Freddy the Pig Books

Freddy Anniversary Collection

Walter R. Brooks

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Educational and entertaining: dynamite! 5 out of 5 stars.
14 of 14 people found this review helpful.

Brooks wrote the Freddy series between 1927 and 1958. They combine superb character development, unbelievable educational content, and generally mesmerizing entertainment. They are appropriate for reading to children as young as five or six, and make excellent readers for children from nine to as old as early teens.

If you read Freddy to very young children, expect to leave out some slower-moving segments and provide lots of side explanations. The good news is that these books can make your kids WANT to know more about judges and juries, bond and bail, the electoral process, World War II, banking, newspaper publishing, geography, ... I could go on and on. The vocabulary-building value is also enormous: words like "constituents" and "torrid" are sprinkled in throughout.

If you look at the membership of the Friends of Freddy organization, you'll find it is predominantly male. I think that's because of the book titles, not the content. My second grade daughter looks forward to my reading Freddy every night. She has named toys after Brooks' characters. Brooks handles the characters and their relationships so deftly that literary experts have suggested that these works actually inspired Orwell's Animal Farm. Oh, and the president of the First Animal Republic was a female.

Before Overlook republished the entire series, some rarer titles were bringing as high as $200 each. That fact aside, this combination of the first three titles in a single volume is a terrific bargain. I would argue that Freddy Goes to Florida and Freddy the Detective are the two best books of the 26 book series anyway.

In this age of unlimited access to Disney DVDs and slam-bam, in-your-face video games, the Freddy series just might be your kids' ticket back to calmer, more thoughtful, and much more valuable entertainment. But be warned: you may find your fifth grader reading under his blankets with a flashlight long after he's supposed to be asleep. It happened to my parents when I was in the fifth grade.

Editorial Review:

Here, together for the first time, are the first three Freddy books that Walter Brooks wrote, in a single volume, in the order in which they first appeared. Freddy Goes to Florida (first published as To and Again), alongside Freddy Goes to the North Pole (More To and Again), followed by the unforgettable Freddy the Detective-each lavishly illustrated by Kurt Wiese. These are Walter Brooks's first forays into the world of Freddy and his Bean Farm, to which he would return over and over again during the next three decades to create a total of twenty-six Freddy books. With a foil-stamped jacket and color plates of the original jacket and endpaper art, The Freddy Anniversary Collection is the perfect thing for fans and initiates alike: a great starter package, and a great collector's edition.

Freddy the Detective

Walter R. Brooks

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

"Oh, I am the King of Detectives, / And when I am out on the trail / All the animal criminals tremble, / And the criminal animals quail..." boasts Freddy, the poetry-prone, Sherlock Holmes-obsessed pig who stars in Walter R. Brooks's beloved series. From 1927 to 1958, Brooks wrote 26 Freddy books--including Freddy Goes to Florida--all focused on the well-rounded pig, who has been described by various fans as ingenious, intelligent, loyal, and resourceful. Since Brooks's books fell out of print, librarians across the country have scrounged up copies wherever possible, even resorting to photocopying the books and binding them with hockey-stick tape! To the delight of thousands, the fabulous Freddy books have been reprinted by Overlook Press!

The intrigue of Freddy the Detective begins on the Bean Farm (Freddy's upstate New York abode), when a toy train is discovered missing from young Everett Bean's room. Freddy jumps at the chance to prove his sleuth skills: "I'll find that train, you bet! There are a lot of mysteries on a farm like this and I'll solve 'em all!" he proclaims. The pig can't gracefully outfox the rats (and they sing derisive songs about him), but eventually he does solve cases from "The Mystery of Egbert" (about a bunny who'd wandered off from his family) to "The Case of Prinny's Dinner" (about a white woolly dog's missing food). The shenanigans all sound innocent enough, but Brooks is hilariously tongue-in-cheek; his insightful descriptions of animal characters are always compassionate; and his subtle appeal to a child's instinct for justice is no less than masterful. As Adam Hochschild of the New York Times Book Review writes, "The moral center of my childhood universe, the place where good and evil, friendship and treachery, honesty and humbug were defined most clearly, was not church, not school, and not the Boy Scouts. It was the Bean Farm." Welcome back, Freddy! (Ages 9 to 12, but great for reading aloud to younger children.) --Karin Snelson

