Julian Clary's debut children’s novel, The Bolds, is published on 30 July.

For children aged 8 and above, The Bolds is about a family of hyenas who impersonate humans, using elaborate disguises to hide their secret lives from their neighbours, while living in a very ordinary suburban house in Teddington. The series is set to capture the imaginations of readers young and old. Bringing to life the vibrant world of The Bolds, will be award-winning illustrator David Roberts.

Remaining one of the country's best loved entertainers, Julian's popularity has endured across a three-decade career in showbusiness. He is not only a comedian but presenter, author and established pantomime star. His colourful career has seen him win Celebrity Big Brother in 2012, become a Sunday Times best-selling novelist, complete countless smash-hit tours and more recently lent his sharp tongue to the judging panel on Your Face Sounds Familiar (ITV) and shared his fascinating personal story on Piers Morgan’s Life Stories (ITV). 

Clary has already published a memoir and several adult novels, but this is his first time writing for children. He says: “I wanted to write a children’s book to relive the thrill I used to get as a child entering a fictional world. The idea came from stories I used to make up for myself as a child, and I grew up in Teddington – a very suburban place with tree-lined streets and a nice park – so it seemed right and proper to set it there. I am thrilled to have the wonderful illustrator David Roberts bring The Bolds to life for me. He has the ability to convey my humour brilliantly and his drawings are always funny and endearing. Mrs Bold’s hats are a particular delight!” 

Order The Bolds here.