Clovis Suspects a Sneak

Clovis #2

by Katelyn Aronson, Benji Williams (illustrator)

With winter in full swing, Clovis’s shop has never been cozier, and Clovis never calmer. Holiday decor, mugs of Earl Grey tea, and batches of his granny’s caramel recipe put him in a cheery mood with not a flurry of his temper in sight.

Though his bullying days are over, Clovis is still working on trust, and as things disappear from his shop, he can’t help but suspect those closest to him. Soon, he’s hovering over regular customers, accusing his best friends, and even questioning his cat! His mounting mistrust drives everyone away and leaves Clovis feeling like a cold, soggy teabag that no kettle could warm.

Desperate to crack the case, he again takes inspiration from Granny, stirring up a sweet setup to catch the culprit. But when the mystery of the missing items is not what it seems, can Clovis keep his cool and warm his heart enough to restore peace to his shop? After all, he’s a bull, not a bully.

Ready to be read aloud on frosty winter days or at any time of year, this heartwarming tale is a perfect reminder to trust in friends and be gentle and generous even in tough moments.

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction, Friendship, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 29, 2024

About the author

Katelyn Aronson grew up in Southern California, where she went on to work in independent children's bookshops as a handseller, manager, and purchaser.

She won her first trip to Paris in a bookstore window display contest, and the rest was history. She moved to France permanently a few years later.

She has a degree in Liberal Arts, a degree in Language Didactics, and a bilingual Master’s in English/French from La Sorbonne University, Paris. Today, she lives between France and Switzerland and works as a bilingual language instructor.

She has 8 children's books in the publishing pipeline, as well as poems published in various children's magazines.

Reviews

[Candace Spizzirri · Rating 5 out of 5]

CLOVIS SUSPECTS A SNEAK, the second book in the Clovis series by Katelyn Aronson, is a delightful tale with a twist. Aronson has done it again in creating a fun read-aloud kids and adults alike will reach for time and time again. As winter and the holiday season approaches, Clovis, the bull, prepares his cozy shop. But when items keep disappearing, Clovis becomes suspicious of shoppers, friends, and even his cat. Follow along and be as surprised as our bull when the truth and culprit are finally revealed. Heartwarming, sweet, and suspenseful for readers of all ages! Illustrations by Benjii Williams are colorful, and engaging, and perfectly complement Aronson’s lively text. 100% recommended and a new personal favorite!

[Tonya Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming mystery about a lovable bull in a China shop. Clovis is excited about preparing for the holidays until his seasonal treats turn up missing. Are his friends stealing his goodies? I enjoyed the fun story, the word play, the animal characters, and the adorable illustrations. Readers will also learn lessons about kindness and handling their emotions. This book is the perfect read for the holidays or anytime!

[Dow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clovis, your favorite bull, is back! A mystery of missing items from his tea shop makes him grumpy. This is a cute story that kids will enjoy. Loved the little flashback to young Clovis and his grandmother especially. The art is well done with lots of details to enjoy.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Clovis’ second book, his calm and comfortable China shop is being robbed and in the process of trying to figure out the culprit, he alienates his friends. Using his Granny’s secret caramel recipe, Clovis sets a sweet trap. The discovery of the thief leads to laughter, regret and finally, forgiveness.

Sweet, fun story that will naturally lead to all sorts of follow up discussions about trust, friendship, honesty and suspicion. The warm and detailed illustrations will encourage conversation and foster vocabulary development among young listeners. Older readers may appreciate the irony of the bull in a china shop.

Great choice for library collections serving toddlers through grade 3.

[Meg]

