Avid reader and book store worker Lance Christopher shares his literary experiences, reviewing what's on offer in the wide, wonderful world of books

THE Boy In The Dress by David Walliams is the book that will surprise you most this autumn and has the worrying possibility of turning the man who gave us Emily "I'm a laydee!" Howard into the Roald Dahl of the 21st Century!

Ostensibly a fun story about a boy who is persuaded one day to wear a dress to school, this is a very poignant tale about daring to be yourself - even if that means the evoking the confusion and anger of your peers.

There are moments of kitchen-sink drama, for Dennis (he of the dress) comes from a broken home where all mention of the absentee parent is banned, and it tackles issues such as racism and sexism with a beautiful simplicity.

It's a great book for kids - simple to read, great well-rounded characters, and all just a little bit naughty, with a twist at the end that will no doubt have them giggling.

Parents will enjoy reading it with their children, discussing any issues that may arise, and, with echoes of Jacqueline Wilson and illustrated by long-time Dahl cohort Quentin Blake, this really is something special.

Bad Monkeys by Matt Ruff is the strangest book I've picked up in quite a while - and considering I've just been looking at the Mighty Book Of Boosh, that really says something!

It's the story of Jane Charlotte, a woman with a serious attitude problem, who is arrested for murder and tells the police that she works for a secret organisation; in particular, an execution squad.

The problem with her story is that none of it checks out - names, dates or addresses - the only fact present is that there is a dead man whom she is clearly responsible for.

This, Matt Ruff's first novel, is a wonderful combination of thriller and sci-fi in a totally original way and the narrative speeds along like a blockbuster movie (if you can imagine The Matrix injected with Red Bull, you're half-way there).

It is full of twists, turns and it is devilishly clever. This one will keep you glued to every word.