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Mr Stink

4.07 of 5 stars 4.07 · rating details · 558 ratings · 89 reviews

The second original, touching, twisted, and most of all hilarious novel for children from David Walliams, number one bestseller and fastest growing children’s author in the country – beautifully illustrated by Quentin Blake.

"Mr Stink stank. He also stunk. And if it was correct English to say he stinked, then he stinked as well…”

It all starts when Chloe makes friends with M...more

Paperback, 267 pages

Published 2009 by HarperCollins Children's

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Aug 22, 2012 Alison rated it 4 of 5 stars

This story by David Walliams is about a young girl called Chloe who befriends the local tramp, Mr. Stink. Chloe is a lonely 12 year old girl who thoroughly hates school because she is bullied by a group of ‘cool’ girls, unfortunately her home life is unhappy too and she has a turbulent relationship with her mother and sister. Over the Christmas period Chloe plucks up the courage to approach the local tramp - much to her mother’s disgust- and they strike up a relationship. Chloe secretly moves Mr...more This story by David Walliams is about a young girl called Chloe who befriends the local tramp, Mr. Stink. Chloe is a lonely 12 year old girl who thoroughly hates school because she is bullied by a group of ‘cool’ girls, unfortunately her home life is unhappy too and she has a turbulent relationship with her mother and sister. Over the Christmas period Chloe plucks up the courage to approach the local tramp - much to her mother’s disgust- and they strike up a relationship. Chloe secretly moves Mr. Stink into her garden shed whilst her mother is campaigning to become a local MP, he is discovered when he knocks on the window asking for breakfast when a local newspaper are interviewing Chloe’s mother, in turn she becomes a local hero for offering the tramp a place to stay, which lands her and Mr. Stink an interview on a televised panel show. Here it comes into light that Chloe’s mother lied about allowing Mr. Stink to stay in the shed and Chloe is rightfully introduced as the kind person that offered him the shed. The relationship between Chloe and her mother and sister is restored when Mr. Stink talks to Chloe’s mother and makes her realise that the relationship between mother and daughter should be a happy one and Mr. Stink leaves to continue to wander the streets.

I liked this book because it highlights issues that children may have experienced before, such as seeing someone who is homeless or being bullied at school. I did find the book a little tedious at times but overall it was and enjoyable read and it was well written for a younger age group to understand and get pleasure from. The age group identified on the book is 9+ years, however I would suggest that it is suitable to be read to younger ages such as 6 years upwards as I think they would find it funny and give them ideas to inspire creative writing within their own work. Therefore I would suggest that it would be available for independent reading for ages 8 upwards and used to read to a class for children aged 6 and above.
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Feb 21, 2012 Mark Lawrence rated it 3 of 5 stars

I spend a lot of time reading children's books as my 7 year-old girl is severely disabled and can't read for herself (or even turn the page). She is however of normal intelligence for her age and stories are her world.

As a new author myself I don't generally review other new authors, but David Walliams needs no charity from me. He's a hugely successful actor (both comic and straight) and far better than me at swimming the English Channel too.

The blurb says Mr Stink is a "touching, twisted, and...more

5 likes · like · see review

Apr 12, 2013 Kitty rated it 5 of 5 stars

'Mr Stink' written by David Walliams and illustrated by the exceptional Quentin Blake is another in the vein of 'The Boy in the Dress'.

It explores the sensitive issue of homelessness. Using the exaggerated character of Mrs Crumb (pronounced Crooooooooome)and 'Dave' the Prime Minister, Walliams is quite scathing in his depiction of how manipulative and deceitful politicians can be.

I love the way Walliams incorporates maths into his story..using graphs and Venn diagrams to illustrate his point (wh...more

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Dec 30, 2012 Fran rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-books, childrens

A cute little book that got added to my reading list because of the recent tv adaptation (which I've yet to see), and also because it's a fairly quick little read that happens to be set at Christmastime.

There's a good 'don't judge people on their appearances' message in here, and lots of funny bits too. There even seemed, to me, to be a subtle poke at David Cameron, stuck in there for parents and adult readers perhaps, but then I realised this was published before he became PM, so that couldn't...more

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Nov 30, 2012 Ashley Chance rated it 5 of 5 stars

‘Mr Stink’ is a wonderfully written tale of a young girl called Chloe who befriends a witty tramp called Mr Stink. The two have a lot in common as both are incredibly lonely. Chloe is fed up of her mundane lifestyle and decides to move Mr Stink into the family’s garden shed. This does not go down too well with her Conservative MP running Mother, who would rather ban tramps or “soap-dodgers” as she calls them, from her streets.

