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.