Freddy Goes to Florida

Freddy the Pig #1

by Walter Rollin Brooks, Kurt Wiese

It's winter, and the barn is cold. There's no central heating for the ducks. No quilts for the mice. The animals of Bean Farm know that Mr. Bean can't afford to fix up their barn properly for the coming winter, so Freddy and friends decide to do the next best thing: head to Florida for a vacation. On the way south with the migrating birds, Freddy, Jinx the Cat, Charles the Rooster and the other animals foil burglars, outwit a band of hungry alligators, meet the President, and even uncover buried treasure.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Animals, Fantasy, Chapter Books, Middle Grade, Audiobook

196 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1927

About the author

Walter Rollin Brooks (January 9, 1886 – August 17, 1958) was an American writer best remembered for his short stories and children's books, particularly those about Freddy the Pig and other anthropomorphic animal inhabitants of the "Bean farm" in upstate New York.

Born in Rome, New York, Brooks attended college at the University of Rochester and subsequently studied homeopathic medicine in New York City. He dropped out after two years, however, and returned to Rochester, where he married his first wife, Anne Shepard, in 1909. Brooks found employment with an advertising agency in Utica, and then "retired" in 1911, evidently because he came into a considerable inheritance. His retirement was not permanent: in 1917, he went to work for the American Red Cross and later did editorial work for several magazines, including The New Yorker.

In 1940, Brooks turned to his own writing for his full-time occupation. Walter married his second wife, Dorothy Collins, following the death of Anne in 1952.

The first works Brooks published were poems and short stories. His short story "Ed Takes the Pledge" about a talking horse was the basis for the 1960s television comedy series Mister Ed (credit for creating the characters is given in each episode to "Walter Brooks"). His most enduring works, however, are the 26 books he wrote about Freddy the Pig and his friends.
Source

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally published in 1927 under the stultifyingly bland title "To and Again," this is the first book in what shortly evolved into the Freddy the Detective series. It's about a group of animals on a farm in upstate New York who decide to migrate to Florida one Winter. They have several adventures on the way there and back again, the greater part of which involve foiling a series of "rough-looking" men, who are after either them (free livestock!) or, later, the treasure they manage to pick up along the way. Freddy, who is a pig, is a minor character in this one. Clearly the books got a lot better after he became the focus of the series -- had this been our first Freddy book, it would have been our last. Sadly I found it just a little humdrum and undistinguished. The seven-year-old, however, had no complaints. He enjoyed it unreservedly, and even I, jaded reader that I am (animals + treasure = yawn) could see hints of the gently wry humor that appealed to me so much in the later book that was our first exposure to Freddy, Freddy and the Popinjay. We listened to a wonderful recording of that one, and I suspect part of the reason I liked it so much had to do with the slow rich drawling voice of the narrator -- so perfect for these books. Who knows, maybe if I'd heard him reading this book I'd have liked it just as much. There are some good bits here. I particularly liked good-natured Mrs. Wiggins, who may be the first cow in fiction I've come across who I'd really like to have as a friend.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally I get a chance to read the first. The second was the only avl. to me when I was a child but I've been reading them all as I get a chance. There was much development after the first, both of the characters and the world-building. Freddy is just another character in this, and the ducks' uncle is not present, for two examples.

Still, it's a funny and exciting 'rollicking' adventure and well worth reading.

Some bits are a tiny bit dated (after all, this is almost a century old). In particular, Brooks describes "swallows" when he really means chimney swifts. And he describes them as hanging from hooks on their wings to perch, which is just plain not true. So do read with a bit of care, and forgive trivial lapses like that. When something doesn't seem right, google it: you might learn something new!

[Brenda Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was possibly the first fantasy novel I ever read. I remember reading it under the edge of my desk in third grade, to the intense annoyance of parents and teacher.

[kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's about a bunch of farm animals who are tired of the cold so they go to florida, and it's absurd and unbelievable and I love it.
it just thoroughly delivered, man.
.
(P.S. thanks, heidi.)

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freddy Goes to Florida by Walter R Brooks (born January 9, 1886, died August 17, 1958) is the first of the Freddy the Pig books. It was originally published as To and Again (like a precursor to The Hobbit, aka There and Back Again, but with barn animals). After the success of the third book, Freddy the Detective, the first two books were re-named to have Freddy in the title.

