Alex T. Smith’s books: a complete guide
Discover the works of children's author and illustrator, Alex T. Smith, from his bestselling Claude series to the new Astrid and the Space Cadets books.
With exciting storylines, memorable characters and bold illustrations, Alex T. Smith has become a firm favourite with many children and their grown-ups. He's taken us on days out with Claude, spread festive (and not so festive) cheer with Winston and The Grumpus, and, most recently, sent us to space to follow the adventures of Astrid and her friends.
Whether you are after a timeless adventure book or a cosy Christmas tale, discover our guide to Alex T. Smith here.
Alex T. Smith’s Astrid and the Space Cadets series
5, 4, 3, 2, 1 . . . BLAST OFF! Join Astrid and her friends, The Cadets, as they blast off on board the spaceship Stardust. They'll have to fly under boiling hot lava waterfalls, zoom through fields of flaming flowers and sneak past a big, toothy, scary space monster, and that's just one mission. Fall in love with the characters in this fast-paced illustrated adventure for children aged 5 to 7 who are starting to read independently.
Alex T. Smith's Christmas books
It wouldn't be Christmas without one of Alex T. Smith's charming festive tales, featuring the brave little mouse Winston, the grumpy Grumpus and more.
How Winston Delivered Christmas
by Alex T. Smith
Winston the mouse is on a Very Important Mission. On Christmas Eve, he finds a letter to Father Christmas that did not make it to the post box – so, with no time to lose, he sets out to deliver it himself in time for Christmas Day! Written in twenty-four-and-a-half chapters, one to enjoy each day in the lead up to Christmas, this is the perfect festive read for all the family to enjoy together.
How Winston Came Home for Christmas
by Alex T. Smith
Join Winston the mouse for a second time round! Once again, he has a Very Curious Mystery to solve. With just five days until Christmas, he must travel around the world to find a missing mouse, and make it back home in time for the big day. No matter what. With crafting decorations, Christmas food to make, and a celebration of Christmas traditions from around the world, this will be a sure festive favoruite year after year.
The Grumpus
by Alex T. Smith
Do you know about The Grumpus? And his Dastardly, Dreadful Christmas Plan? And about the Awful Thing that happened at the North Pole on Christmas Eve? Perhaps I should tell you about it . . .
Inspired by The Krampus and with a hint of The Grinch, The Grumpus is a heartwarming story that celebrates the true meaning of Christmas, a perfect gift for 5-8 year-olds.
The Nutcracker
by Alex T. Smith
Alex T. Smith knows how to do Christmas, and his retelling of children's classic, The Nutcracker, is no exception. The Mouse King is up to some very sneaky shenanigans and Clara and Fritz Strudel, and their new friend the Nutcracker, are the only ones who can stop him. But when a magical curse is put on Fritz, it's a race against time to make it to the Kingdom of Sweets and find the Sugar Plum Fairy – the only one who can break the spell! With a chapter to enjoy each day in December, count down to Christmas with The Nutcracker.
Grandma is Overly Generous
by Alex T. Smith
On the first day of Christmas my Grandma sent to me . . . Grandma's presents may start off sensible – a partridge is easy enough to take care of – but her generosity soon gets wildly out of hand. A witty new take on the festive classic The Twelve Days of Christmas, this brand new small hardback is the perfect gift for 5 to 9 year-olds.
Alex T. Smith's Claude series
Now also a children's TV show, Claude is an illustrated early chapter book series. Follow Claude the dog and his side-kick Sir Bobblysock as they visit the city, circus, ski slopes and more!
Claude in the City
Alex T. Smith
Claude on Holiday
Alex T. Smith
Claude at the Circus
Alex T. Smith
Claude in the Country
Alex T. Smith
Claude in the Spotlight
Alex T. Smith
Claude on the Slopes
Alex T. Smith
Claude: Lights! Camera! Action!
Alex T. Smith
Santa Claude
Alex T. Smith
Claude Going for Gold!
Alex T. Smith
Claude at the Palace
Alex T. Smith
Alex T. Smith's Mr Penguin Series
Meet Mr Penguin: penguin and adventurer. With slapstick humour, plenty of mystery and illustrated with a striking orange and black design, this series is perfect for middle grade readers.
Mr Penguin and the Lost Treasure
Alex T. Smith
Mr Penguin and the Fortress of Secrets
Alex T. Smith
Mr Penguin and the Catastrophic Cruise
Alex T. Smith