I was recently sent a copy of a clever book for the elementary school crowd, (ages 7-9) that is witty, fun, educational and has some pretty darned great illustrations to boot! The book is Claude in the City, which was written and illustrated by Alex T. Smith.
Book cover photo courtesy of Peachtree Online
Having an artistic eye myself, what I love about the appearance of the book is that it is entirely done in the eye-catching color combination of red, black and white. I found that to be refreshing, bold, exciting and sure to catch a little one’s eye!
The book is about Claude (a rather “Snoopy-esque” looking Beagle I presume? Only Claude’s nose is pointier, but I digress) , who loves to go on adventures! When Claude’s owners (who he refers to as Mr. and Mrs. Shinyshoes) leave for work, Claude dons his trademark beret, and takes off with his best friend, Sir Bobblysock (“who is both a sock and very bobbly”), and they decide what adventure they will have that day.
Claude in the City is the first of what will be a book series featuring Claude. In this book, Claude and Sir Bobblysock visit the city for the first time. It starts off as an ordinary day as they visit local shops, have tea and visit a museum (where Claude accidentally foils a robbery!) That sure is no “ordinary” day, that day became an extraordinary day, that is for sure!
If you are looking for a fun book for the little ones in your life, Claude in the City fills the bill! The series will continue with Claude at the Circus (coming Fall 2013) and Claude at the Beach (coming Spring 2014).
Photo courtesy of Peachtree Online
ABOUT THE AUTHOR from Peachtree Publishers: Alex T.Smith briefly considered careers in space travel, cookery and being a professional rabbit before finally deciding to become an illustrator. He graduated from Coventry University with a degree in Illustration and won second place in the Macmillan Prize for Children’s Illustration. He lives in England under the constant supervision of his canine companions-two very tiny, very naughty Chihuahuas and an ancient and very bossy Yorkshire Terrier.
ISBN: 978-1-56145-694-9
To purchase click here
In full disclosure: I was not compensated for this review. I was sent a copy of the book to read/review/feature on Dakota’s blog. All opinions are my own.
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