Freddy and Simon the Dictator (Freddy the Pig Series)

Walter R. Brooks

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Warnings had been printed in the Bean Home News and the Centerboro Guardian, but nobody paid much attention to them. An animal revolt? "Preposterous!" said the Beans and all the other humans. But it's true-and the outrages begin: cars are stopped and overturned all over the county, farmers starting out to do their morning chores are driven back into the house, and the cows refuse to come in at milking time. In Centerboro, cats are insolent to their mistresses and horses go out of their way to insult people on the street.

Simon the rat is determined to turn the farm into a dictatorship and Mr. Camphor has been persuaded (much against his better judgment) to run for governor of New York State. Herb Garble shows up, Jinx defects to the enemy (or does he?), and Freddy-that inimitable pig!-goes to work as the political boss of Otesaraga County. Freddy and Simon the Dictator is classic Brooks, in which the master of barnyard hilarity has a lot of fun satirizing politics and-especially-politicians.

Illustrated by Kurt Wiese.

The Clockwork Twin (Freddy Books)

Walter R. Brooks

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Adults, children, and reviewers have embraced the stouthearted Freddy the Pig since he and his Bean Farm chums first appeared in 1927. The Overlook reissues of this classic series-with more than 150,000 hardcover copies sold-have brought these timeless adventures to a whole new generation eager for a good time and a good laugh. As a recent USA Today feature about the Freddy phenomenon noted, the Freddy books brilliantly illustrate the cardinal virtues: "fair play and a good sense of humor."

In The Clockwork Twin, Freddy reprises his most famous role-as detective!-and Walter Brooks's talking animals rollick through amazing adventures. They talk, dance, sing, joke, and work out intricate problems. When a mechanical double is rigged up by Mr. Bean's brother, Uncle Ben (who is an eccentric inventor), as a friend and playmate for the Beans' adopted boy, Adoniram, a comedy of errors ensues. The Bean Farm animals then decide to look for Adoniram's real-life brother-it's a job for Freddy the detective.

Illustrated by Kurt Wiese.

Freddy the Pilot

Walter R. Brooks

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Up In The Sky! It's a Pig! 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

It is only inevitable that the indefagatible Frederic Bean, bank manager, newspaper owner, detective, and overall pig extraordinaire should also become an ace barnstormer. How this comes to be is the subject of "Freddy the Pilot" a 1952 effort by Freddy's creator Walter R. Brooks. It all starts when Boomschmidt's Stupendous and Unexcelled Circus returns to Centerboro a bit early so that Mr. Boomschmidt can enlist Freddy's help in solving a dilemma the circus is in.

The star of the circus is the beautiful Mademoiselle Rosa, a bareback rider whose grace and ability are part of the Circus's special magic. Unfortunately, Watson P. Condiment, a very rich, but not particularly nice, comic book publisher has fallen in love with Rosa. Despite her refusal to encourage him, Condiment is fixated on his goal. So intent is he that he is more than willing to destroy the Circus entirely in order to propel Mademoiselle Rose into his arms.

The nefarious Mr. Condiment has tried many rotten tricks to close the Circus down, but the worst is having a plane dive bomb the Circus, blasting the audience with flour bag bombs. Mr. Boomschmidt keeps having to return the crowd's ticket money and is in great danger of going broke. Freddy summons his courage and decides to beard the mystery pilot in his den. Our pig shows up at the local air field and takes flying lessons. Soon he has his own plane and is preparing for his counter attack.

Freddy, assisted by his partner Mrs. Wiggins, a troop of Robin Hood-like skunks and the Horrible gang of scurrilous rabbits mount the effort designed to save the Circus and rescue Mademoiselle Rosa. The reader can count on a great deal of fun and excitement as one villain after another is rousted and sent on his way. The ingenious plot will even involve the U.S. Army and Uncle Ben's astonishing combination bomb sight and piggy bank.

