I love Claude, and I can't wait to read more of his adventures.

Claude at the Beach is technically a young chapter book, but every page is illustrated, so it would work well as a transitional book for kids who should be reading more on their own, but still appreciate pictures. (But if a parent winds up reading it aloud, there are plenty of elements for them enjoy in the story, too!)

Kids will certainly enjoy the idea of a dog who sneaks out on grand adventures when his owners are gone, and they'll laugh at the silly, whimsical illustrations. I particularly appreciated the depiction of Mr. and Mrs. Shinyshoes from Claude's perspective -- just the legs and feet!

Note: I received a digital galley of this book from NetGalley. ( )

Popular in the UK, with numerous books, Claude is a relative newcomer to the US. Claude at the Beach is the 3rd US release of this delightful, illustrated chapter book series about an imaginative dog and his best friend, Sir Bobblysock, an appropriately named sock.

The humor is immediately apparent when we learn that,

"Claude lives in his house with two people who are too tall to fit on this page. They are called Mr. and Mrs. Shinyshoes, and they both have very shiny shoes and neat ankles."

When the Shinyshoes head off to work, Claude sets out for adventure - this time to a French beach, where he will fashion makeshift bathing trunks from some sticky tape and Mr. Shinyshoes' underpants, rescue a bather from a shark, and meet up with a band of pirates - all with relatively more sensible Mr. Bobblysock in tow.

Illustrated pen and ink drawings in shades of black and red. Great fun.

http://shelf-employed.blogspot.com ( )

This cute, charming story stars an irrepressible dog and his unlikely, but loyal (and surprisingly talented) sidekick, a sock. Left to his own devises at home, Claude decides to set off for the beach where he has a series of unlikely adventures, from accidentally entering a sandcastle competition to having a high-seas adventure with pirates and treasure. Claude's point of view and the author's wit create some genuine laugh-out-loud moments. With 96 delightfully illustrated pages, this book proves a good choice for kids transitioning into chapter books, or for slightly older kids looking for some breezy fair. ( )

(207) Another whimsical, gently tongue-in-cheek book featuring Francophile pooch Claude and his footwear sidekick. Highly recommended. ( )