I didn't think there was anything special about this book... but my three year old nephew is OBSESSED with "the Sneak Book" and asks for it every. day.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this "bull in a china shop" inspired story. In this second installment with delightful illustrations, Clovis is distressed to discover that certain items in his store have gone astray. Was a customer helping themselves and sneaking off with his stock? How else would a silver bowl, sugar lumps, and tea lights go missing? Suspicions of thievery blossom, and Clovis focuses his beady bull's eyes on customers and friends browsing the merchandise. But his surveillance makes everyone uncomfortable and customers stop coming by. Clovis is left seething and sad. If only Granny was here - she'd know what to do. Gosh, he missed her! As Clovis reminisces and sweet memories of his granny fill his head and heart, the spark of a solution to his sticky-fingered customer appears. Soon Clovis makes a surprising discovery - the culprit isn't a sneaky THIEF after all.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katelyn Aronson does it again! In Clovis Suspects a Sneak, she brings us the coziness and humor that have become her hallmark. The story opens in the holiday season with cinnamon in the air and caramels on the stove. Yet, as the title suggests, Clovis soon notices things disappearing and suspects that there is a thief among his customers and friends. Suspecting everyone, however, is no fun, so Clovis sets a trap. I won't tell you who he catches and spoil the ending for you. Just know that it is as warm-hearted as all of Aronson's endings. You'll want to read this one at holiday time with a warm cup of tea for each of the readers.

[Laura Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clovis Suspects a Sneak is a delightful addition to Aronson’s Clovis series. When items in Clovis’s China shop go missing, he blames those closest to him — including his friends. He struggles to trust them, which makes his heart feel like a “cold, soggy tea bag.” However, things aren’t always what they appear to be. He sets a trap to find out who the real culprit is and once the sneak’s identity is revealed he knows that he must make amends and set things right. Told with humor and heart, with amazing artwork by Williams, Clovis Suspects a Sneak is a nota-bull story and makes for a great read aloud!

[Sharon Giltrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

CLOVIS SUSPECTS A SNEAK continues the shenanigans in Clovis's china shop. But this time it is a mystery story as things start to go missing. Clovis is upset and wants to find the sneak. But he gets carried away and starts to accuse his friends. Who don't appreciate the accusations. Aronson's captivating story shows us that we need to look a little closer to see what is actually happening. A great story to facilitate children's social and emotional learning and to read again and again. Williams' illustrations perfectly compliment the story, and the style is reminiscent of fairy tales. Great work team!

[Nathan Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, cozy story with warm tea and holiday vibes. This will be a perfect read aloud during the colder months. Clovis, the bull, is a lovable character, just trying his best to keep his cool and trust others while dealing with a mystery (which adds fun and kept my kids guessing). We loved how the book explores friendship and trust in a kid-friendly way. The illustrations are beautiful and really bring out the cozy feel of Clovis's shop, and his warm memories with granny. I highly recommend this heartwarming reminder to be patient and generous with the people we care about.

[Judy Sobanski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katelyn Aronson brings us the second in a series of stories featuring the lovable, yet this time suspicious, Clovis the bull. in CLOVIS SUSPECTS A SNEAK, Clovis is content taking care of his lovely tea shop when items suddenly begin disappearing. Who is the sneak? A friend? A customer? When the real thief is found, Clovis and the thief realize apologies are in order and amends must be made so the holidays can be celebrated by all! A delightful story full of mystery, fun and heart! Benji Williams's colorful illustrations bring life to Clovis and his world.

[Lindsay Bonilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clovis is back in this cute holiday tale from author Katelyn Aronson and illustrator Benji Williams!
When Clovis notices things missing from his tea shop, he begins to suspect everyone, from his clients to his friends to his cat. His growing suspicions push others away and have him feeling soggier than a tea bag. Memories of his Granny Grace help him think up a plan to catch the sneak! Young readers will enjoy making the discovery along with Clovis and appreciate the way he makes amends with his friends too!

[Jen Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids will immediately be intrigued by the idea of a bull owning a china shop and they'll be hooked by the mystery of the disappearing items. "Who is the thief?" they'll ask along with Clovis, as he accuses his friends and then "Am I a bully?" as he realizes he's been unjust. Deep questions for a young reader, but ones handled deftly by this author, with the help of Clovis' wise grandmother! Illustrations enhance the suspense and emotional states of each character, especially Kitty, the cat, who's definitely my fave!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Page Street Kids through SLJ Day of Dialogue October 2024.
Clovis is back and learns a hard lesson about suspicions and not trusting his friends. Several items have disappeared from his shop and he watches his customers with suspicion. This carries over to his team at football practice. When he finally learns who took the items, he realizes he needs to apologize to everyone and restore his friendships. The illustrations offer hints and flesh out the story.