Once again we are treated to a lovable adventure which teaches by example rather than lecture. The reader quickly finds out that courage, respect, and teamwork are the keys to success and happiness in Centerboro and the Bean Farm. Although late in the series, "Freddy the Pilot" can stand on its own without losing the reader. Kurt Wiese's original illustrations, always a treat, are exceptional in this volume, making it will worth its reasonable price.

Editorial Review:

Freddy the Pig, famous detective of Bean Farm, has his hands full. The comic book tycoon (and evil mastermind) Watson P. Condiment is trying to kidnap Mademoiselle Rose, the prize performer from Mr. Boomschmidt's circus. Freddy goes to great heights in his brand-new airplane to foil Condiment's flying henchmen and save Mr. Boomschmidt from financial ruin. But will he be able to come to the rescue without crashing into the north fence?

The Freddy books are "the American version of the great English classics, such as the Pooh books or The Wind in the Willows." (The New York Times Book Review)

Freddy the Cowboy (Freddy the Pig Series)

Walter R. Brooks

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Adults, children, and reviewers have embraced the stouthearted Freddy the Pig since he and his Bean Farm chums first appeared in 1927, and the Overlook reissues of this classic series-with almost 150,000 hardcover copies sold-have brought these timeless adventures to an entirely new generation eager for a good time and a good laugh. As a recent USA Today feature about the Freddy phenomenon noted, the Freddy books brilliantly illustrate the cardinal virtues: "fair play and a good sense of humor."

In Freddy the Cowboy, Freddy buys a pony, learns to ride, and winds up in a tussle with the rascaliest varmint in Centerboro. It seems Mr. Flint, owner of the dude ranch, is plotting to rob the First Animal Bank where the animals keep their valuables. And from there on in Freddy and Flint develop a mutual dislike for one another-so much so that Flint lets it be known he will shoot Freddy on sight! With the aid of a brave mouse, the Horrible Ten, and the Bean Farm gang-not to mention Cy, his trusty mount-Freddy shoots it out with Flint in the aisles of the cosmetics department of the Busy Bee. The Wild West was never like this!

Freddy and the Bean Home News

Walter R. Brooks

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

It all started in 1927 when a group of animals on a farm in Upstate New York decided to travel to Florida in search of warmer weather --and faithful fans of the Freddy books have been joyously lapping up each book in the twenty-six book series ever since! Why is Freddy such a popular pig? Most readers will tell you it's because he's a pig for all seasons--a detective, a pilot, a magician, an explorer, a poet, a politician . . . you name it, and Freddy will give it a shot!

In Freddy and the Bean Home News, Freddy's friend Mr. Dimsey, the editor of the Guardian, is ousted for publishing news of Bean Farm in the local newspaper. To ensure that those who are interested might still learn of all the goings-on, Freddy takes it upon himself to found a newspaper of his own and calls it The Bean Home News, the basis for the current Freddy fan club newsletter. It turns out that being a newspaperman isn't quite as easy as Freddy thought it might be, but with typical aplomb he manages to burn the wires!

Freddy and the Dragon (Freddy the Pig)

Walter R. Brooks

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

The Freddy the Pig books have long been considered classics of American children's literature and with each reissue by The Overlook Press, this wonderful pig is charming his way into the hearts of more and more readers, adults and children alike. Freddy's Bean Farm is a frolicking place and Freddy--whether he's a pilot, cowboy, explorer, politician, or detective--will always save the day and be sure to have fun doing it.

In Freddy and the Dragon Freddy and friends return from a riding trip through New England only to be met with a rather cool reception from the citizens of Centerboro. Freddy isn't too concerned about it until he receives a message in the middle of the night from his old client and friend Mrs. Peppercorn. Terrible things have been going on--gardens raided, bicycles stolen, houses broken into, and even more alarming, threatening notes demanding protection money! When Freddy--with the help of Uncle Ben, the farm animals and their very own Dragon--face the crime wave head-on the culprits are sure to get their just rewards.

"They are the American version of the great English classics, such as the Pooh books or The Wind in the Willows."-- The New York Times Book Review

"There's a richness to the world of Bean Farm and a strong moral code that is timeless. . ."-- Los Angeles Times

"Freddy is simply one of the greatest characters in children's literature!"-- School Library Journal

Freddy the Magician (Freddy the Pig Series)

Walter R. Brooks

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Don't pass up this Ham!!!! 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful.

