Claude in the Spotlight

Gr 1–3—When Claude, the small, plump, beret-wearing dog, and his best friend, a striped sock named Sir Bobblysock, stumble into a rehearsal for a variety show, circumstances bring them center stage. But a "naughty man" dresses as a ghost to try to steal the show and the grand prize—unlimited cakes from Mr. Lovelybuns's Bakery. When the massive chandelier above the stage begins to creak and groan, Claude and the naughty man catch the chandelier with the sheet formerly used for ghostly wrongdoing. Claude saves the day and wins the Lovelybuns cakes. Detailed digital and drawn illustrations in shades of red, black, and white amplify the quirky British humor in this story. The size, shape, and structure of this book suggest it is suited for newly independent readers, though it can also be appreciated as a read-aloud. Those who enjoy Claude's antics will be happy to know that there are several other books in the series.—Lindsay Persohn, University of South Florida, Tampa