Review: Claude in the City by Alex T. Smith

 

(from Amazon): Claude is no ordinary dog - he leads an extraordinary life! When Mr and Mrs Shinyshoes set off for work, Claude decides what adventure he wants to have that day. Today he and Sir Bobblysock go to the city for the very first time. The have tea in a cafe, go shopping and visit a museum. It is all very normal until...Claude accidentally foils a robbery and becomes the local hero! Claude in the City has also been selected for the Richard and Judy Children's Book Club 2011.

Claude in the City is a cute easy reader about a dapper little dog named Claude and his BFF, Sir Bobblysock.  They use their time during the day (while Claude's owners are at work) to have adventures, such as going to the city (hence the name of the book), where they went to a cafe, a beret store and an art museum.  On another day, Claude was a good friend and took his sick pal to the hospital (and ended up saving an entire waiting room of people!) 

I'll be honest, Claude kind of reminded me of my dog, Skipper!

They are both dapper little dogs (Skipper is wearing an ascot), and I can see Skipper having adventures while we were at work.  Though he would never take his friend to the hospital, mainly because he doesn't really play with anything! 

I really liked the story, and I feel like the vocabulary and humor is right on point for beginning readers.

The illustrations were simple, using only a few colors.  But more than that, they really complemented the story. 

I'd like to thank Peachtree Publishers for sending me a copy of Claude in the City.  Please take a moment and visit other blogs on the Claude in the City tour (here)