Publisher Description

When Mr. and Mrs. Shineyshoes leave for the day, their dog Claude and his sock puppet sidekick, Sir Bobblysock, travel to the city for the very first time. From Alex T. Smith's hilariously illustrated early chapter book series.

After arriving in the city, Claude and Sir Bobblysock go shopping, visit a museum, foil a robbery, and heal an entire hospital waiting room full of patients. What a wonderful day!

Quirky, delightfully odd, and positively surreal, Alex T. Smith's beloved Claude series promises fits of giggles for readers transitioning from picture books to chapter books. Two-color illustrations throughout.

Author Biography

Alex T. Smith briefly considered careers in space travel, cookery and being a rabbit, but finally decided to become an illustrator. He earned a first-class honors degree in Illustration from Coventry University and went on to create the award-winning Claude series which has been developed as an animated TV show. When he isn't doodling in his sketchbook, Alex can be found people-watching and eavesdropping. He lives in England with two very tiny and naughty dogs.

Review

"The tiny trim size and duo-tone artwork, all shades of black, grey, red, and pink, give this UK import a distinctly retro feel, and Claude–mostly head and snout–is an amiable, unintentional hero. . . It's cool and hipfeeling and, at times, quite funny. Kids who dig quirky Claude will await his next adventures." —Booklist

"With quirky illustrations and goofy humor, Claude's adventures will be catnip to 7- to 11-year-olds who like to laugh." —The Wall Street Journal

"Claude and his sidekick, a sock named Sir Bobblysock, prove to be foundations of good cheer and sweet humor. . . There's much to love in this resurrection of the cheerful city chronicle of the '60s. . . " —Publishers Weekly

"While there are no comics or superheroes, some of the wordplay (the doctor's name is Ivan Achinbum) as well as the display of underwear (both men's and women's) in numerous illustrations may remind readers of the perennially popular Captain Underpants series." —Kirkus Reviews

Review Text

"With quirky illustrations and goofy humor, Claude's adventures will be catnip to 7- to 11-year-olds who like to laugh." ? The Wall Street Journal "Claude and his sidekick, a sock named Sir Bobblysock, prove to be foundations of good cheer and sweet humor...There's much to love in this resurrection of the cheerful city chronicle of the '60s..." ? Publishers Weekly "While there are no comics or superheroes, some of the wordplay (the doctor's name is Ivan Achinbum) as well as the display of underwear (both men's and women's) in numerous illustrations may remind readers of the perennially popular Captain Underpants series." ? Kirkus "The tiny trim size and duo-tone artwork, all shades of black, grey, red, and pink, give this UK import a distinctly retro feel, and Claude--mostly head and snout--is an amiable, unintentional hero... It's cool and hipfeeling and, at times, quite funny. Kids who dig quirky Claude will await his next adventures." ? Booklist "With an amiable voice and a 1960's retro style with a French-flaired color palette starring black, white, and red, Alex T. Smith creates two charming and quirky friends who are fresh, fun, and resourceful." ? Parents' Choice "The first book in an adorable new series will have young readers in stitches." ? Children's Book Council online "The book is perfect for Humpty Dumpty-age children, whether they're reading on their own or still prefer to hear stories read. It's a perfect mix of adventure and imagination that will keep them asking to read it again and again!" ? U.S. Kids Parents and Teachers Magazine

Review Quote

'The tiny trim size and duo-tone artwork, all shades of black, grey, red, and pink, give this UK import a distinctly retro feel, and Claude'mostly head and snout'is an amiable, unintentional hero? It's cool and hipfeeling and, at times, quite funny. Kids who dig quirky Claude will await his next adventures.'

Description for Teachers/Educators

Curriculum Connections: Animal fantasy, humorous account, adventure, point of view, detailed, labeled illustrations enhance the meaning and tone of the story as the setting, plot and characters develop

Details