Wednesday, April 23, 2014

"Claude at the Beach" by Alex T. Smith (Review and Giveaway)

  • Hardcover: $12.95
  • ISBN: 978-1-56145-703-8
  • Total Pages: 96
  • Size: 5 1/2 x 8 1/8
About the book:  Claude at the Beach is an early reader, illustrated novel.  Grades 2-4. In the third installment of Claude’s hilarious adventures, Claude and Sir Bobblysock pack their bags and go on vacation to the beach. They rescue a man from a shark, win a sandcastle-building competition, and hunt for pirate treasure. Of course, they make it back home just before Mr. and Mrs. Shineyshoes come in from work.

 My thoughts:  Claude at the Beach is the third book by author and illustrator Alex T. Smith. Mr. Smith has created a character I foresee as becoming a classic in time. Claude is a cute dog (probably with a somewhat quirky international flavor and character) and his side kick is a striped sock – Sir Bobblysock (think “bobby socks”).

In this, book three, the twosome wait their for their people to depart for the day, which they do right on time. Then Claude declares it is time for a vacation. So they begin to pack.

The story progresses with their arrival at the beach which is the perfect spot for them to vacation and definitely the spot for Claude to use the underwear he has packed since everyone at the beach is in their undies.

As escapade upon escapade unfolds, we are entertained by the delightful text and sophisticated cartoon art style used to illustrate Claude’s activities. Mr. Smith’s illustrations envelope both the story and tongue-in-cheek humor that the adults reading the story will “get.”

There are some enchanting qualities and items in the story. For example, Claude’s beret. He finds many useful items tucked up under his beret with which to save the day or just plain put to use.

This is an early chapter book written for kids age 7-11 who enjoy laughing. But of course, parents are allowed to read it, too, and get their tickle on.

     
GIVEAWAY:  The good folks at Peachtree Publishing believe in children's books, children reading, sharing, and a good laugh. So they are going to delight one of Chat With Vera's readers (or some special child of yours) the joy of owning your very own copy of Claude at the Beach. Begins April 23 & ENDS May 14 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. Open to USA addresses only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway 
DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of Claude at the Beach was provided in exchange for my honest review. This is part of a scheduled blog tour sponsored by Peachtree Publishers to promote the April 2014 launch of the book. Opinions expressed are solely my own and I was not compensated for this review.

at 12:00:00 AM
Labels: ,

26 comments:

  1. EmiApril 23, 2014 at 1:42 PM

    I learned that he wrote the Claude series of books, the first of which is Claude in the City. I found Claude in the City for $10.92 on amazon and now it is on it's way to my house. It is a cute dog book series.

    ReplyDelete
  2. EmiApril 23, 2014 at 1:43 PM

    I like the Peachtree book 3 hens and a peacock about trading roles and finding out how difficult anothers job is to do.

    ReplyDelete
  3. SonjaApril 23, 2014 at 8:50 PM

    This looks really cute I know that my grandkids would love this so much!

    ReplyDelete
  4. SonjaApril 23, 2014 at 8:52 PM

    I see that Alex is an illustrator, also. He has won some awards!

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownApril 24, 2014 at 9:57 AM

    I thought the book Back To Bed Ed looks like a great book !
    I discovered Alex 's books Claude first through third are published in 14 languages across the world

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anita YanceyApril 26, 2014 at 8:20 PM

    I would like to have A Place for Butterflies for my daughter.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ruth Cox aka abitosunshineApril 27, 2014 at 9:37 AM

    So many wonderful book titles from which to choose! I would love to begin with Beneath the Sun.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ruth Cox aka abitosunshineApril 27, 2014 at 9:44 AM

    Alex T. Smith is both a writer and illustrator. And I can not wait to get my hands on one of his books!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Denise Taylor-DennisMay 3, 2014 at 10:08 AM

    The other Peachtree book I like is The Boy Who Cried Ninja

    ReplyDelete
  10. Denise Taylor-DennisMay 3, 2014 at 10:10 AM

    I learned Alex has two naughty chihuahuas named Coco and Mr. Bongo

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousMay 7, 2014 at 2:58 PM

    Alex won second prize in the Macmillan Prize for Childrens Picture Book Illustration
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
    Merry

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousMay 7, 2014 at 3:00 PM

    I think my boys would like to read The Blue House Dog
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
    Merry

    ReplyDelete
  13. Tami ValentineMay 7, 2014 at 8:12 PM

    Back to Bed Ed looks so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Tami ValentineMay 7, 2014 at 8:13 PM

    Alex T. Smith's first 3 books in his Claude series are written in 14 languages across the world!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Tina at Mommynificent.comMay 8, 2014 at 11:00 AM

    This series looks like a lot of fun! I think my 7 year old would really enjoy them! Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com!
    Tina

    ReplyDelete
  16. Danielle KMay 8, 2014 at 2:19 PM

    Would also love Churchill's Tale of Tails

    ReplyDelete
  17. HelgaMay 11, 2014 at 10:00 AM

    I like Three Hens and a Peacock.

    ReplyDelete
  18. HelgaMay 11, 2014 at 10:01 AM

    He tried several professions including professional rabbit!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anne Marie CarterMay 11, 2014 at 9:03 PM

    I would like A Place for Butterflies.

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousMay 13, 2014 at 12:55 PM

    Three Hens and a Peacock looks like a funny book my daughter would enjoy.
    -Sarah K.

    ReplyDelete
  21. AnonymousMay 13, 2014 at 12:57 PM

    Alex is also a big fan of cake and a nice cup of tea.
    -Sarah K.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Annmarie Weeks May 13, 2014 at 4:46 PM

    I'm sure my niece would also love Rosa's Room!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anne D.May 13, 2014 at 4:55 PM

    "Lost for Words" looks like a very sweet book:)
    annejk112233 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Anne D.May 13, 2014 at 5:00 PM

    Alex Smith lives with 3 dogs and has earned many awards and nominations:)
    annejk112233 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Jessica MedinaMay 13, 2014 at 11:30 PM

    I love the bilingual books!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Jessica MedinaMay 13, 2014 at 11:30 PM

    Alex has drawn and written for as long as h ecould hold pencils!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment here at Chat With Vera. If you need to contact me directly, please use the "Comment Me" email associated with this blog and posted in the sidebar.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)