Mr. Penguin and the Catastrophic Cruise
by Alex T. Smith

Mr. Penguin, adventurer (and penguin!), is back in another action-packed escapade, and this time he’ll have to face his worst fear—the roiling sea.

Mr. Penguin is still recovering from his latest adventures, and he could really use a vacation and a fish finger sandwich. Luckily enough, he’s been invited aboard a luxury cruise ship with Colin, his kung-fu spider sidekick; Edith, who is surprisingly resourceful with a fanny-pack; and her pigeon, Gordon, who… well, they don’t really know what he does.

Their quirky host and his severe-looking girlfriend have invited all of Cityville’s most glamorous movie stars and important politicians. As Colin prepares for his performance with the Seven Sisters Choir, Mr. Penguin treats himself to all the sandwiches and canapés he can eat and almost forgets that he’s terrified of the ocean. But when a string of fishy events leads him to a young stowaway with a mystery of her own, Mr. Penguin has the familiar feeling that a new adventure is brewing. Equipped with his dashing hat, battered satchel, and swim floaties for good measure, our hesitant hero launches into an exhilarating caper with a monstrous twist.

From Alex T. Smith, the author-illustrator who brought you the charming and hilarious Claude books, comes the third high-stakes adventure in the Mr. Penguin series. Smith’s whimsical illustrations capture the larger-than-life characters in perfect detail as they face every wacky challenge head-on. Ideal for the transition from picture books to chapter books, Mr. Penguin and the Catastrophic Cruise is a real page-turner with nonstop laughs and thrills from cover to cover.

Don’t miss Mr. Penguin’s other exciting adventures in the Mr. Penguin series, and solve a few mysteries of your own with the Series Activity Kit!

All aboard! Meet the Adventuring gang in this excerpt of the first chapter.

“Gloriously silly…illustrations reminiscent of Quentin Blake lend the story a daffy verve, and the short chapters with cliffhanger endings make for a perfect read-aloud…. Ridiculously charming.” —Kirkus Reviews

Dive into a good mystery with Mr. Penguin and gang this October at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble. And don’t forget to check out the rest of our brand-new Fall 2020 titles as well as our picture books and middle grade titles coming to Peachtree this season in paperback!

He has a dashing hat. He has a battered satchel. He has a packed lunch of fish finger sandwiches. Now he just needs an adventure! So when Boudicca Bones from the Museum of Extraordinary objects calls for help, Mr. Penguin swings into action. Can he and Colin the spider find the museum’s missing treasure before bandits do? Or is this the adventure Mr. Penguin should have never answered?

From Alex T. Smith, the talented author-illustrator who brought you the popular Claude series, comes a humorous, page-turning story that’s sure to thrill young readers looking for a good adventure.

Get a sneak peek of Mr. Penguin’s treasure-hunting tale with this excerpt, and keep the fish finger-filled adventures going with these downloadable activity sheets!

“Lighthearted and humorous… The two-tone illustrations, in orange and black, are comical and elevate Mr. Penguin’s antics and worries… The short chapters and riotous plot will easily win this series starter fans, especially among Inspector Flytrap devotees.” —Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

“Slapstick humor and satire combine to create lots of laughs. Memorable, quirky characters are depicted in detailed, intricate illustrations that add to the over-the-top comedy.… Fresh and funny, fans of the author’s “Claude” series will be delighted to meet Mr. Penguin and companions in this new series opener…” —School Library Journal

“Quirky, sharply illustrated… A plot twist and strategic pops of orange among detailed drawings are sure to pull readers along… For fans of the author’s Claude series who are looking for a longer chapter book.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Amusing… Mr. Penguin is delightful….whimsical and silly…a fun and funny adventure.” —Foreword Reviews

Order your copy of Mr. Penguin and the Lost Treasure today from Amazon, IndieBound, Bookshop.org, or Barnes & Noble!

Mr. Penguin and the Fortress of Secrets
by Alex T. Smith

Hooray for the return of Mr. Penguin—our favorite adventurer (and penguin)!

He has a dashing hat. He has a battered satchel. He has a packed lunch of fish finger sandwiches. Now he just needs an adventure! Mr. Penguin and his trusty sidekick Colin are back with more penguin (and spider) mystery-solving fun!

When Mr. Penguin and Colin crash-land on a snowy mountain, they discover strange noises coming from an old, ruined fortress. Might it be connected to the mystery of missing pets? Why are there shadowy figures lurking about? And will Mr. Penguin conquer his fear of flying?