Walliams is a comical genius, as the book is not just an enjoyable rea...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 27, 2012 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Mr Stink is about a young girl called Chloe. She is bullied at school and has no friends. It also becomes apparent that she doesn't fit in with her family either.
One day walking through the park, Chloe encounters Mr Stink, the local tramp. She has a chat with him as she is curious about him, she begins to imagine what caused him to become a tramp in the first place. She comes up with lots of comical ideas.
Her mum is running for local MP and one of her policies is to get rid of all the tramps, o...more

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Sep 09, 2012 Ciara Carroll rated it 5 of 5 stars

‘Mr Stink stank, He also stunk. And if it is correct to say he stinked, then he stinked as well. He was the stinkiest stinky stinker who ever lived.’

This is the opening to David Walliams’ second children’s novel – a wonderfully comic and at times, touching, tale about a local tramp and his unlikely friendship with a lonely schoolgirl. Chloe Crumb is 12, hates school and lives with a pretentious mother and sister. ‘The kind of schoolgirl who loved being alone with her own thoughts’, Chloe dreads...more ‘Mr Stink stank, He also stunk. And if it is correct to say he stinked, then he stinked as well. He was the stinkiest stinky stinker who ever lived.’

This is the opening to David Walliams’ second children’s novel – a wonderfully comic and at times, touching, tale about a local tramp and his unlikely friendship with a lonely schoolgirl. Chloe Crumb is 12, hates school and lives with a pretentious mother and sister. ‘The kind of schoolgirl who loved being alone with her own thoughts’, Chloe dreads the onset of the Christmas holidays and fake festive cheer. That is until she befriends Mr Stink, the local tramp. Although his stink can empty Starbucks, he is kind to Chloe and offers her the hope of true friendship. When Chloe’s mother decides to run for MP and produces a manifesto which sets to ban all ‘soap-dodgers’ from the streets, Chloe’s only recourse is to house Mr Stink – in the family shed!! Cue a hilarious chain of events which unravel secrets not only about the Crumb family but about Mr Stink himself!

It is easy to draw parallels between Walliams’ Mr Stink and the work of Roald Dahl; at times I found myself being reminded of the descriptive narrative of George’s Marvellous Medicine and The BFG. Quentin Blake’s wonderful illustrations also support the estimation that Walliams is the Twenty-first Century Dahl. However, the characters in Mr Stink are far less malevolent and the ending is a lot more idealistic than Dahl would allow for. In terms of a target readership, I can imagine both adults and children enjoying Mr Stink; adults for its political satire and children for its zany storyline and contemporary jokes. However, at 267 pages long and containing mildly adult themes, I believe it to be most suitable for children aged 8 and upwards.

Mr Stink raises some valuable socio-economic topics for discussion; homelessness, bullying, political agendas etc. The novel therefore not only entertains, it highlights what it means to be a god citizen; and that is an important lesson for any child to learn in London in 2012.
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Sep 01, 2012 Beth rated it 5 of 5 stars

"Mr Stink stank. He also stunk. And if it was correct English to say he stinked, then he stinked as well…”

This is the opening line of Mr Stink by David Walliams and as it made me laugh quite a lot even from that, so I knew I’d enjoy the rest.

The book was a recommendation from my 11 year old step son, who said that he thought the only books worth reading were written by David Walliams and I couldn’t argue with praise like that!
The story follows the journey of 12 year old Chloe, who at school is...more "Mr Stink stank. He also stunk. And if it was correct English to say he stinked, then he stinked as well…”

This is the opening line of Mr Stink by David Walliams and as it made me laugh quite a lot even from that, so I knew I’d enjoy the rest.

The book was a recommendation from my 11 year old step son, who said that he thought the only books worth reading were written by David Walliams and I couldn’t argue with praise like that!
The story follows the journey of 12 year old Chloe, who at school is being bullied and has no friends. Chloe’s home life isn’t much happier either. Chloe has an annoying younger sister, Annabelle who is very popular, especially with their mother.

Talking of their mum, she has a very controlling one who is in the middle of a very big campaign to become the local MP. To try and win her votes, she has come up with quite a few outrageous policies such as to ‘play football with imaginary footballs as real ones are a nuisance’, ‘dogs must be kept on leads at all times even indoors’ and the most outrageous one of all (according to Chloe) is that homeless people (tramps) are ‘banned from the streets in their town’. This makes life very difficult for Chloe as her new and only friend is the local tramp they call Mr Stink, who lives on the ‘bench, you know the one that’s round the corner from the bus stop?’.

To try and protect her new friend and his dog the Duchess, Chloe hides them both into the family shed at the back of their garden to live. But how long can she keep this secret? With hilarious consequences various secrets are unravelled, especially Mr Stinks’. Her new friend plays an even bigger part in Chloe’s life than she could ever have imagined as he helps mend hers.

I was really pleasantly surprised that David Walliams achieved to write such a brilliant children’s books, I’ve always been a fan of his television comedy and the humour and pace of the book doesn’t disappoint. His style is very Dahl-esq which is helped by Quentin Blake’s lovely illustrations.

