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The Bolds #5
The Bolds Go Wild
It's time for monkey business in this fifth outing for Teddington's wildest family, the Bolds!
The Bolds are very surprised to be visited by Fred's mother, Granny Imamu. She's travelled all the way from Africa, and now she's here, she does not approve of what she finds. Hyenas, living as people - whatever next! Granny Imamu starts to stir up mischief with twins Bobby and Betty, encouraging them to get in touch with their beastly side at school.
And then the twins' teacher comes to the Bolds with a rather unusual her grown-up son Jeffrey just isn't like other people. He's rather hairy, doesn't much like to talk, and loves to monkey about. If animals can become people, could it happen the other way around . . . ?
The Bolds are very surprised to be visited by Fred's mother, Granny Imamu. She's travelled all the way from Africa, and now she's here, she does not approve of what she finds. Hyenas, living as people - whatever next! Granny Imamu starts to stir up mischief with twins Bobby and Betty, encouraging them to get in touch with their beastly side at school.
And then the twins' teacher comes to the Bolds with a rather unusual her grown-up son Jeffrey just isn't like other people. He's rather hairy, doesn't much like to talk, and loves to monkey about. If animals can become people, could it happen the other way around . . . ?
304 pages, Hardcover
Published June 1, 2019
12 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Julian Clary
51 books70 followersJulian Clary is an English comedian and novelist. Clary began appearing on television in the mid-1980s and became known for his deliberately stereotypical camp style. Since then he has also acted in films, television and stage productions, and was the winner of Celebrity Big Brother 10 in 2012.
Clary has released two large format comedy books: My Life With Fanny The Wonder Dog (1989) and How To Be A Man (1992).
Between 2005 and 2008, Clary wrote a fortnightly column for the New Statesman magazine. He has also published an autobiography, A Young Man's Passage, which covers his life and career up to the 1993 "Norman Lamont incident" at the British Comedy Awards. In 2007, Clary released his first novel, Murder Most Fab, published by Ebury Press. His second novel, Devil in Disguise, was published in 2009. His first book for children, The Bolds, was published by Andersen Press in 2015.
Adapted from Wikipedia.
Clary has released two large format comedy books: My Life With Fanny The Wonder Dog (1989) and How To Be A Man (1992).
Between 2005 and 2008, Clary wrote a fortnightly column for the New Statesman magazine. He has also published an autobiography, A Young Man's Passage, which covers his life and career up to the 1993 "Norman Lamont incident" at the British Comedy Awards. In 2007, Clary released his first novel, Murder Most Fab, published by Ebury Press. His second novel, Devil in Disguise, was published in 2009. His first book for children, The Bolds, was published by Andersen Press in 2015.
Adapted from Wikipedia.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 8, 2021
Another thrilling instalment from the Bold's Family. In this book the Grandma of the family is coming to visit from Africa and she is not impressed with the family. She doesn't like that they have become humanised and decides she must do something about it for the sake of the children.
The book is the usual daft, funny, hilarious at times humour. The plot everything a child could want, especially one that makes you laugh throughout.
There are plenty of black and white illustrations adorning the pages, most will make the children giggle too.
Overall this is a fabulous series and one that hopefully will get children interested in reading and want them to read all the books. I will say though it is always best to begin with book one and work your way through this series as it will give you a better understanding of the family.
The book is the usual daft, funny, hilarious at times humour. The plot everything a child could want, especially one that makes you laugh throughout.
There are plenty of black and white illustrations adorning the pages, most will make the children giggle too.
Overall this is a fabulous series and one that hopefully will get children interested in reading and want them to read all the books. I will say though it is always best to begin with book one and work your way through this series as it will give you a better understanding of the family.
February 15, 2021
This is our first adventure with The Bold family, a pack of hyenas living like humans in humble Teddington, although we are reliably informed there have in fact been other adventures we haven't had the pleasure of just yet and are certainly ready to continue!
When Mr Bold's mother, a wild hyena living in the Serengeti, comes to visit them the Bold family are worried that she might blow their cover and expose their hyena heritage to the unsuspecting humans.
