Mr Stink

Story

It all starts when Chloe makes friends with Mr Stink, the local tramp. When it looks like he and his dog might be driven out of town, she has to act fast and decides to hide him in the garden shed. Chloe has to make sure no one finds out her secret.

Why we chose it

When we asked young visitors to the museum to tell us their favourite stories those written by David Walliams were frequently mentioned and Mr Stink was one of the most popular. Children love Walliams’ outrageous humour and the larger than life characters.

Where it came from

David Walliams (born David Edward Williams, 1971) is an English comedian, actor, writer and television personality. He was inspired to write Mr Stink after a friend told him about an old lady he used to see on the street on his way to school when he was a kid. After his mum gave her a lift one day and she stank the car out, she decided never to give her a lift again. This got Walliams thinking: how much could you love someone that really smells?

Where it went next

As well as being nominated for several awards, Mr Stink has been adapted as a stage musical (2011). In 2012 it was also made into sixty minute 3D film by the BBC, featuring Walliams himself, which was nominated for the BAFTA Best Comedy Programme.

Associated stories

Walliams has written a number of award winning books including The Boy in the Dress, Ratburger, Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, For younger readers, he has written Boogie Bear, The First Hippo on the Moon, and The Slightly Annoying Elephant, all illustrated by Tony Ross.