[Michael Benner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful sequel to CLOVIS KEEPS HIS COOL. When things go missing from Clovis's shop, he suspects his customers, friends, and even his cat are at fault. The story provides a good conversation starter about trust and suspicion (and how to act when your own things go missing, which happens all the time with siblings!). You'll have fun reading this out loud to your own kids, who will surely be entertained by the story and the beautiful illustrations.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clovis returns in this holiday-themed turn where precious items in his shop keep going missing! Every family can relate to the suspicion, frustration and anger that arise when items are lost or taken, whether its a favorite toy or the last piece of cake, as well as the all-too-important reminder to always ask before taking things. The charming illustrations and trying to suss out the sneaky sneak will be big draws for kids and adults alike!

[Lynn Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clovis the bull is back with a heartwarming story about not jumping to conclusions. When items start to go missing from his cozy tea shop, Clovis starts to suspect everyone, driving his friends and customers away. Kids will love solving the mystery of the missing merchandise along with Clovis, while perhaps learning a few things about trust and generosity along the way. The illustrations are full of fun details that make Clovis’ tea shop a very appealing place.

[Heather Stigall · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this third installment of the Clovis series, the bull in the china shop continues his inner battle remain cool. But this time, it’s because he suspects someone has been running off with some of his favorite things. Which of his friends is the thief?! This book has a fun premise, darling art, a touch of mystery and, even though the text and art hint at winter holiday season, there is no mention of any specific holiday, making it an inclusive cozy winter read.

[Stephanie Gibeault · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s wintertime and Clovis, the bull in a china shop, decorates in celebration. But when items begin to disappear from his shop, he becomes suspicious of everybody—his clients, his friends, and even his cat. Who could be stealing from him? Clovis is about to lose his cool when he decides to set a trap. You’ll never guess who the thief turns out to be. With themes of kindness and how to handle big emotions, this mystery is just as charming as the cozy china shop it’s set in!

[Erin Dealey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy to see a new CLOVIS book out in the kidlit world, and this one is just as good as the first (CLOVIS KEEPS HIS COOL). I love that it's a cozy winter book about trusting friends. I appreciate the subtle reminders about friendship from our wonderful bull as he investigates another mystery. Bravo! Must-read, and perfect for home or the classroom.

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clovis the bull keeps having things go missing in his China Shop. Soon he starts suspecting everyone from his customers to his friends to his own cat, and it's hard for him to keep his cool. Kids will like how Clovis figures out how to solve this problem, and I like how Clovis reacts when he discovers the real reason for the missing items. This whodunit is perfect for elementary school-age kids.

[Gabriella Aldeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clovis is back! And this time he is suspicious. Things at the shop have been missing... is someone stealing? But who? Read along as Clovis follows the clues and questions everyone he knows... but will his suspicions turn this bull into a bully?
This is a great follow up book in the beloved series of the sweetest bull and his china shop.

[Marzieh Abbas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply brilliant. Will keep kids and adults glued from the first page. And the warmy caramel-y feels will make readers want to pick it up again and again. I loved the suspense, humor, organic flow, and warmy wintery feels. Clovis continues to be one of my favorite series!

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Clovis' possessions keep disappearing, he begins suspecting everyone around him. Adorable picture book with a fun little mystery. Thank you for the ARC at SLJ: Day of Dialog!
I'm so glad to learn there are more Clovis books, I want to read them all!

[Patricia Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clovis continues to charm! Katelyn Arenson is a master storyteller. She infuses Clovis with familiar human foibles and at the same time engages her young readers with a mystery to solve. Benji Williams' illustrations add just the right note of poignancy, surprise, and wit to the tale.

[skcocnaH · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, but… Is no one going to talk about the fact that the mouse was indeed stealing things from Clovis? Even though she was scared of him, she can’t just eat all his food and call it good because he’s big and “scary”.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as hit-you-in-the-feels as the first one, but still a solid follow-up. Love that it takes place around the Christmas season as well.

[ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

very apt to be reading this time of year! the twist at the end was really great too!

[Robin Pelletier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Clovis when he was just a bull in a china shop and I love him more in this holiday/winter themed picture book too! As always, the illustrations make this picture book incredible!

[Jessica Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the illustrations alright. The story was pretty good, as well as the moral of the story. I just didn't love it. I wouldn't own it, but I'll definitely use my library's copy.