Freddy is a pig who lives with a variety of other barn animals on Mr. Bean's farm (no, not that Mr. Bean). The dynamics between Freddy and the other animals reminds me of Babe (the movie, not the book by Dick King-Smith). Frankly it wouldn't surprise me one bit if the makers of Babe took some inspiration from the Freddy books to fill out the ensemble cast.

Freddy while talking to a barn swallow decides he's had enough of winter on the farm. Migrating to Florida sounds like a grand idea. When he decides to walk to the Sunshine state, the other animals on the farm (including a pair of spiders) decide to follow along. The book chronicles their trip down and back, including some episodic adventures on the way.

Freddy and his friends are completely ignorant on what it will take to get to Florida or what to expect along the way. The fun, though, is in the journey itself. They see new things, meet new people and animals, don disguises, duel with alligators, thwart robbers and save the day.

To go with the silly text, are equally delightful pen and ink illustrations by Kurt Wiese.

[Wreade1872 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A group of farm animals decide to go south for the winter. I prefer the original title 'To and Again' as Freddy the pig is probably the most underused of any of the animals in this.

It took me a while to get into. It didn't feel much like a kids story, i kept having flashbacks to 'Animal Farm' which didn't help ;) .
One of the problems is that there arn't really any child characters. All of the animals except for the pig have the personalities of grownups which is why it felt a bit too grounded and the humour seemed aimed a bit older. Thats probably why the pig ends up as the centerpiece of the franchise as he's the only possible child-avatar available.

For a while things plodded along and i wondered how the author would reconcile the human world with these hyper-intelligent animals. Things came to a head in Washington DC in what seemed like pure satire but the author was now stuck with that strange turn of events and the book was the better for it.
Not much time is actually spent in florida and while my knowledge of the U.S.A isn't great i suspect there are some geographical errors here :) .
I also have to say that a couple of events towards the end would definitely have proven fatal (and smoke doesn't wake people up!) so if reading to a child make sure to point out how homicidal these animals are :P .

Overall a bit drab but there were wacky incidents that improved it as it went along.

[Willow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some parts of this made me laugh out loud. It's pretty funny. 😄

[AR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man oh man do I love the Freddy books

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series so much! Funny, clean, interesting!

[Emma Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to love listening to this audiobook so it was fun to pick it up again. So wholesome.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read as audiobook.

[Shadowdenizen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just may be writing this through rose-colored glasses...

BUt I loved this book as a child, and I loved re-reading it as an adult. It immediately brought me back to my childhood, reading under the covers with a flashlight since I was so caught up and just had to finish!

Sure, objectively, this book is a bit slow-paced, and not alot actually happens, but I can argue that that's actually a part of it's charm, as this was written in 1927 (more than 75 years ago)!

The enjoyable relationship of the characters (in this case, talking animals), coupled with the adorably charming illustrations, and the straightforward and innocenct writing style all add to the "Old-Timey-Charm" that so pervades this book.

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a more entertaining book than similar titles from the era it was written. It even had a few jokes for the grownups.

[Watermarked Pages · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this aloud with my son and had some issues with it. First of all, the animals are pretty cruel to each other, especially the "married" ones, who really tear each other down. There is also abuse, such as a girl beating a cat and a man whipping his son. Lastly, it's just not that interesting. I was eager to be done with it.

[*The Angry Reader* · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's old-fashioned. The language is great. The characters varied. I think the age of the story just makes it a challenge to really connect with this one.

[Janae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up listening to the Freddy the Pig books with my youngest brother. We went through all the titles our local library had (shoutout to the Middlebury Public Library for stocking so many great books on Playaway, and CD!)

Walter R. Brooks crafted such memorable characters in this 26 book series published from 1927-1958. They give a similar feel to Paddington Bear or Wind in the Willows. Filled with satire, outlandish adventures, and whimsical songs/poetry, it's no wonder my little brother and I got excited about each story.

In this first installment, we meet Freddy the pig along with all the other barnyard animals as they take a spontaneous trip to Florida for the winter. Though the animals can talk with each other, the humans in this world (including Mr. Bean, who owns the farm they live on) can't communicate with them. Still, they are recognized as special by some senators in D.C. as they are the first known group of barnyard animals to migrate to Florida for the winter.

