Le Petit Nicolas et Les Copains

This collection brings together stories about Nicolas, a schoolboy in 1960s France, and his gang of friends, including Alceste, who is always eating, Geoffroy, who is rich, Agnan, the top of the class, and Clotaire, who is always last. Written by René Goscinny and drawn by Jean-Jacques Sempé, the stories involve football matches, school pranks, birthday parties and misunderstandings with parents and the teacher.

Meant for children and for adults who grew up with Nicolas. The humour comes from the earnest, slightly mistaken voice of the narrator, and Sempé's loose pen-and-ink drawings make every page lively.

Practical, clear-cut and escapist; an easy read.

Best for readers like The Curious Generalist. Which reader are you?