The Bolds

By Julian Clary and David Roberts

Mr and Mrs Bold are just like you and me: they live in a nice house (in Teddington), they have jobs (like writing Christmas cracker jokes) and they love to have a bit of a giggle. One slight difference: they're hyenas. Yes, that's right - they're covered in fur, have tails tucked into their trousers, and they really, really like to laugh.

So far, the Bolds have managed to keep things under wraps, even when their children Bobby and Betty were born. But the nosy man next door smells a rat (or a hyena), and a trip to the local wildlife park, and the brilliantly wacky heist that results, could be the end of Teddington's best-kept secret. Whatever will the neighbours think?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andersen Digital
• Release date: Jul 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781448188062

Julian Clary

Julian Clary is a comedian, entertainer and novelist, who has toured across the world with his one-man shows. Julian has appeared on numerous popular TV shows including Celebrity Big Brother (which he won) and Strictly Come Dancing. He has starred in West End productions and appears in panto most years. He lives in London with his husband.

Reviews for The Bolds

[carlathelibrarian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sue and Spot are hyenas who love laughing. The plain where they lived was becoming a tourist attraction for those wanting to go on a safari. Not only were there more humans in the area, it was a fight to eat etc. When two humans, Fred and Amelia Bold, get eaten by crocodiles, Sue and Spot come up with an idea. They practised standing on two legs and even talking like humans. They decided they would take the clothing, money passports and airline tickets from the Bolds tent and head to England.

When they arrived in England they had to learn where and how to get food, cross the street and hide their tails. When they ran out of money they got jobs. They had babies and were living the life. When their grumpy, nasty old neighbour saw them, he got suspicious. Were they going to be found out? Would they end up in a zoo?

Lots of laughs and adventures with The Bolds. Early chapter readers will love this book! There are a lot of black and white illustrations throughout to add to the story. Julian Clary's humour and distinctive style comes through the text. A book to be in every local and school library.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[eduscapes · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

THE BOLDS by Julian Clary tells the hilarious story of a hyena family who disguise themselves as humans and move to the suburbs.When two hyena discover passports left by a human couple who were eaten by crocodiles, they decide to dress up as humans, get jobs, and live in the suburbs. What follows is a humorous tale of deception. The Bolds hide their tails, wear hats, and teach their children to act human. Although they’re always close to being caught, they manage to keep their secret until the neighbors get suspicious. The surprise ending will appeal to young readers.The author’s comedic sense is perfect for this silly story. The goofy situations and slapstick humor will appeal to middle grade readers.Librarians will find a huge audience for this fast-paced, funny story. An excellent selection for reluctant readers, children will be waiting in line for the next book in this entertaining animal series.Published by Lerner on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.