The Bolds written by Julian Clary and illustrated by David Roberts

To say I was excited when this landed on my doorstep would be a vast understatement.

A new book with artwork from David Roberts is always a highlight of the year for me and I can never wait to get my hands on it and pore through it's pages. To be able to vary his style, with it still being recognisable as his work, is incredible - take Iggy Peck, Architect and Tinder for example. I particularly love his picture books including his own character Dirty Bertie, his work with Andrea Beaty, Peter Bently and his sister Lynn Roberts. He's also illustrated covers for iconic children's books; The St Clare's series by Enid Blyton, 101 Dalmations by Dodie Smith and The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper.

David has also illustrated children's fiction for many wondrous writers, Sally Gardner, Kenneth Grahame and Philip Ardargh to name a few. But not for Julian Clary before...


INTRODUCING...

Julian Clary's first book for children... And a bloomin' good one it is too...

THE BOLDS

Meet Mr and Mrs Bold, and their twins Bobby and Betty in this utterly hilarious novel for children aged eight and up.

And so we begin...

After witnessing the death of two humans who were on their honeymoon in Africa (they were taking a nuddy dip in a pond and unfortunately got snapped up by some rather hungry crocodiles). A somewhat quick conversation arose about moving to England, including pointing out the highly commendable fact that 'the humans there love queuing', Sue and Spot the hyenas find themselves assuming the identity of Fred and Amelia Bold. Snatching The Bold's passports, tucking in their tails and donning Amelia and Fred's outfits, they make their way back to The Bold's humble abode in Teddington to start a new life as well-bred humans. Julian Clary says, on the setting of his new book - 'I grew up in Teddington - a very suburban place with tree-lined streets and a nice park - so it seemed right and proper to set [The Bolds] there'.

Once in Teddington, The Bold's try to settle in to human life. Getting to grips with concepts like money, jobs, supermarkets and driving is tough for most humans, let alone hyenas. But Mr and Mrs Bold adjust quickly and soon find themselves with perfectly suited roles. Mrs Bold sets up a stall selling unusual hats which the ladies of Teddington take a fancy to, wearing them to weddings. Mr Bold gets a job writing jokes for Christmas crackers, just as well he's always fit to burst with laughter! I imagine Mrs Bold's new job is a nod towards David Roberts' passion for hats, with his background in millinery and fashion, which you can often spot in his work.

Bobby and Betty are born shortly afterwards and their parents decide to tell them about their real heritage just before they start primary school (so as to not show off their tails of course). All goes swimmingly, and later even the twins school friend Minnie, who accidentally discovers the tail whilst playing fancy dress with Betty, keeps their secret.

Their neighbour Mr McNumpty however is a rather suspicious character, quite mean and rude and doesn't seem to like The Bolds at all. What is Mr McNumpty up to? Does he know The Bold's secret? Will he uncover them and send them back to the wild? Throughout the book there are suspicious lines about Mr McNumpty including - 'for some reason he was a touch nocturnal himself' and 'in fact, he quite fancied having a dig himself...'  indicating that Mr McNumpty might have a secret of his own!

After a family trip to Kenton Safari Park, to introduce the children to their roots, a plea for help from some fellow hyenas' gives The Bolds a mission - to save an elderly hyena called Tony from being 'put to sleep' at Kenton, a decision somewhat lightly made by the vet and safari park worker.

There are some real laugh out loud bits, including this one for the adults - "his sturdy shopping bag, which had served him well for many years (indeed, proclaimed itself to be a 'bag for life!') suddenly gave way along it's seams and fell apart."

and when one of the hyenas at Kenton Safari Park, Ena, introduces herself (eight year old me would have told this to EVERYONE!)

'This is my Boo, and I'm Ena,' said Ena.
'Hi, Ena,' said Fred. 'Hyena! That's funny!'

Very cleverly written, with lots of humorous bite, Julian Clary has crafted a brilliant story. Funny, quick-witted and inventive, this fantastic book will keep both children and adults entertained. Perfectly sinister at times but with obvious playfulness running through it, a thoroughly enjoyable novel.

I'll be giving away a copy of The Bolds by Julian Clary, illustrated by David Roberts on my Twitter - @lauramainellen - so check out there to be in with a chance of winning #TheBolds

The Bolds is published by Andersen Press and is £6.99, available in all good bookshops.