Along the way they discover buried treasure, narrowly escape death from a family of alligators, and recover stolen goods from a band of robbers. When they return to the farm, Mr. Bean enthusiastically greets them and makes their living conditions better with the gold they discovered along the way.

I recommend these jolly classics for readers 1 to 92 (and have yourself a merry little story time).

[Melissa Koser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another terrific Freddy story! So charming, clever, and full of fun adventures that leave you hanging on each word, waiting to see how the animals will deal with each predicament. Probably my second favorite Freddy story, after Freddy and the Ignormus.

[Rachel Tilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audible and thoroughly enjoyed this delightful tale about a group of farm animals who migrate to Florida. My 4 yr old son listened to it first and has enjoyed listening to it again and again.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a series of a beloved children's classic concerning a group of barnyard animals that set forth on a road of adventures. Wonderful to read to children from 5 to the child in us of 105.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it was quite humorous and I enjoyed it, it took two tries and then finally the Audio of it for my kids to get into it. By the end they did enjoy it and said they would read/listen to more books in the series.

[sincerely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids LOVED this! It's a series on scribd!

[Melissa Caissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A childhood favorite that, upon re-read, does not disappoint. In fact, it is more clever and funny than I remember!

[Judy Lindow · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hijinks and adventure ensue for this cast of wiley farm animals (written with tongue in cheek). Hilarity. Maybe, maybe not. This book seems antiquated and packed with idioms and behavior that precede most of us by almost a century at this point. It obviously has a place in history. It may also be fun for a select group of 3rd to 4th graders. However if I was talking or sharing the book I would definitely talk with the reader audience about historical context.

Some say the series is comparable to Winnie the Pooh or the Wind in the Willow. Personally I'd like to say Charlotte's Web - I'll have to reread these to say if I agree. There's no doubt they were beloved at the time between the late twenties to the mid fifties. In my opinion they're just too laborious for a child of our times or an adult like myself. I have found too many shared reading books that are better - like earlier Kate DeCamille (Winn Dixie, Tiger Rising) or Richard Pecks' books (A Year Down Yonder), which I found sincerely entertaining as an adult.

The idea of migrating to Florida is brilliant. It's an imaginative idea. I'm on board. And the types of animals are comically and well matched to their characters. The pictures are somehow comforting and fun in a young adult book - and not as common since James and the Giant Peach or series books that don't go much past 3rd grade.

In someways this extreme anthropomorphism recalls the earliest cartoons I ever saw. It's hard to find any early cartoon that wasn't mostly full of animals acting like humans. In someways those cartoons soothed me and in some ways - I may be alone on this - they creeped me out. Perhaps in the 60's they already seemed odd or suspect. Or maybe it was that I never lived on a farm.

Now that factory farming has been in existence since the mid 70s and small or family farms have virtually disappeared making animals friends, dance, talk, and act like humans seems deceitful if not down right exploitive. All teachers of pre-K through all ages really, but especially the early readers know how much kids love animals. Some of them could live and breathe animals if you let them. Continuing the myth of the happy farm animals is so antithetical to reality it's almost criminal and a form of propaganda to create these imaginings in young child. Of course there's the toss up - we could say that any love for animals will be a foot in the door for when a child grows and he learns how to protect or hurt animals. I would however rather have my child reading Ruby Roth's books like "That's Why We Don't Eat Animals".

Just FYI, this book does not give Freddy a big part.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.

This is a chidren's book written in 1949, which was highly popular, apparently, back in the day, although I've never heard of them, and I'm certainly old enough. I got it on audio without knowing anything about it, or I probably wouldn't have chosen it.

It's the adventure of a group of farm animals who decide to migrate to Florida for the winter, and their many adventures along the way. If written today, many of the situations would be frowned upon for being "politically incorrect," or some other such nonsense, but were considered silly and funny not so long ago.

Personally, I thought it was fun as a child's book goes, but it was a LOT longer than I would expect a chapter book to be for this age group. Maybe because back then, kids' main entertainment was books and not 30-second blurbs on social media. How times have changed. Still, even when I was 10 years old, I would have though this was too long and too goofy for me.

[Brian Koser]

2025:

If AA Milne and EB White had a literary child, it would be WR Brooks. This one is fun but you should start with Freddy the Detective.



