(2) K-3 An over-the-top grandma is the one sending presents in this takeoff on the popular Christmas carol. Her gifts on the first six days hew close to the original, but then things take a turn. Rather than seven swans a-swimming, Grandma sends her granddaughter Eloise "seven squirrels a-snorkelling." Smith's vibrantly illustrated three French hens don berets and ascots while carrying French flags. Each page is designed to suggest an envelope with funny details; for example, the squirrels come from "The Rub-A-Dub Home Pamper Service." The twelfth day brings a surprise practical gift, and the book ends with Eloise sending her grandma -- of course -- a thank-you note.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2024

(4) 1-3 Claude the dog and his friend, Sir Bobblysock, stumble upon a movie set. They meet the stars (including a celebrity gorilla) and become part of the action. Claude is attracted to costumes, and he both causes and solves a big mess. The humor, though plentiful, can be forced. The black, white, and red illustrations are full of old-timey movie references.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 On Little Red's walk through the African plains to bring "spot medicine" to her auntie Rosie, she encounters hungry Lion. Later, Little Red relies on quick thinking (braiding Lion's mane, brushing his teeth, etc.) to elude being devoured. This amusing twist on "Little Red Riding Hood" is vibrantly illustrated in hot shades of yellow and pink.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 1-3 In these fifth and sixth chapter books about Claude, a dog, and his sock friend, Sir Bobblysock, the pair helps out Mrs. Cowpat on her farm (Country) and takes part in a variety show (Spotlight). The self-consciously quirky writing becomes tiresome, but Claude's fans will enjoy his walkabouts. The stylish black, white, and red illustrations match the narrative's humorous tone.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(4) 1-3 In these fifth and sixth chapter books about Claude, a dog, and his sock friend, Sir Bobblysock, the pair helps out Mrs. Cowpat on her farm (Country) and takes part in a variety show (Spotlight). The self-consciously quirky writing becomes tiresome, but Claude's fans will enjoy his walkabouts. The stylish black, white, and red illustrations match the narrative's humorous tone.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) 1-3 Dog Claude and Sir Bobblysock visit the beach and have several zany adventures involving sandcastles, sharks, and pirate treasure. The duo cavorts in the Snowy Mountains, but an avalanche puts them in danger. Of course, they're always home in time for Mr. and Mrs. Shinyshoes' return. Humorous red-accented illustrations, an amusing storytelling style, and quirky plots will continue to delight Claude's fans. Review covers these titles: Claude at the Beach and Claude on the Slopes.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) 1-3 Dog Claude and Sir Bobblysock visit the beach and have several zany adventures involving sandcastles, sharks, and pirate treasure. The duo cavorts in the Snowy Mountains, but an avalanche puts them in danger. Of course, they're always home in time for Mr. and Mrs. Shinyshoes' return. Humorous red-accented illustrations, an amusing storytelling style, and quirky plots will continue to delight Claude's fans. Review covers these titles: Claude at the Beach and Claude on the Slopes.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) 1-3 Dog Claude and his sock friend, Sir Bobblysock, visit the City for the first time--they make stops at a café, a beret shop, and an art gallery where they witness a robbery and Claude becomes an accidental hero for stopping the theft. New readers will enjoy this offbeat chapter book's quirky characters, amusing plot, and black-and-white, red-accented drawings of Parisian-esque scenes.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) 1-3 After Mr. and Mrs. Shinyshoes leave for the day, dog Claude (Claude in the City) and his sock friend, Sir Bobblysock, decide to take a walk in the park. But it's no ordinary stroll: Alan's Amazing Circus is in town, and after a series of misadventures, the pair ends up saving the show. Silly black-and-white, red-accented drawings showcase quirky characters and humorous hijinks.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(2) K-3 Charming Foxy DuBois invites bow tie–sporting Egg into her home. Foxy decides that she'd like to fatten Egg up, so she feeds him a splendid dinner. Sadly for Foxy, Egg grows tremendously, and inside is something unexpected. Children will love poring over the illustrations to find the many chicken-y details in Foxy's home décor, and adults will enjoy the droll touches.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2011

(3) K-3 Friends One, Two, Three, and Four live together happily until each begins to yearn for something new. Unable to find common ground, they divide up their house and set off independently. Before long, the four friends discover that "a house simply wasn't a home" without one another. Dynamic, detail-rich spreads illustrate this heartwarming story.

Reviewer: Rebecca Hachmyer