ReaditDaddy's Second Book of the Week - Week Ending 11th March 2016 "Claude - Going for Gold by Alex T. Smith (Hodder Children's Books)

Our second Book of the Week really does deserve a whopping great big gold cup. Here's Alex T. Smith's diminutive and adventuresome pooch and socky sidekick in "Claude - Going for Gold"...
The heat is on! The time is right! It's time for Claude (and Sir Bobblysock) to play their game and...

Oh I wish I could've reviewed this without Hans Zimmer's theme tune to the telly programme "Going for Gold" going round in my head. You know, it would almost be a stroke of genius if the book trailer for this utterly brilliantly funny book somehow featured Claude, Sock and the other awesome supporting characters all gesturing to 'camera' as the story was introduced

So here we are with the latest utterly hilarious instalment of the fabulous "Claude" series, and this time we're feeling very sporty and energetic as Claude dons a rather fetching striped sweatband, a pair of over-large shorts and a spangly new collar to warm up in preparation for a mammoth sporting event at the local sports centre.

Even Sir Bobblysock is ready as the event programme is revealed. But it's not easy being a rather portly plump-legged pooch (nor for that matter is it easy being made of wool!) so the sporting event doesn't quite go according to plan.

With a stunning victory looking ever more unlikely as Claude competes, trouble isn't far away as some dastardly robbers nick off with the event trophy - a stunning creation of glittering gold. Can Claude and Sir Bobblysock find their second wind to apprehend the nasty thieves before it's too late?

Greeted with a resounding cheer, we have loved every single moment of "Going for Gold" from Claude's slightly droopy shorts, to Sir Bobblysock's stunning swimming gala number, reminiscent of a full-blown Busy Berkeley spectacular. Alex is once again inventive, extremely cheeky and razor sharp in timing and humour in Claude's latest (and dare we say greatest) adventure to date!

Charlotte's best bit: Snorting at Claude's gymnastic attempts. Love that cossie!

Daddy's favourite bit: Sublime, hilarious and who could possibly resist that utterly glorious Sir Bobblysock spread as the synchronised swimmers do their thing!

(Kindly sent to us for review by Hodder Children's Books)

"Claude - Going for Gold"

Written and Illustrated by Alex T. Smith

Published by Hodder Children's Books

Publication Date: 10th March 2016