Der kleine Nick und seine Bande (Nicholas and the Gang)

Author: René Goscinny, Jean-Jacques Sempé (illust.)
Original Title: Le Petit Nicolas et les Copains
Genre: Children's book

Original publisher: Denoël,
Date first published: 1963
Date first read: 1994/1995

Main character(s): Nicolas (aka Nick, a boy of 7 or 8 years), Alceste (aka Otto, Nick's best friend, who likes to eat a lot), Rufus (aka Roland, Nick's classmate, whose dad is the policeman, and who therefore has a whistle he uses a lot), Clotaire (aka Chlodwig, Nick's classmate, who has the worst grades but is a great guy), Eudes (aka Franz, Nick's classmate, who is the strongest in the group and tends to resolve problems with his fists), Geoffroy (aka Georg, Nick's classmate, whose father is very rich and who is therfore very spoiled), Joachim (Nick's classmate, who likes to wear a beret and gets a little brother one day), Agnan (aka Adalbert, Nick's classmate, the best in the class and teacher's pet, who wears glasses), Maixent (aka Max, Nick's classmate, who is as fast as Nick in running), Marie-Edwige (aka Marie-Hedwig, Nick's pretty neighbor and his friend), Louisette (aka Louise, who plays soccer better than some boys), Nick's mother and father, the Teacher, the school's Principal, M. Dubon, "le Bouillon" (aka Herr Hühnerfeld, or "Herr Hühnerbrüh", a strict teacher at Nick's school)
Favorite quote: N/A

Synopsis:
And the next round of stories is upon us. This time, it's 18 new stories about Nick and his friends and all their shenanigans. For example, the story when Nick gets a camera from his grandmother and takes pictures of everyone, which turn out quite great, except that his mom doesn't like the ones of her so much. Or the times when the gang winds up with new hobbies, such as collecting stamps or getting guppies as pets. And then there is that one where Nick actually goes over to Adalbert to play - well, that's a thing to behold!

Review:
What can I say, these stories continue to amuse. Nick's adventures with his friends are just too funny. The soccer game at the end is particularly entertaining - but you'll have to read that one on your own. :)

Prequels: Der kleine Nick; Der kleine Nick und die Schule; Der kleine Nick und die Ferien

Sequels: Der kleine Nick und die Mädchen