“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

“Think Indiana Jones adventure with an Agatha Christie twist and you have the zany antics of Mr. Penguin and company. The story features a cast of endearing characters and a writing style that walks the line between funny and zany. With illustrations offering complementary, but just as wacky, details for younger readers, this title will still appeal to adult readers as well…. A great addition to a library or home bookshelf.” —School Library Connection

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate)— Kansas National Education Association, 2021

After briefly considering careers in space travel, cookery and being a rabbit, Alex T. Smith finally decided 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. Alex lives in England. You can visit his website here.

“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. The idiosyncratic crew has more heart than talent, which results in some genuinely funny moments… 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

After briefly considering careers in space travel, cookery and being a rabbit, Alex T. Smith finally decided 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. Alex lives in England. You can visit his website here.

“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

Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2020

Cybils (finalist, Early Chapter Books) —Cybils, 2019

Top 10 Books for Kids —New York Public Library, 2019

Beehive Award (Children’s Fiction Nominee) —Children’s Literature Association of Utah, 2021

After briefly considering careers in space travel, cookery and being a rabbit, Alex T. Smith finally decided 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. Alex lives in England. You can visit his website here.

“Smith’s endearing duo will easily hold the attention of young readers through their camaraderie and silly escapades, both behind the scenes and in the spotlight. Energetic, two-toned illustrations flood the pages of this early chapter book with humor and clever details, and the text is well suited to primary-school readers.” ―Booklist

Alex T. Smith briefly considered careers in space travel, cookery and being a rabbit, but finally decided 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. Alex lives in England. You can visit his website here.

“Quirky…” ―School Library Journal

“Entertaining and humorous…” ―Foreword Reviews

Children’s Choices ―International Literacy Association, Children’s Book Council, 2016

Alex T. Smith briefly considered careers in space travel, cookery and being a rabbit, but finally decided 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. Alex lives in England. You can visit his website here.

“Smith offers another strong entry in this delightfully odd series for picture book readers ready to dip a toe into chapter book waters.” ―School Library Journal

“Perfect for young readers moving beyond picture books.” ―Booklist Online

Alex T. Smith briefly considered careers in space travel, cookery and being a rabbit, but finally decided 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. Alex lives in England. You can visit his website here.

“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

“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

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“The first book in an adorable new series will have young readers in stitches.” ―Children’s Book Council

“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 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

“Great for children aiming to improve their vocabulary at this age. While a cozy read we can depend on Claude to find some trouble, but not too much. This title has two ‘stories’ in it that are set up like two chapters, thus giving the child the feeling of accomplishment in their foray into chapter books. I’m sure his other adventures will give us something to look forward to.” ―Medina County Public Library

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Parents’ Choice Fun Stuff Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2013

Prairie Bloom Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―South Dakota Library Association, South Dakota Reading Council, South Dakota State Library, South Dakota Elementary School Principals, 2018-2019

Alex T. Smith briefly considered careers in space travel, cookery and being a rabbit, but finally decided 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. Alex lives in England. You can visit his website here.

“Fans of Amelia Bedelia will find this sort of thing hilarious… The climax has everything a child could want in a book.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Claude once again captures the young reader’s heart through bizarre humor. Loyal fans will revel in each zany chapter, while anticipating their next fun adventure with Claude. An endearing early reader that will make children smile.” ―Boys to Books

“Wacky and fun-filled, this book has lots of artwork and heroes you can root for.” ―Blue Owl Reviews

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“I love Claude and his stripe-socked friend. I love how they innocently find themselves in the funniest situations, which the pair make even funnier.” ―Kid Lit Reviews

“As a character, I love that Claude is polite and well spoken (for a dog), but also has an adventurous side. And Sir Bobblysock makes a good foil for Claude’s adventurous nature.” ―Maestra Amanda’s Bookshelf

“The two-tone illustrations and fun flying images are worthy of a heartfelt gaze as well as a long-planned visual review. You’ll find yourself holding your breath as Claude makes his way across the high wire act, and releasing same said breath in a chuckle for what just transpired.” ―Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

“An incredibly fun book for both early chapter book readers and adults, the text is easy to read and the illustrations—simply done in grayscale and red—are hilarious. The chapter length makes it feel like a real adventure, building excitement and spotlighting Claude’s antics throughout the day. Claude is definitely becoming a favorite, and I look forward to his further adventures.” ―A Word’s Worth

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Alex T. Smith briefly considered careers in space travel, cookery and being a rabbit, but finally decided 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. Alex lives in England. You can visit his website here.

“A fun choice for children who enjoy absurdist humor, but probably best as a read-aloud.” ―School Library Journal

“This early chapter book is often hilarious… Smith’s pink and gray, retro-modern illustrations are charming… Readers who take it too seriously might end up like Claude, floating in the middle of the ocean, wearing baggy underpants (held together with sticky tape) and pursued by a shark–but they’ll be laughing.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Humorous red-accented illustrations, an amusing storytelling style, and quirky plots will continue to delight Claude’s fans.” ―The Horn Book Guide

“There’s a pleasant, cozy humor to the escapades… Kids will be particularly tickled by Claude’s polka-dotted underpants/swimsuit, and those who enjoy this title may want to back up and read Claude’s previous two adventures as well.” ―The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Children’s Choice Book Awards Third to Fourth Grade Book of the Year (Finalist) ―Children’s Book Council, 2015

Children’s Choices —International Literacy Association, Children’s Book Council, 2015

Alex T. Smith briefly considered careers in space travel, cookery and being a rabbit, but finally decided 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. Alex lives in England. You can visit his website here.

“Children who have yet to discover Claude, the small, plump dog with the nifty red beret, and his sidekick, Sir Bobblysock (who is both a sock and quite bobbly), are in for a delight…. [W]hen they venture into a winter wonderland, mayhem and hilarity ensues.” ―School Library Journal

“The new book in the series may be the sweetest surrealist children’s book ever published… [I]t’s hard not to love a main character who wears a one-man-band outfit to the library, in case he finds a very exciting book.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Humorous red-accented illustrations, an amusing storytelling style, and quirky plots will continue to delight Claude’s fans.” ―The Horn Book Guide

“This bizarre but hilarious series about an adventuresome dog and his sock sidekick just keeps getting better.” ―Reading Today Online

Alex T. Smith briefly considered careers in space travel, cookery and being a rabbit, but finally decided 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. Alex lives in England. You can visit his website here.