Join this hilarious duo as they find the answers to these questions in the second installment in this humorous, page-turning series from author-illustrator Alex T. Smith. And once you’ve finished this excitement-filled book, check out the popular Claude series for a guaranteed thrill for young readers seeking a good adventure.

Be sure to read the first book in the Mr. Penguin series for more penguin adventures!

“Mr. Penguin’s second caper is as silly as the first… Fans will be happy more adventures are in the offing.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The book’s clever plot twists will surprise and delight young readers… Stylish and intricate drawings…a rollicking caper.” —Foreword Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Smith delivers a peppy mystery brimming with absurdity and laughs, suspenseful moments, and detailed two-tone illustrations…Hero and villain tropes give the entire adventure the feel of a well-crafted cartoon episode, and kids will eagerly stay tuned.” —Booklist Online

“This rollicking, stand-alone, chapter book adventure deftly blends humor, mystery, and a dash of whimsy….endearing…. This title will appeal to established readers looking for a quick, engaging read. Interspersed illustrations, large print, and pacing make it appealing as a bridge for readers with a preference for graphic novels.” —School Library Connection

Find Mr. Penguin and the Fortress of Secrets this October at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble. Can’t get enough of this fish finger sandwich-loving penguin? Do some of your own sleuthing with these fun activity sheets!

Be on the lookout for the rest of our new Fall 2019 titles and those coming to Peachtree in paperback.

Mr. Penguin and the Lost Treasure
Written & illustrated by Alex T. Smith

From the creative mind of award-winning author and illustrator Alex T. Smith (creator of  the Claude series) comes the quirky and lovable new protagonist Mr. Penguin and his cast of eccentric friends in Mr. Penguin and the Lost Treasure.

Mr. Penguin has his dashing hat, his battered satchel, and his packed lunch of fish finger sandwiches. Now he just needs an adventure! So when Boudicca Bones from the Museum of Extraordinary Objects calls for help to find her great-great-great-grandfather’s buried treasure that was hidden in the museum, Mr. Penguin springs into action! Can he and his kung fu-loving silent sidekick Colin the Spider find the missing treasure before bandits do, or is this a quest Mr. Penguin should never have taken?

Full of adventure, mystery, and plenty of humor, this page-turning story will thrill reluctant and transitioning readers looking for fun. Fans of Indiana Jones and the Detective Gordon series, as well as older fans of the Claude series, will be on the edge of their seats wondering what adventures await Mr. Penguin next.

Check out these downloadable Activity Sheets for young readers just getting to know Mr. Penguin!

“Lighthearted and humorous… The two-tone illustrations, in orange and black, are comical and elevate Mr. Penguin’s antics and worries… The short chapters and riotous plot will easily win this series starter fans, especially among Inspector Flytrap devotees.” —Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

“Slapstick humor and satire combine to create lots of laughs. Memorable, quirky characters are depicted in detailed, intricate illustrations that add to the over-the-top comedy.… Fresh and funny, fans of the author’s “Claude” series will be delighted to meet Mr. Penguin and companions in this new series opener…” —School Library Journal

“Quirky, sharply illustrated… A plot twist and strategic pops of orange among detailed drawings are sure to pull readers along… For fans of the author’s Claude series who are looking for a longer chapter book.” —Kirkus Reviews

Follow along with our blog tour next week, where bloggers will be featuring reviews, interviews, book lists, and even a giveaway!

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
Librarian’s Quest
Books 4 Your Kids
The Library Voice
Mom Read It

Get your copy of Mr. Penguin and the Lost Treasure on Amazon or at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble!

The sweetest surrealist dog is back for a new adventure in Claude on the Big Screen! Claude and his sassy sidekick Sir Bobblysock are at it again as they learn the inner workings of making a movie, filled with fabulous wigs, famous actors, and frivolity!

When Claude discovers a movie is being filmed on Waggy Avenue, he and Sir Bobblysock race over to investigate. After stumbling onto the set, he decides to help the director and actors with their rehearsal of Gorilla Thriller! in typical Claude fashion—with clumsy curiosity and flair. But when Claude accidentally sends the main stars to the hospital, will he and Sir Bobblysock be able to fill in for them and save the film? Fans of this cheeky canine will get a kick out of watching the duo wiggle their way of imaginatively absurd situations and will love guessing what happens next.

