Showing posts with label Kristy Caldwell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kristy Caldwell. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Review: Bobs and Tweets Scout Camp! by Pepper Springfield


BOBS AND TWEETS
SCOUT CAMP!
Book #4
by Pepper Springfield 
Illustrated by Kristy Caldwell
Scholastic Inc.
Children's Humor
60 pages
ages 6 and up



The Bobs and Tweets are back for a whole new summer adventure. Their next destination: camp! In Pepper Springfield’s latest book BOBS AND TWEETS: Scout Camp! (Scholastic; August 1st, 2019; Original Trade Paperback; ISBN: 978-1-338-35540-6) illustrated by Kristy Caldwell, readers join the Bonefish Scouts as Bus Driver Joan leads them on a trip filled with sing-songy hikes, breathtaking views, tippy canoes, smores, and more camp fun!

But when Scout Leader Mike splits the group in two for a “team-building” exercise that forces them into survival mode, the Bobs and Tweets must work together in order to overcome some serious challenges. Will the scouts be able to pitch a tent, build a fire, and boil water before the ominous storm clouds keep them from finding their way home?

Scout Camp!  flawlessly demonstrates just how far a little teamwork and problem-solving can go when learning new skills and having fun along the way!


KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN 
FOR IT TO APPEAR ON 
AUGUST 1ST!!!


MY TIDBITS

Excitement, fun, and a little chaos abound in this silly yet meaningful tale.

Bob and Tweet are just as excited as their friends as they head off to Scout Camp. All sorts of adventures...and questions for the kids...await as they bound off into this new adventure. Just when Bob and Tweet are settling in, a surprise pulls them apart and has them competing against each other. But Bob and Tweet are best friends through and through, even when things get rocky for a time.

This is the fourth book in the Bobs and Tweets series. Although it helps to understand the two by starting with the first book, it's by no means necessary to understand what's going on. In other words, this can be read as a stand alone.

While the other books concentrate more on Bobs and Tweets, this one allows their classmates to shine as well. The excitement of heading off to camp radiates from the page as various characters constantly throw out statements, changing the topic as fast and furious as camp really hits for the first time. It's a bit chaotic, and that's perfect.

The illustrations are as fun as the text and add just the right touch to make this a grab for even more reluctant readers. The story is kept concise and short, allowing the quirky fun to remain front and center. Even when the valuable message hits (and there is one that kids can relate too), it's instantly caught along in the fast-paced current. In other words, it's clear but never blatantly so. It's the kind of story to simply enjoy in all of it's ridiculousness, friendship and camp fun.



And here are the other books by Pepper Springfield...


Thursday, October 4, 2018

Review: Trick or Tweet by Pepper Springfield


TRICK OR TWEET
Bobs and Tweets, Book Three
by Pepper Springfield
Illustrated by Kristy Caldwell
Scholastic Inc.
Middle Grade Humor / Adventure
64 pages




Lou Tweet and Dean Bob can't wait to go trick-or-treating on Bonefish Street on Halloween. This year, they're entering the Best Halloween Block contest, which means they need to visit every house and mark down each delicious treat that they receive.

But with spooky houses, a power outtage, and another big Tweets and Bobs family feud, will Lou and Dean be able to accomplish their task and win the contest? Find out in another spooky installment of Bobs and Tweets, this time with funhouses, new friends, and lots and lots of candy!

This third book in the Bobs and Tweets series is filled with full-color illustrations and high-interest rhymes that's just right for reluctant readers. It's Dr. Seuss meets Captain Underpants wrapped into one zany Halloween adventure! So go ahead, read and laugh and trick-or-treat with the Bobs and Tweets!
 



MY TIDBITS

Unexpected adventure awaits on every page as this fun duo head out for a spooky and special Halloween night.

Bob and Tweet finally have permission to head out trick or treating on their own. Not only are they carrying big enough bags for all the treats they hope to collect but are hoping to win a contest which is all about trick or treating in their neighborhood. The map is ready, and they're doing pretty well. Then, a huge problem strikes. The power goes out along the entire street. Bob and Tweet are sure they can handle it, but they are not alone.

This is a cute, quirky story for those kids who are ready to hit their first chapter books. The text rhymes, giving it a sense of fun and silliness. The vocabulary is just right for kids ages seven to nine, and the pacing moves along quick enough to keep readers on their toes. This is one of those books even reluctant readers won't shy away from, not only thanks to the humorous tale but also because of the bright and bold illustrations. Reading is kept fun the entire way through.