I think what makes the book quite special though, is that there are some quite serious morality issues within the book such as, prejudice and bullying. However they’re all written in such a way that children can easily understand and hopefully learn from.

I would say that the book should definitely be used to encourage independent reading for years 5 & 6. However younger children would also enjoy the book and could be read to classes as a whole and maybe be incorporated into PSHE lesson’s where classes could discuss the themes such as bullying and personal hygiene.
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May 29, 2012 Tim C. rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read this book (or almost all of it) to my five-year-old son who absolutely loved it. If he hadn’t, then I would have finished it off for my own reading pleasure anyway. The story is surprisingly heart-warming and tells the tale of a tramp who heals a dysfunctional family. Sounds pretty trite, but Walliams pulls it off.

Walliams was on the telly recently talking about how much he loves the books of Roald Dahl. The influence is clear. He writes with a sense of irreverent fun that delights in be...more

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Oct 04, 2011 Grace rated it 3 of 5 stars

The new book by David Walliams is funny, thoughtful and quirkily written. Life for Chloe is pretty miserable thanks to her pretentious, controlling mother. To make matters worse her mother is completely preoccupied with her younger sister, Annabelle. Desperate to find someone who understands her, she befriends Mr Stink, the local tramp with a very questionable approach to hygiene! When Chloe invites him to live in her garden shed everyone’s life is changed forever.
I did enjoy this book and foun...more

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Feb 26, 2012 Beth rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I like all of David Walliams' books. They're all good, and this one would have been up there with the best, except that some bits are just mad and completely unnecessary. I'm going to just keep this short and sweet. Some times Mr Stink is portrayed as a normal/sensible man who just happens to be homeless and a tad smelly. Other times he's portrayed as a complete lunatic who has no idea of the difference between money and a button. If he was trying to get across a heart felt story (with a bit of...more

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May 03, 2012 Maria rated it 5 of 5 stars

I decided to read 'Mr Stink' after watching David Walliam's programme on Roald Dahl and I can definitly say that I was not disappointed! His writing is obviously inspired by Dahl and has brought to life a very stinky story. Many children will laugh as I did at the funny tales of Chloe, her family and Mr Stink the tramp. This book would be more suitable for children in KS2 and I think they will understand the comedic value in this story. However, beneath the surface, there are many deeper issues...more

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Jun 13, 2011 Ruthanne rated it 4 of 5 stars

12 year old Chloe Crumb has a hard time making friends and her home life isn't any better. Her mom is too busy with perfecting her little sister and running the house like some posh estate. Chloe soon befriends the town tramp, Mr. Stink, one day. Mr. Stink and his dog, Duchess, smell very bad and nearly everyone in town avoids them. Mr. Stink doesn't seem to mind his wanderer ways nor his smell. Chloe grows concerned when the weather gets colder and invites Mr. Stink to stay in their shed. Chloe...more

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Nov 25, 2012 Shonna Froebel rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a great children's novel. Chloe is an unhappy little girl. She has no friends at school, is constantly compared unfavourably to her over-achieving younger sister by her ambitious mother, and finds comfort in food. She has seen the homeless man, known around town as Mr Stink, sitting in the park with his dog and has wondered about his story. When she approaches him, she discovers that he is a good listener and actually takes an interest in her. Chloe offers Mr Stink her family's shed as a...more

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May 06, 2013 Anna Matsuyama rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: british, humour, read-in-2013, children

3.5 stars

I bought this book because: I like David Walliams, Quentin Blake's illustrations and summary sounded interesting.

The story of nearly 13 year old Chloe and her friendship with the local homeless man Mr Stink is told in silly manner full of exaggeration but it does work.

I don't know if it is intentional or not but Walliams style is similar to Roald Dahl's but original on its own too.

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Apr 30, 2013 Matthew Don rated it 5 of 5 stars

Mr Stink is probably the best Walliams book; it's original, imaginative and as usual in a Walliams book, HILARIOUS! The idea is ludicrous; a smelly tramp gets taken in by a misfit girl and she desperately tries to hid him from her ludicrously fake-posh mother and prim sister. Maybe that's why it works. Well, it does. It's, honestly, one of the greatest children's books ever. A great mix of Dahl-esque black humour and the comedian's jokes on TV.

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Mar 02, 2013 Maria rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013

Goodreads recommended another of David Walliams books to me and not quite sure if i'd read it i left it. Two days ago i was at my local bookshop and came across this book. Being familiar with David Walliams comedy shows i wanted to give this a try.
I liked it. It had it's funny bits and i liked the story. However it was stated at the back that is was the new Roald Dahl and i would say that that is taking things a bit too far.