Alex T. Smith’s illustrated early chapter book series, featuring his signature cheerful two-color illustrations, promises giggle-filled bedtime reading and a laugh-out-loud adventure for readers transitioning from picture books to chapter books.

Look out for Claude on the Big Screen at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble October 1!

It’s always an honor to be among the fun and beautiful titles that make up the reading lists each year. Enjoy these titles, and make sure to check out the rest of the amazing books on the lists!

Churchill’s Tale of Tails by Anca Sandu

Friends try to help Churchill replace his missing tail. But Churchill’s fun makes him forget his friends. Will Churchill put friends first and find his lost tail along the way? Children will enjoy the delightful friendship tale.

Claude at the Beach by Alex T. Smith

 A small dog named Claude and his animated sock companion, Sir Bobblysock, head to the beach for their latest adventure that includes rescuing a swimmer, winning a sand castle contest, and searching for treasure. Claude’s silly antics keep readers laughing.

Lion vs. Rabbit by Alex Latimer

Lion is mean to everyone! Various animals try to stand up to Lion, but fail. And then a rabbit arrives. Can such a small, gentle animal defeat Lion?

Three Hens and  a Peacock by Lester Laminack

A peacock shows up at the farm and lures visitors to the farm stand. The hens get jealous so hound dog suggests they swap duties. The peacock and the hens find the tasks more difficult than they thought.

Quarterback Season by Fred Bowen

A clever boy-focused story about middle-grade Matt playing for a football team. The story is clever because it integrates the trials of playing a sport through a boy’s journal and e-mail messages. Football is the hook, and the journal provides authenticity.

Mr. President Goes to School by Rick Walton

When Mr. President needs a break from solving world problems, he disguises himself and joins Mrs. Applegate’s classroom. Kids will hang on every word and picture as the President enters their world, learning to solve world problems kid-style!

Claude and Sir Bobblysock are at it again! In their next adventure, the pair joins Miss Highkick-Spin’s dance troupe. Claude and Sir Bobblysock love the theater they will be dancing in—especially the beautiful chandelier—but they decide to avoid the darker, spookier areas back stage. Then, when it is time to perform, their worst nightmares come true; a ghost is ruining each act as soon as they go on stage! It is up to Claude to reveal this ghost and his tricks, and when the beautiful chandelier threatens to topple the show’s judge, Claude must jump into action yet again.

This is another hilarious installment in the Claude series. Claude’s curiosity leads to unpredictable adventures, but no matter where he goes, he is adored by all. Sir Bobblysock, on the other hand, is a delicate sock who is prone to headaches, bad knees, and, above all, perfectly-timed sarcasm. Together, the pair bounces from place to place, making many friends and creating plenty of memories along the way. Yet, they always return home to their beloved Mr. and Mrs. Shinnyshoes. That is, until the next adventure comes along….

For more on the Claude series, click here.

Is it having a snowball fight?

Is it skiing gracefully as snow falls?

Is it entering snowman-building competitions?

Look! Claude thinks he knows. Yes, Claude?

Oh! Of course!

The magic is in spending time with the people (and socks) you love.

We hope you’ll spend this December sharing Claude & Sir. B’s wintry adventure with the little people close to your heart. To help you do just that, Claude on the Slopes is the December #FreeBookFriday! Enter below!

 

Claude and his best friend Sir Bobblysock go to the Snowy Mountains to swish down the powdery slopes. They throw snowballs, learn to ski, and enter a snow-sculpture contest. But when an avalanche threatens their winter wonderland, Claude must come to the rescue.own the powdery slopes. They throw snowballs, learn to ski, and enter a snow-sculpture contest. But when an avalanche threatens their winter wonderland, Claude must come to the rescue.

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Do you ever wonder if Claude gets jealous of Sir Bobblysock?  

Think about it: Sir Bobblysock is both a sock and quite bobbly. I mean, talk about a double threat.

What if we leveled the playing field a bit? What if we made Claude into a sock?

There’s a whole world of puppetry arts that we could explore… Claude could have his own adventure vlog… 

That’s it. This is happening. Go grab your supplies and meet me back here in five.

Supplies:

1. Warm up your hot glue gun.
2. Stick your hand inside the sock. Create the indent where Claude’s mouth will be in the space between your forefinger and thumb.

            3. Cut out Claude’s ears and beret using shapes like this: 

 

We’d love to see your Claude or Sir. B sock puppets! Post your sock puppet theater videos on social and tag us, or send them to publicity [at] peachtree [dash] online [dot] com!