Freddy the Magician is one of the all-time best Freddy books! If you haven't met Freddy yet, this book will introduce you to a good friend who will make you laugh out loud at his clever and witty escapades. Freddy, who is already a poet, a detective, a bank president and newspaper editor, becomes a magician. The excitement begins when Freddy's teacher tries to swindle him, and Freddy has to get his money back. Along the way, Freddy receives help from his good friends, Jinx the sarcastic cat, and Mrs. Wiggins the lovable cow. Buy this book for the favorite child in your life. He or she will be grateful for the introduction to one of literature's greatest pigs!

Editorial Review:

In Freddy the Magician, Freddy, who has won so many admirers in his roles of detective, pied piper, editor, general advisor to the animals on the Bean Farm, and-always-poet, will fascinate his readers in his role of magician. With the help of Jinx, the cat, and Jinx's sister, Minx, as well as many other well-known animals on the Bean Farm, Freddy pulls some wonderful tricks, not the least of which is outwitting the fraudulent magician who comes to entertain the unsuspecting inhabitants of the nearby town of Centerboro.

Freddy's and the Perilous Adventure

Walter R. Brooks

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

The Ducks Lead the Way 5 out of 5 stars.
11 of 11 people found this review helpful.

When Freddy, in a sudden burst of irrepressible impishness manages to convince Emma and Alice, the Bean Farm ducks, to go for a balloon ride, he little expects that he too will have to take part in the adventure. But Mr. Golcher, the balloonist is every bit as sly as Freddy and, in no time at all Freddy has agreed not only to give a speech, but to ride with the ducks. What he also didn't realize until he was on the way up was that Mr. Golcher was staying behind, and that our pig, along with the duck sisters were on their own. When it turns out that the balloon has a faulty valve our not quite intrepid adventurers discover that they are in for an extended voyage.

All is not lost by any means. Freddy talks a friendly bald eagle into bringing them a food basket from the Bean kitchen, they weather a stormy night, and see some splendid scenery. Eventually, as all things do, the balloon descends enough for Freddy to get it down. Freddy leaves the ducks with the balloon and, after borrowing a tuxedo from a scarecrow, heads off to investigate. He soon discovers that the worst has happened. Mr. Golcher, infuriated at the loss of his balloon has accused Freddy of stealing it and the police of several counties are trying to capture the pig and bring him to justice. It will take all of Freddy's vast imagination and the help of both the Bean animals and the entire Boomschmidt Circus to get him out of trouble.

The reader will find many familiar characters here. In addition to the denizens of the Bean Farm and the Circus, Emma and Alice's Uncle Wesley manages to return. In addition, there are parachuting mice, somersaulting ducks and an ostrich ticket taker. Nor can one leave out the noble eagle, Breckenridge, who inspires a whole burst of poetry from Freddy. By the time the book reaches its climax the reader will be completely entranced as animals display character and style that we lowly humans can only imitate.

One of the nicest things about Walter Brooks' world is that the inevitable moral lessons are demonstrated rather than taught. And demonstrated in a delightful, ingenious way. In 1942 Brooks uses two timid lady ducks to demonstrate that adventuring is not just for male chauvinists and that having the courage to stand up for your rights keeps bullies at bay. Freddy's honesty saves the day at the end, and, as always, the importance of friends gets a good plug. Best of all is that the right things to do are also fun to do. Freddy is the pig for all ages.

Editorial Review:

The Fourth of July is no day for danger but that's just what's in store for the Bean Farm gang in Freddy and the Perilous Adventure. It all seemed so strange and exciting at first: Emma and Alice, Bean Farm's favorite ducks, and the intrepid Freddy, off for a glorious balloon ride to celebrate the nation's birthday. Of course, if Freddy and Emma and Alice and the other denizens of Bean Farm had known what was really in store for the brave aerialists in the Balloon Ascension they might just as well have remained quietly at home, listening to Freddy's poetry or to the boastful crowing of Charles.