2020:

I think "the American Winnie-the-Pooh" is the best comparison I've heard. A simple children's chapter book (simpler than the later entries in the series) but with enough sly humor to keep the parents involved. In that way, comparable to the first Little House on the Prairie book, the other chapter book we've read as a family this year.

[Checkthebook · Rating 5 out of 5]

The very first "Freddy" book. Freddy is the all-American classic. We like it more that Wizard of Oz. Great for parents to read out loud.

[Jefferson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whimsical Pre-WWII Americana with Talking Animals on a Road Trip

Freddy Goes to Florida (1927/1949) by Walter R. Brooks begins like a whimsical Animal Farm. Orwell probably didn't get inspired to write his grim Stalinist parable by reading about Freddy and company, but in Brooks' book Mr. Bean's animals are sick and tired of working and living uncomfortably during winter on his farm. The rooster Charles hates having to wake up before sunrise to crow (Mr. Bean threatening to fricassee the rooster for dinner if he doesn't do his job), while the horse Hank has rheumatism. And so when a barn swallow explains migration, Charles and Hank call a meeting to discuss migrating to Florida for the winter.

The animals argue about who will go and who will stay to help Mr. Bean run the farm--until the cat Jinks has everyone draw lots. Jinks also gets a robin to draw a map of the way south, and when Mr. Bean is away in town, the cat leads the migrating animals out on their journey, "with his tail held straight up in the air like a drum-major's stick." In addition to the mischievous Jinx (useful in a pinch), the traveling companions are comprised of phlegmatic Hank, the young dog Robert, the cow Mrs. Wiggins ("a character"), the pig Freddy (a songster with "an inquiring mind"), a few mice like Cousin Augustus (good at chewing through things), the white duck sisters Emma and Alice (good at teaching swimming), and the barn spider couple Mr. and Mrs. Webb (tiny-voiced and philosophical). Will Charles' wife Henrietta (who likes to henpeck him) let him go?

The book depicts the adventures of the animals as they walk to, in, and from Florida, featuring roads, rivers, and towns, a treasure, a swamp, a doll baby carriage, the Grandfather of All the Alligators, some timid burglars, and a dangerous and desperate man with a black moustache and a dirty-faced son--and more. As they journey south, the animals begin to realize that maybe Mr. Bean isn't such a bad master after all, and they resolve to bring him a present when they return home.

The light-hearted book has many funny moments, like Henrietta's explanation for why hens don't crow, Mr. Webb's conversations with an ant and a fly, the animals' welcome in the nation's capitol, Mrs. Wiggins' heroic defense of a bridge armed only with a few mice, the animals' enjoyment of jewelry and disguising of themselves on the way home, etc. Every animal plays a key role at least once during their adventures. There are also some bizarre touches like when we learn that Mrs. Wiggins gave Jinx and Robert some milk, without being told just how she managed this.

Here are some examples of Brooks' dry humor and clear style:

-"Mr. Webb, however, was firm in his decision, as spiders are apt to be."
-"Mrs. Wiggins had a sense of humor. That means that she always laughed at the wrong time."
-"Now, if you are a rather timid burglar, and you light a match in a dark room and see a cat that is within an inch of your nose, you'll probably do just as Ed did. He dropped his match and let out an awful yell."

This is the first of 26 Freddy books, and whereas in later novels Mr. Bean's animals talk with each other AND with people, here they are limited to speaking with other animals, because although they understand human speech perfectly, people only hear them quack and squeak and bark etc. Perhaps this is because animals "hear better than people." Another difference is that here Freddy is but one supporting character among many, whereas later in the series he becomes the mover and shaker and hero of the animals' adventures (which must be why the original 1927 title of this book, To and Again, was changed in 1949 to Freddy Goes to Florida).

Audiobook reader John McDonough has the perfect gravelly voice and sensitive manner for the book, taking humorous things seriously and serious things humorously. I got a kick out of his horse, mouse, and spider voices, and he sings Freddy's songs with tune and gusto. The only drawback of the audiobook is that it lacks the illustrations by Kurt Wiese, so charming, realistic, and humorous.

When I binged on the Freddy the Pig books in elementary school in the 60s, I missed much of the humor and read the stories as exciting and interesting adventures, while now I feel less suspense and laugh more. Their quirky charm and affection for animals make them a pleasure to read. You should enjoy Freddy Goes to Florida if you like talking animal stories (like Charlotte's Web minus the pathos), journey and return adventure stories (like The Hobbit minus the fantasy world), idyllic rural American stories (when phaetons could be found in garbage dumps, the best way to get to Florida was by surface streets, and small farm communities spread out everywhere), and lightly satiric stories targeting foolish and or bad humans. It's the kind of book you read smilingly.

