Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. ( )

It seems that a young couple went to Africa on their honeymoon. They decided to take a dip in a pond, so took off their clothes and jumped in. Unfortunately, a hungry crocodile came by and ate them. A pair of hyenas came by. They thought it might be fun to go to England. They already knew how to speak English by listening to the various visitors on safari who had passed by. So, they put on the clothes of the honeymooners—being sure to keep their tales tucked out of site, and their furry ears covered with hats—, took their passports, and headed off to adventures in England.

Obviously, this is a kids' book, complete with very many adorable illustrations. The Bolds have to work hard to fit in, but do manage to do so. They have a pair of children who mostly manage to go to English schools without causing too much alarm. Their main problem is the crabby neighbor who spies on them at all hours of the day and night. Mr. Bold gets a job writing jokes, which then go into Christmas crackers, so the book is full of truly pathetic, corny jokes. Well, hyenas laugh a lot, so of course they like jokes—the good, bad, and the ugly—even after hearing them several dozen times.

Well, I won't give the plot away, but it's quite a fun book. I think it might be most popular with 8- to 10-year old boys because it also contains lots of mild, scatological humor. Anyway, many adults will also find this a very fun read, especially those of us who find themselves sitting in a doctor's office waiting for skin-cancer surgery, and need a great escape from reality.
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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. ( )

A very British children's book. Don't be concerned; my last name is Bolds, but I'm not secretly a hyena. ( )

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. ( )