Bob and Tweet each have their own way of doing things (as do their families), but they fit together nicely and stand together as true friends should. They both are proud to be themselves and head into the world with this wonderfully, individualistic attitude. This self-assurance is even seen in their costumes. The way they handle those around them is an inspiration and touches on acceptance and reaching out to help others. But these good messages never overpower the giggles and fun.




Monday, June 26, 2017

Review: Meet the Bobs and Tweets Perfecto Pet Show by Pepper Springfield



MEET THE BOBS AND TWEETS
Book #2: Perfecto Pet Show
by Pepper Springfield
Illustrated by Kristy Caldwell
Scholastic Inc.
ages 7+
Page Count: 80

COMING. . .
JUNE 27th!!!


Last spring, debut author and illustrator team Pepper Springfield and Kristy Caldwell introduced readers to two distinctive families, the Bobs and the Tweets, in a new series BOBS AND TWEETS. In its enthusiastic review of the first book, Meet the Bobs and Tweets, Booklist said, “Antics abound, and kids will be eager for more in future adventures.” Now, just in time for summer reading, theescapades continue in BOBS AND TWEETS: Perfecto Pet Show (Scholastic; June 27, 2017; 9780545870733).

When last seen, the Bobs and Tweets had moved across from each other on Bonefish Street at the recommendation of Mo, a wacky and wise community leader with a sense of humor. The problem: The Tweets are super neat and the Bobs are just plain slobs, and there just may not be enough room for the two families on the same street. But not all Bobs and Tweets are exactly the same! The two youngest members of these outrageous families—Lou Tweet and Dean Bob—have personalities all their own. When Lou and Dean meet at the town pool they become fast friends.

In Perfecto Pet Show, everyone is super-excited because Lou and Dean’s teacher, Ms. Pat, is hosting an afternoon of entertainment featuring kids and their pets. Anything goes she says, as long as each act runs for just three minutes. Lou decides on a rock-n-roll number with her cat, Pretty Kitty, and Dean plans to play the banjo with his pitbull, Chopper. When a giant bikecollision and a case of stage-fright threaten to ruin the fun, the Bobs and the Tweets have to depend on each other and the differences they once thought were intolerable. Will both families put aside their stubborn ways and save the day?

Written in rhyming verse that is perfect for reading aloud, and clever four-color illustrations throughout, BOBS AND TWEETS is an excellent series for emerging readers. The friendship between Lou Tweet and Dean Bob is a wonderful example of how opposites acting together are stronger than they are apart. More adventures will be here soon!



MY TIDBITS


Flowing with quirky rhymes and tons of fun, this is a read sure to grab even more reluctant readers and keep them engaged until the last page.

Bob and Tweet can't wait to perform in the school's pet show, but it's not going to be as easy as it seems. Bob's family members are slobs, while Tweet's are neat. Somehow they need to come together to make the show a success.

The first, quick flip through the slender book makes it clear that this is not an average chapter book. The pages are chucked full of lively illustrations, accompanied only by a small amount of text. The words themselves are set in playful rhyme. The rhyme strikes odd at first, but sets the perfect atmosphere. The words flow and are as bouncy as the illustrations and adventure. It sneaks in a warm message about friendship and overcoming differences, but this more serious side lays under layers of silly fun.

This isn't a book for the youngest listeners but works well as a read aloud for ages 5+. Beginning readers will enjoy the quick paced tale, and even slightly younger middle graders, who simply want a fun read instead of diving into a deep adventure, will enjoy a flip through this zany tale. 





What Do Teachers and Kids Say About the Bobs and Tweets?

“My students absolutely LOVED this book!” – Jessie, Grade School Teacher


“I want to read more Bobs and Tweets stories, [they are] good for kids who like Dr. Seuss. It makes reading fun!” – Sophia, 3rd Grade




All About the Author. . .

Pepper Springfield (aka Judy Newman to close friends and family), was born and raised inMassachusetts. She loves rock ‘n’ roll and chocolate, just like Lou Tweet. And, like Dean Bob, she loves to read and do crossword puzzles. Over the years, Pepper has loved all kinds of pets: dogs, cats, hamsters, turtles, fish, a bunny, and an imaginary monkey. Judy hates the spotlight, but Pepper is getting used to it! If Pepper had to choose, she would be a Tweet by day and a Bob at night.




All About the Illustrator. . .

Kristy Caldwell received an MFA in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts. She is a full-time illustrator and a part-time Tweet. While working at her art studio in Brooklyn, NY, Kristy gets her creativity on like Lou Tweet, drinks tea like Dean Bob, and hangs out with her energetic dog friend Dutch.