Walliams shortlisted for funny book prize

'Little Britain' star David Walliams was shortlisted today for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, which honours humorous books for children.

Walliams’ debut book, 'The Boy In The Dress' – aptly titled, given the success of his cross-dressing characters in the sketch show – was illustrated by Quentin Blake, who worked with Dahl himself for many years, drawing pictures for the author’s fantastical children’s tales.

The comedian faces stiff competition for the £2,500 prize in the form of established authors Alan Ahlberg and Nick Sharatt and former Children’s Laureate Anne Fine.

Michael Rosen founded the prize last year as part of his children’s laureateship, and the judges this year include comedian Bill Bailey.

The full shortlists for the two Roald Dahl awards are:

:: The Funniest Book for Children Aged Six and Under

The Great Dog Bottom Swap by Peter Bently, illus. Mei Matsuoka

Octopus Socktopus by Nick Sharratt

Elephant Joe is a Spaceman! by David Wojtowycz

Crocodiles Are the Best Animals of All! by Sean Taylor, illus. Hannah Shaw

Mr Pusskins Best in Show by Sam Lloyd

The Pencil by Allan Ahlberg, illus. Bruce Ingman

:: The Funniest Book for Children Aged Seven to Fourteen

The Galloping Ghost by Hilda Offen

Eating Things on Sticks by Anne Fine, illus. Kate Aldous

Grubtown Tales: Stinking Rich and Just Plain Stinky by Philip Ardagh, illus. Jim Paillot

The Boy in the Dress by David Walliams, illus. Quentin Blake

Purple Class and the Half-Eaten Sweater by Sean Taylor, illus. Helen Bate

Ribblestrop by Andy Mulligan