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Feb 27, 2013 Court rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was excited when I heard David Walliams had written some children's books, as I find a few of his comedy sketches quite hilarious and enjoy his wacky sense of humour. This was a fun book, really quick read (I only got it yesterday) and had a good message while not being preachy, and all the while being very funny and very British. I found it similar to Roald Dahl's works, quirky and fun.

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Jan 18, 2013 Lynda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, childrens-literature, author-uk

The second of David Walliams' books. It is not just an enjoyable read for young children but one to be enjoyed by adults as well.

I read this in parallel with Walliams' autobiography and could see elements of his childhood being drawn upon in this story. Fascinating!

His writing is not only humorous, but moving and sensitive. The plight of homeless people and common misconceptions, prejudices and stereotypes are the backbone of this story and there are lessons here for us all.

While not at all a fa...more

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Dec 13, 2010 Uflchildrens rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: j-books, j-humorous

Mr. Stink is a tramp and an unhappy young girl named Chloe befriends him despite his overwhelming smell. The storyline has a very Roald Dahl feel which is supported by the illustrations by Quentin Blake. The end wraps up a bit too neatly but it is great fun getting there. Boys will like the gross humor and girls will like the female main character.
--Rachel
J/Walliams

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Mar 29, 2011 Thebruce1314 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-gots

Mr. Stink stank...the beginning and end to an epic novel, right? This book is funny, laughable, totally insane, and completely lovable. One review compares Walliams' books for children to those of Roald Dahl, and I would agree that that is an apt comparison. An enjoyable read for kids and adults alike, especially if you're a fan of Walliams' work. I would highly recommend this one!

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May 21, 2012 Sophia rated it 4 of 5 stars

I personally love Roald Dahl's books. I've tried to read most of them because they are so classically funny. This author David Williams does a perfect job copying Roald's style so nicely I thought it was one of Roald's books! Plus to add to it you have the same illustrator Quentin Blake. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys Roald Dahl's books.

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Feb 01, 2013 Claire Peal rated it 3 of 5 stars

A fun, but also moving book. Walliams has a very easy style of writing which is engaging and very Dahl-like with its irreverance. I enjoyed this and appreciated how he tackled big issues such as bullying, isolation, homelessness, class etc without being condescending or preachy, and still maintained a humorous, engaging storyline.

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Mar 31, 2011 C.j. rated it 3 of 5 stars

Whimsical whiffy work, with a Dahl-like cast of characters, if not Dahl-like dire endings for them all. The story might slip a bit in being too teary, or tying things up happily-ever-efter; but then, it isn't Roald Dahl, despite Quentin's Blake's brilliant drawings. Well worth the read, if only for the small person still hiding behind adult facades.

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May 03, 2013 Callum Clement rated it 5 of 5 stars

A beautiful book. Yes, a children's book but wonderful. A present for L's godson & I couldn't resist a sneaky peek...and I was hooked, read it from start to finish. It's funny, touching, moving & ultimately heartwarming. This book has it all & Walliams is a genius!

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Aug 28, 2011 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: chi-comedy

A great story about being a good person. This is a funny, silly story that is ultimately anti-class and anti-being a stuffy jerk face. Bonus points for using the word bum a LOT and for the pudgy girl being the heroine. A Raold Dahl type read a like.

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Aug 01, 2012 Antonia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, young-adult-and-children

funny, yes. twisted... not enough.

it is altogether too nice. a good read by all means but just not evil enough with the characters. in the end everything is as happy as can be, with very little inconvenience to the characters in the book.

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Dec 12, 2010 Rachel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: older-childrens

Fun book with definite Roald Dahl vibe and not just because Quentin Blake is the illustrator. Boys will love the gross humor and the descriptions of the malodorous tramp and girls will love the believable girl main character.

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Aug 30, 2012 Adam Cabuk rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book made me laugh and pulled a few heart string, this book is a comical masterpiece. When I found out that david walliams wrote this i didn't think i woulsd work but it has and so does all the rest of his books.

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May 29, 2010 Tara Calaby rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: junior-fiction, family, humour, social-issues

The Boy in the Dress was not just a fluke. Surprisingly, Walliams is an excellent children's author as well as a fantastic comedian. Mr Stink is warm and humorous and perfectly aimed at its audience.

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About David Walliams

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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Quotes from Mr Stink

“A bully can only make you feel bad about yourself if you let them.” — 11 people liked it

“In Britain, a cup of tea is the answer to every problem.
Fallen off your bicycle? Nice cup of tea.
Your house has been destroyed by a meteorite? Nice cup of tea and a biscuit.
Your entire family has been eaten by a Tyrannosaurus Rex that has travelled through a space/time portal? Nice cup of tea and a piece of cake. Possibly a savoury option would be welcome here too, for example a Scotch egg or a sausage roll.” — 6 people liked it

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