s author in the years since he found fame in television comedy, and appeared on ITV’s Lorraine on Monday to promote his new book Santa & Son.
The former Britain’s Got Talent judge explained that the new book tackles the issue of children whose parents have divorced, and insisted that he always makes sure that his novels are packed with illustrations, especially because his own son Alfred, 12, who he has with ex-wife Lara Stone, suffers from the condition that causes difficulty with reading and spelling.
He said: “I wanted it to be a sort of comedy action adventure, and there’s also a serious part of hit because the dad hasn’t seen his son for many years – the parents have split up. So over the course of the night, the dad and the son bond in a way they hadn’t been able to over the years. Christmas, although it’s a happy time, there’s a bit of melancholy if someone isn’t there that you love so the book does explore that as well. But it is funny as well!
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Do you know what I like best about your books, people always ask? The illustrations ! They are fantastic. I want images on every page, something going on because I know my son is dyslexic, and I’m very demanding with the illustrators.
Adam Stower and David Stower illustrated Santa & Son, and David pointed out that for children, too much text can come across as intimidating.
He continued, “Books with a lot of text can be quite intimidating, so I believe it’s much more enjoyable for kids to break it up with fun pictures and do things like have words leap out.” Additionally, it’s challenging for kids to read books. I want to write books that they enjoy reading and that they enjoy.
Then, David appealed to the show’s viewers to schedule time for them to read to their kids, especially given how difficult it is to do so in today’s society.
Additionally, I believe you want to reach the reluctant readers. Unfortunately, many children and boys are reluctant readers, so you must give them something enjoyable. When I gave these to a friend, they said, “Oh, they whipped through 300 pages today… “, and I want that.
“Do what I would advise if there are any parents watching who haven’t made that a part of their day!” When you and a friend share a book together for ten minutes, everything relaxes, you don’t worry about your phone, or you just relax.
It’s so lovely and you make the time for it. As we read together, my son places his head on my shoulder, and he does the same. It’s a wonderful way to read together.
“And then of course you have other things to discuss when you’ve finished. What did you think of this, and what did you think of that? What do you anticipate occurring? I’ve always made time for it, and I always advise parents to “let it become a part of your routine” if it’s not a part of your routine.
In spite of his own fame and fortune, David previously made an open admission about his decision to give his son a “normal childhood” like other children. He also admitted that he always wanted to lead a normal life for his children.
He recently stated, “I knew what I was getting into, this is what I signed up to.”
Being in the spotlight is unavoidable, and it must be challenging for a young person to do it. You are unsure of what they’ll choose to do with their lives. I don’t understand why they are on display. “David told Hello! magazine .
On ITV1 and ITVX, Lorraine airs on weekdays at 9 a.m.
