Grimble & Grimble at Christmas

by Clement Freud, Quentin Blake (Illustrator)

Ten-year-old Grimble has some unusual adventures trying to cope with his vague and forgetful parents.

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Humor

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

An old childhood favourite I have recently revisited. A satisfying and funny read to pass down through generations if you have children!

[Sarahjoy Maddeaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is simultaneously the funniest and saddest book. If you like Clement Freud, you will love it. Quentin Blake's distinctive illustrations add to the charm. If you don't like Clement Freud, I feel sad for you.

[Libby Koponen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very funny book and not as famous as it deserves to be. I only heard of it because JK Rowling said it was one of her favorites. It made me laugh out loud in many places.

[Alex Furby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book for children.

[Fabbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a child several times and flicked through it again recently. It is absolutely hilarious. I would recommend it to anyone of any age.

[Ruqayyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining

[Christie Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
hard copy

[Jo Beale]

1974 Jo

[Kyna Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a comfort book for me. I've read it probably about 10 times and it's just as good each and every time. It's funny, sad and such an easy read.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful pair of tales. I laughed out loud numerous times. My son loved it too.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

We found the first chapter of Grimble in a book called Funny Stories that the boys grandma had sent them for Christmas. That book is filled with really wonderful English stories - so smart and so very funny all of them. We were so enamored of Grimble that we went on a hunt for the whole book. It is out of print, but Nana found it used and sent it to the boys. It was laugh out loud funny and very smart. I hope that it is back in print someday.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it. Clement Freud is rather playful, and I think some of the fun would go over the younger reader's head. But some kids would get it. Reminds me of Philip Ardagh, but it's less surreal and wacky. Subtler, but with the same kind of offbeat humour. It's also gentler. Nothing gruesome in here. (Unless you take the idea of a ten year old child being left alone at home for a week seriously. You're not meant to.)

[Maggy Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous, witty, quirky book with two stories.

In 'Grimble at Christmas', Grimble fears that his rather bohemian parents have forgotten Christmas and so it is down to him to organise everything. This involves lots of preparations, like his home toast delivery service and the making of onion fudge. Wonderfully written and charming, 'Grimble' is an absolute must! Think Roald Dahl, but without the dark bits.

[Stephen A. Corry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grimble is such a funny story about a boy who comes home from school to find his parents have gone to Peru for a week. Even now it still makes me laugh. It’s a delightful story… and takes me back to Mrs Lane’s class in Primary when she first read the book to us.

My all-time childhood favourite books.

[Matthew Bice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is by the grandson of Sigmund Freud. After I read it I decide I would name my first son Grimble. Then I discover that a "Grindle" is another word for a taint. I will not not be naming my son Grimble.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it when I was young...don't know if it'd still be in fashion!

[Lucy Parat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious, quirky, Python-esque, Brit humor at it's best. A lucky 2nd hand shop find.

[Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite books of all time I've re-read it so many times , it's so funny! Whenever anyone says actually... I think of grimble, you'd know what I'm talking about if you'd read it - classic!

[Jenni Myburgh · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my first independent purchases as a young child - I loved it then and I love it now. I reread it a few times a year!