[Terri (BooklyMatters) · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my very favorites when young, this middle-grade series deserves a re-read, and this reader is certainly up for the challenge. A twenty-six book series, begun in 1946 by author Walter R Brooks (and marvelously illustrated by Kurt Wiese), most of these books are currently out of print, but are well worth the hunt. Featuring the infamous Freddy the pig, (who did not become the much-loved star in the series until his breakout role in the 3rd installment, ‘Freddy the Detective’) these books have it all - dry humor and wit (laugh-out-loud in places, smile -worthy all the way through), the camaraderie and companionship of this likeable group of barnyard buddies, and engaging adventures that take this (adult) reader back to a time when life just felt simpler and somehow more wholesome.

In this edition , the first of the series, a group of farm animals belonging to Mr Bean, (a “short bearded man” who does his best, but cannot afford many luxuries), decide to migrate to Florida to escape the cold harshness of their winter existence.

A trip suggested by the garrulous Charles the rooster, the migrating group consists of Henrietta (Charles’ wife, a hen); Jinx (the cat); Mrs Wiggins (a cow); Jock, Robert and Jack (dogs); Hank (an old, white horse); Alice and Emma (white ducks); Eek, Quik, Eeny, Cousin Augustus (mice); Mr and Mrs Webb (spiders); and of course Freddy, the smallest and cleverest of the pigs.

Well worth the read, this delightful adventure will please any child (or adult) who has the good fortune to open it. With just enough whimsy, drama, danger and excitement to keep the reader engaged, this is a wonderful tale, perfect for bed-time read aloud, chapter by chapter. And the series, as I remember it (and will soon re-experience) only gets better from this point on.

Four and a half stars, rounded up.

[Reading Fury · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much for adults as children, this book is a refreshing time out from modern living and social media. I didn't realize the author created Mr. Ed the talking horse, but it makes sense since Freddy and gang are pretty anthropomorphic and get up to similar larks. These animals exemplify virtues we praise but don't seem to be practicing well. They value diversity of being and skills, honesty, hard work, and genuine self respect. Yet, they are not a tedious crew. These animals love a good time with games, and adventure. They do not back down from adversity and work as a team to right wrongs and restore a genuine justice. Charles the rooster shows that gathering one's thoughts and speaking well can make a difference. However, there are some child-rearing methods Dr. Spock would not approve and mild animal mistreatment, but those are committed at the hands of the bad guys, who are morally unambiguous. Wrong is wrong, and a child reading this would recognize the baddies for whom they are. The animal portrayals are sweet but avoid being stereotyped or flat. Hank the horse is no Boxer--he actively things and engages. Jinx is no mouse-hating buffoon; rather, he is successfully resourceful, even if he needs a reminder or two not to be pompous. That in itself is a great lesson for today. Freddy the pig has not yet emerged as a standout character, but the ground work is being laid. This is a timeless book with relevant themes. I would say it is more suited for children 7 and up for independent reading. The pictures are a hoot! This is a step away from the dystopic into a world of innocence but not blind naivete.

[Lagobond · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm giving up on page 59. This is barely okay as a children's book, and I wouldn't recommend it.

There's some mention of animal abuse (a dog leaving his cruel owner to join the gang of farm animals on their trip to Florida). The discussion of Charles the rooster's family circumstances feels uncomfortable to me: his wife Henrietta is solely responsible for raising their children, and yet she is portrayed as the harsh wife who won't allow her poor husband to go on a trip south. (She does reconsider eventually.) There's a very random excursion to Washington D.C. which doesn't fit into the story, and which I found quite boring. There's a certain old-fashioned negativity that I don't care for: animals calling each other ugly or otherwise inferior; a notion that it's not okay for others to see you cry; not being honest with one's spouse (the implication being that she wouldn't understand).

Overall there's nothing particularly awful in the book (at least as far as I read it), and did enjoy the old-fashioned writing style and the slice-of-life plot. Nevertheless, the whole thing left me unenthused. There just isn't anything particular good here, and I kept reaching for other books instead of finishing this one.