There were some really fantastic components to this book. Children's book which also make adults laugh are, in my eyes, considered some of the greatest and Julian Clary absolutely grasps this. The writing style is wonderful, compelling and genuinely funny and the illustrations are great. Actually one of my only complaints about this novel are in fact that he somewhat ruins this by making truly terrible knock knock jokes throughout - but otherwise we had no complaints.
To be perfectly honest, sometimes reading children's books at bedtime can be a slog when they aren't very exciting or interesting but this one was the complete opposite (seeing us reading 100+ pages a night because I wanted to continue!). We can't wait to read more!
ARC provided free from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
When Mr Bold's mother, a wild hyena living in the Serengeti, comes to visit them the Bold family are worried that she might blow their cover and expose their hyena heritage to the unsuspecting humans.
There were some really fantastic components to this book. Children's book which also make adults laugh are, in my eyes, considered some of the greatest and Julian Clary absolutely grasps this. The writing style is wonderful, compelling and genuinely funny and the illustrations are great. Actually one of my only complaints about this novel are in fact that he somewhat ruins this by making truly terrible knock knock jokes throughout - but otherwise we had no complaints.
To be perfectly honest, sometimes reading children's books at bedtime can be a slog when they aren't very exciting or interesting but this one was the complete opposite (seeing us reading 100+ pages a night because I wanted to continue!). We can't wait to read more!
ARC provided free from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2022
Reflections and lessons learned:
“Not Kim Cashcow? They’re very famous, although I’m not sure what for…?”
As ever, a lovely analysis of humans through a different lense as can be easily absorbed by children, or anyone with an open mind. This one has an added, unexpected analysis of roots, home and finding yourself. All narrated with a comedy tone and fourth wall breaking inclusion - just fab…
“Not Kim Cashcow? They’re very famous, although I’m not sure what for…?”
As ever, a lovely analysis of humans through a different lense as can be easily absorbed by children, or anyone with an open mind. This one has an added, unexpected analysis of roots, home and finding yourself. All narrated with a comedy tone and fourth wall breaking inclusion - just fab…
September 3, 2019
A brand-new The Bolds adventure this time with a boy who wants to be a monkey and a visit from grandma!
I was so happy that one of my libraries had this one, and in English even! I was already worried I had to wait until 2020 before the paperback would FINALLY release. No clue why the book suddenly takes ages to come out in paperback, I can't remember the others have had that problem.
I have been trying to write a review for some time, but I just can't find the words easily so I will do a good/not so good review!
Good:
-The jokes! So many jokes and puns again and I am loving it. I always look forward to seeing what kind of jokes we will get in each book. What will Mr. Bold have this time.
-Seeing the grandmother. I am happy that we get to see her finally and that the kids are able to see their grandmother and have a jolly old time with her. She also looks exactly how I would see her.
Though maybe she shouldn't destroy an entire home. :P
-Instead of an animal in need to turn into a human we have it the way around in this one and I just loved it. Not only because it was a fun new thing, but also for our tiny little monkey who could finally be herself and help out someone else.
-It was tons of fun to see them doing all sorts of things to turn him more monkey like. He was already fabulous as it was but with the help of the Bold and their friends/family they made him totally awesome. What skills!
-The reaction of the principal/headmaster. I definitely hadn't expected her reaction, but it made me smile so so much. How wonderful. I am sure she will be a great addition to the cast.
-Finding out a bit more about Mr and Mrs. Bold.
-Meeting new animals and finding out about animals who are being human.
-The illustrations are still so so so good.
-Seeing the kids go wild and discover their hyena side was just fantastic.
-The ending was fun, what a way to bring grandma back again.
-It was quite funny to see how grandma got to her family. Poor people who encountered her/almost encountered her. :P
Not so good:
-While I love the grandma and I understand that she has her reasons, but to do that while her son and his wife have clearly told you their existence should be hidden then don't do what you did to your grandchildren. Sure, in the end it turned out OK, but it could have ended terribly.
All in all, a fabulous part in the series and I can't wait for the next one.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I was so happy that one of my libraries had this one, and in English even! I was already worried I had to wait until 2020 before the paperback would FINALLY release. No clue why the book suddenly takes ages to come out in paperback, I can't remember the others have had that problem.
I have been trying to write a review for some time, but I just can't find the words easily so I will do a good/not so good review!
Good:
-The jokes! So many jokes and puns again and I am loving it. I always look forward to seeing what kind of jokes we will get in each book. What will Mr. Bold have this time.
-Seeing the grandmother. I am happy that we get to see her finally and that the kids are able to see their grandmother and have a jolly old time with her. She also looks exactly how I would see her.
Though maybe she shouldn't destroy an entire home. :P
-Instead of an animal in need to turn into a human we have it the way around in this one and I just loved it. Not only because it was a fun new thing, but also for our tiny little monkey who could finally be herself and help out someone else.
-It was tons of fun to see them doing all sorts of things to turn him more monkey like. He was already fabulous as it was but with the help of the Bold and their friends/family they made him totally awesome. What skills!
-The reaction of the principal/headmaster. I definitely hadn't expected her reaction, but it made me smile so so much. How wonderful. I am sure she will be a great addition to the cast.
-Finding out a bit more about Mr and Mrs. Bold.
-Meeting new animals and finding out about animals who are being human.
-The illustrations are still so so so good.
-Seeing the kids go wild and discover their hyena side was just fantastic.
-The ending was fun, what a way to bring grandma back again.
-It was quite funny to see how grandma got to her family. Poor people who encountered her/almost encountered her. :P
Not so good:
-While I love the grandma and I understand that she has her reasons, but to do that while her son and his wife have clearly told you their existence should be hidden then don't do what you did to your grandchildren. Sure, in the end it turned out OK, but it could have ended terribly.
All in all, a fabulous part in the series and I can't wait for the next one.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
October 8, 2019
I just love the fun in the Bolds!
July 19, 2020
I really loved it! It was amazing! How they taught a human to be an animal and how Mr Bold's Mum came and met them!
Want to read
September 30, 2021LET ME READ MY BOOK
Read
January 14, 2022IT WAS WILD AND AMAZING!!
September 29, 2022
I loved it
May 13, 2024
134: 2024
Great to be back in Teddington. :)
Great to be back in Teddington. :)
August 22, 2025
Read this with the grandchildren and they absolutely adored it, “just one more chapter please”. Now we need to read the other books in the series.
February 21, 2021
Roots, family and laughs.
Book 5 and Clary still manages to continue the winning formula. Simple characters who like helping others, with plots that explore their unique characteristics and play on them.
By this I mean that it's all about a family of hyenas of course, domesticated and happy in a human world, who don't want their comfortable lives to change, but who help others who do. With their laughter aimed at creating knock knock jokes (Mr Bold's job, a few sometimes even make ME smile!), the family are set on blending in while still retaining smidgens of their wild selves.
In this episode, these limits are tested a little when Mr Bold's mother covertly sneaks across from Africa to see her son and meet her grandchildren. Causing, of course, a little mayhem in their lives. And a new problem arises when it becomes clear that Bobby and Betty's headteacher has her own animal-themed problem with her teenage son who spends his time climbing, eating bananas and grunting.
A simple pair of plots intertwine, and will be to the delight of readers. Roberts' amusing black and white illustrations, regular knock knock jokes and a breezy narration by the author give this series a winning formula that doesn't become all about the jokes, witty wordplay or zaniness. It's rather effortless, enjoyable storytelling with familiar and loveable characters.
For ages 6-11.
Book 5 and Clary still manages to continue the winning formula. Simple characters who like helping others, with plots that explore their unique characteristics and play on them.
By this I mean that it's all about a family of hyenas of course, domesticated and happy in a human world, who don't want their comfortable lives to change, but who help others who do. With their laughter aimed at creating knock knock jokes (Mr Bold's job, a few sometimes even make ME smile!), the family are set on blending in while still retaining smidgens of their wild selves.
In this episode, these limits are tested a little when Mr Bold's mother covertly sneaks across from Africa to see her son and meet her grandchildren. Causing, of course, a little mayhem in their lives. And a new problem arises when it becomes clear that Bobby and Betty's headteacher has her own animal-themed problem with her teenage son who spends his time climbing, eating bananas and grunting.
A simple pair of plots intertwine, and will be to the delight of readers. Roberts' amusing black and white illustrations, regular knock knock jokes and a breezy narration by the author give this series a winning formula that doesn't become all about the jokes, witty wordplay or zaniness. It's rather effortless, enjoyable storytelling with familiar and loveable characters.
For ages 6-11.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews