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Original Bobbsey Twins #2
The Bobbsey Twins' Adventure in the Country
The Bobbsey Twins take a trip to visit their aunt, uncle, and cousins at their farm in Meadowbrook where they get to attend the local auction and explore the countryside. When their cousins' prized bull goes missing, the twins search for clues to find the bull and catch the thieves!
196 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1907
73 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
About the author
Laura Lee Hope
560 books76 followersLaura Lee Hope is a pseudonym used by the Stratemeyer Syndicate for the Bobbsey Twins and several other series of children's novels. Actual writers taking up the pen of Laura Lee Hope include Edward Stratemeyer, Howard and Lilian Garis, Elizabeth Ward, Harriet (Stratemeyer) Adams, Andrew E. Svenson, June M. Dunn, Grace Grote and Nancy Axelrad.
Laura Lee Hope was first used in 1904 for the debut of the Bobbsey Twins, the principal characters of what was, for many years, the Stratemeyer Syndicate's longest-running series of children's novels. Other series written under this pseudonym include: The Outdoor Girls (23 vols. 1913-1933), The Moving Picture Girls (7 vols. 1914-1916), Bunny Brown (20 vols. 1916-1931), Six Little Bunkers (14 vols. 1918-1930), Make Believe Stories (12 vols. c. 1920-1923), and Blythe Girls (12 vols. 1925-1932).
The first of the 72 books of the Bobbsey Twins series was published in 1904, the last in 1979. The books related the adventures of the children of the middle-class Bobbsey family, which included two sets of mixed-gender fraternal twins: Bert and Nan, who were 12 years old, and Flossie and Freddie, who were six.
Edward Stratemeyer himself is believed to have written the first volume in its original form in 1904. When the original series was brought to its conclusion in 1979, it had reached a total of 72 volumes. At least two abortive attempts to restart the series were launched after this, but in neither effort was the popularity of the original series achieved.
Speculation that Stratemeyer also wrote the second and third volumes of the series is believed to be incorrect; these books are now attributed to Lilian Garis, wife of Howard Garis, who is credited with volumes 4–28 and 41. Elizabeth Ward is credited with volumes 29–35, while Harriet Stratemeyer Adams is credited with 36–38, 39 (with Camilla McClave), 40, 42, 43 (with Andrew Svenson), and 44–48. Volumes 49–52 are attributed to Andrew Svenson, while 53–59, and the 1960s rewrites of 1–4, 7, 11–13, and 17, are attributed to June Dunn. Grace Grote is regarded as the real author of 60–67 and the rewrites of 14 and 18–20, and Nancy Axelrad is credited with 68–72. Of the 1960s rewrites not already mentioned, volumes 5 and 16 are credited to Mary Donahoe, 6 and 25 to Patricia Doll, 8–10 and 15 to Bonnibel Weston, and 24 to Margery Howard.
--from Wikipedia
Laura Lee Hope was first used in 1904 for the debut of the Bobbsey Twins, the principal characters of what was, for many years, the Stratemeyer Syndicate's longest-running series of children's novels. Other series written under this pseudonym include: The Outdoor Girls (23 vols. 1913-1933), The Moving Picture Girls (7 vols. 1914-1916), Bunny Brown (20 vols. 1916-1931), Six Little Bunkers (14 vols. 1918-1930), Make Believe Stories (12 vols. c. 1920-1923), and Blythe Girls (12 vols. 1925-1932).
The first of the 72 books of the Bobbsey Twins series was published in 1904, the last in 1979. The books related the adventures of the children of the middle-class Bobbsey family, which included two sets of mixed-gender fraternal twins: Bert and Nan, who were 12 years old, and Flossie and Freddie, who were six.
Edward Stratemeyer himself is believed to have written the first volume in its original form in 1904. When the original series was brought to its conclusion in 1979, it had reached a total of 72 volumes. At least two abortive attempts to restart the series were launched after this, but in neither effort was the popularity of the original series achieved.
Speculation that Stratemeyer also wrote the second and third volumes of the series is believed to be incorrect; these books are now attributed to Lilian Garis, wife of Howard Garis, who is credited with volumes 4–28 and 41. Elizabeth Ward is credited with volumes 29–35, while Harriet Stratemeyer Adams is credited with 36–38, 39 (with Camilla McClave), 40, 42, 43 (with Andrew Svenson), and 44–48. Volumes 49–52 are attributed to Andrew Svenson, while 53–59, and the 1960s rewrites of 1–4, 7, 11–13, and 17, are attributed to June Dunn. Grace Grote is regarded as the real author of 60–67 and the rewrites of 14 and 18–20, and Nancy Axelrad is credited with 68–72. Of the 1960s rewrites not already mentioned, volumes 5 and 16 are credited to Mary Donahoe, 6 and 25 to Patricia Doll, 8–10 and 15 to Bonnibel Weston, and 24 to Margery Howard.
--from Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
July 22, 2014
I read the first version of this book, I believe it was drastically changed when reprinted in the 1940s (or possibly 1960s). As a result, the plotline described on this website is in NO way similar to the book I just read.
The original, from around the turn of the century, was quite good! It is an entertaining and easy to read glimpse at the life of a young, upper middle class family in New England. The authors must not have hit on, yet, the idea of making these books primarily children's mystery stories yet, because this book cannot be described as a mystery. It is just a story, about a family's summer trip to visit relatives in the country. It is fascinating to read what must have been common, every day adventures for children in the late 1800s/early 1900s. Many things are (obviously) different, and yet much is still so similar and familiar.
It was and is a great book, if you can look past the hugely racist portrayal of Dinah, the Bobbsey's cook/maid (on the same level as Mickey Rooney's portrayal of Audrey Hepburn's Japanese landlord in Breakfast at Tiffany's).
The original, from around the turn of the century, was quite good! It is an entertaining and easy to read glimpse at the life of a young, upper middle class family in New England. The authors must not have hit on, yet, the idea of making these books primarily children's mystery stories yet, because this book cannot be described as a mystery. It is just a story, about a family's summer trip to visit relatives in the country. It is fascinating to read what must have been common, every day adventures for children in the late 1800s/early 1900s. Many things are (obviously) different, and yet much is still so similar and familiar.
It was and is a great book, if you can look past the hugely racist portrayal of Dinah, the Bobbsey's cook/maid (on the same level as Mickey Rooney's portrayal of Audrey Hepburn's Japanese landlord in Breakfast at Tiffany's).
April 28, 2019
Why is it the boys seemed to have all the fun?
October 30, 2022
Cute story my daughter enjoyed it, she didn't like the way the chapters always ended in cliff hangers!😂
July 12, 2016
The Bobbsey Twins in the Country by Laura Lee Hope (Grosset and Dunlap 1950) (Fiction - Children's). This is actually the second installment in the Bobbsey Twins series. The children find adventures on a farm in the country during summer vacation. My rating: 7/10, finished 1965.
July 5, 2023
A fun story to read around July 4th. There are fireworks, a kid's parade and plenty of other old-fashion country fun and adventures.
October 6, 2019
Well ... I remember the Bobbsey Twins from my childhood, so I assume I must have read at least one of these, or had it read to me. LOOOOOONG ago.
January 29, 2025
dull dull dull
November 12, 2011
The second book of the Bobbsey Twins is more exciting than the first one for the primary reason that the setting is in the countryside. You can just imagine the vast field as a playground for children. For the twins Bert and Nan and Freddie and Flossie, there are just so many things to do; not to mention two mysteries on the side!
The Bobbsey Family visit their relatives who own a farm in Meadowbrook. There, the twins meet new friends and undergo a series of adventures—the train ride where Snoop the cat is the star, the runaway Frisky the calf, the chocolate-strawberry-sugar ice cream mix-up, the Shetland pony surprise at an auction, meeting Skipper the lost kid, a near-fall-off-the-cliff accident, and a rocky hole trap, among so many others.
The first mystery in the book is the strange occurrences of the piano in the living room being played during some nights when everyone is already asleep. The solution to this really got me smiling from ear to ear. The second mystery, the more serious one, is the disappearance of Major, a prized bull of the Bobbseys. For a moment, I was worried that the book will be stained by violence, no matter how minor it is. Thankfully, there are none and the author still presented the book as a wholesome reading material for children seven years old and up.
Truth be told, I love this book not for the mysteries it presented but how the Bobbsey twins and friends play almost all day long with hardly any worries, and how, children as they are, trust the adults to handle the difficult part of the mysteries for them. Although they are worried about Major, they did not obsess on finding the culprits who stole the animal, which is so unlike Nancy Drew and her series.
There are sweet scenes in the book that I found memorable, such as when Flossie’s doll is used as an item for auction in a “pretend” auction event and Freddie bidding his play money to buy the doll for Flossie. The twins also organize an animal show to help Skipper. Flossie does her best to train some mice for her presentation.
The twins are epitomes of what children should be—curious, carefree, talkative, and happy! I simply love their energy. Although there is a bully among them, this did not hinder them from exploring the barn and fields and enjoying their time as children.
I also like how the twins are presented as close to and caring for each other. There were no motherhood statements like “Bert and Nan are close because they are twins.” Nope; their relationship was shown, not spoken about. As the golden saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words”. The Bobbsey Twins’ Adventure in the Country did just that.
I give this book five stars. Highly recommended.
From my blog, http://www.nancycudis.com
The Bobbsey Family visit their relatives who own a farm in Meadowbrook. There, the twins meet new friends and undergo a series of adventures—the train ride where Snoop the cat is the star, the runaway Frisky the calf, the chocolate-strawberry-sugar ice cream mix-up, the Shetland pony surprise at an auction, meeting Skipper the lost kid, a near-fall-off-the-cliff accident, and a rocky hole trap, among so many others.
The first mystery in the book is the strange occurrences of the piano in the living room being played during some nights when everyone is already asleep. The solution to this really got me smiling from ear to ear. The second mystery, the more serious one, is the disappearance of Major, a prized bull of the Bobbseys. For a moment, I was worried that the book will be stained by violence, no matter how minor it is. Thankfully, there are none and the author still presented the book as a wholesome reading material for children seven years old and up.
Truth be told, I love this book not for the mysteries it presented but how the Bobbsey twins and friends play almost all day long with hardly any worries, and how, children as they are, trust the adults to handle the difficult part of the mysteries for them. Although they are worried about Major, they did not obsess on finding the culprits who stole the animal, which is so unlike Nancy Drew and her series.
There are sweet scenes in the book that I found memorable, such as when Flossie’s doll is used as an item for auction in a “pretend” auction event and Freddie bidding his play money to buy the doll for Flossie. The twins also organize an animal show to help Skipper. Flossie does her best to train some mice for her presentation.
The twins are epitomes of what children should be—curious, carefree, talkative, and happy! I simply love their energy. Although there is a bully among them, this did not hinder them from exploring the barn and fields and enjoying their time as children.
I also like how the twins are presented as close to and caring for each other. There were no motherhood statements like “Bert and Nan are close because they are twins.” Nope; their relationship was shown, not spoken about. As the golden saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words”. The Bobbsey Twins’ Adventure in the Country did just that.
I give this book five stars. Highly recommended.
From my blog, http://www.nancycudis.com
September 24, 2019
I must have read this years ago thanks to Gutenberg, because at this reading some parts were awfully familiar. Second in the series, but they're already repeating the motif of the mysterious noises in the night. Again, it's mostly the boys who do things and have adventures; Nan is baby minder in chief and she and Flossie mostly work in the garden and sew, both "ladylike" pursuits. That doesn't mean the book is boring, oh no! We have fire, flood and mayhem--Bert even tries smoking!
There are some aspects of the writing that place the book firmly in the early years of the 20th century, such as describing Freddie and Flossie at four years old as "just fat enough to be good-natured." Ah yes, the old "fat people are jolly" trope. But back in those days, a fat toddler was considered a healthy toddler, not surprising as they were mostly fed on bread and milk. If you lived to start school, you were doing well. The black racer snake is killed because it is "very poisonous"--which it most definitely is NOT. Another predator which was actually the farmer's friend (as it lives on insects, moles and rodents) bites the dust. There was one sentence that stopped me cold. The kids are playing in the coach house (the 1907 version of a garage) on a rainy day and tiresome Freddie wants to play fire engine, so somebody hooks up a bell to the old wagon for him. Then we are told: "The bell would clang like a chemical apparatus." What??? Which chemical apparatus did the author have in mind? We are never told.
A nice thing about this book is that the parents speak of God, prayer, repentance and forgiveness in a very natural, part-of-life way. Bert gets himself and his cousin in trouble which has serious consequences, but the fathers decide the scare they've had is punishment enough. They are sent to bed that night with kindly-put instructions to ask God's forgiveness, and no more is said about it, not even when the damage has to be repaired. God has forgiven them, and so have their family members. No resentment, no "look what you did."
A good evening-time read aloud for younger kids. I hope that Freddie stops being the centre of attention soon, though.
There are some aspects of the writing that place the book firmly in the early years of the 20th century, such as describing Freddie and Flossie at four years old as "just fat enough to be good-natured." Ah yes, the old "fat people are jolly" trope. But back in those days, a fat toddler was considered a healthy toddler, not surprising as they were mostly fed on bread and milk. If you lived to start school, you were doing well. The black racer snake is killed because it is "very poisonous"--which it most definitely is NOT. Another predator which was actually the farmer's friend (as it lives on insects, moles and rodents) bites the dust. There was one sentence that stopped me cold. The kids are playing in the coach house (the 1907 version of a garage) on a rainy day and tiresome Freddie wants to play fire engine, so somebody hooks up a bell to the old wagon for him. Then we are told: "The bell would clang like a chemical apparatus." What??? Which chemical apparatus did the author have in mind? We are never told.
A nice thing about this book is that the parents speak of God, prayer, repentance and forgiveness in a very natural, part-of-life way. Bert gets himself and his cousin in trouble which has serious consequences, but the fathers decide the scare they've had is punishment enough. They are sent to bed that night with kindly-put instructions to ask God's forgiveness, and no more is said about it, not even when the damage has to be repaired. God has forgiven them, and so have their family members. No resentment, no "look what you did."
A good evening-time read aloud for younger kids. I hope that Freddie stops being the centre of attention soon, though.
April 14, 2015
Since my sister was so good as to share her summer cold with me, I was not feeling well on Sunday. So, I decided I wanted to read something that was easy, fun, and not emotional, this book fit the bill.
I remember how much I loved this when I was younger. I read these on my own and my mom read them too me. I really enjoyed this story, it is simple, not a lot of action or excitement, but realizing and cute.
I know a few people were concerned on how the African-American Characters are portrayed, but I did not think there was anything wrong about it and historically correct (even if it isn't politically correct.) The African-American servant is obviously loved by the family, the children especially adore her. Yes, her speech is uneducated, but I thought it was part of her charm and made her even more lovable.
I also enjoyed the references to prayer and thanking God for things. They were brief and not in the book, but enjoyable non the less.
If you enjoy youthful stories that a old fashioned, and with a relaxed pace, you might enjoy this book.
I remember how much I loved this when I was younger. I read these on my own and my mom read them too me. I really enjoyed this story, it is simple, not a lot of action or excitement, but realizing and cute.
I know a few people were concerned on how the African-American Characters are portrayed, but I did not think there was anything wrong about it and historically correct (even if it isn't politically correct.) The African-American servant is obviously loved by the family, the children especially adore her. Yes, her speech is uneducated, but I thought it was part of her charm and made her even more lovable.
I also enjoyed the references to prayer and thanking God for things. They were brief and not in the book, but enjoyable non the less.
If you enjoy youthful stories that a old fashioned, and with a relaxed pace, you might enjoy this book.
June 15, 2023
My copy of this book was "rescued" by me from my maternal grandmother's house, before she sold it at a yard sale or something! I'm not sure if my mom and her siblings read this particular copy, but this book is copyright 1961.
I'm a huge fan of the Stratemeyer Syndicate books, usually the "Carolyn Keene"-penned Nancy Drews, but also the "Franklin W. Dixon" Hardy Boys and the Bobbsey Twins' "Laura Lee Hope."
This is a wonderful story for children, wholesome and sweet but not saccharine. I enjoyed revisiting it for the first time in many decades.
Also, quite similar to "Jerry West"'s the Happy Hollisters, but I think I enjoy the Bobbseys more.
I'm a huge fan of the Stratemeyer Syndicate books, usually the "Carolyn Keene"-penned Nancy Drews, but also the "Franklin W. Dixon" Hardy Boys and the Bobbsey Twins' "Laura Lee Hope."
This is a wonderful story for children, wholesome and sweet but not saccharine. I enjoyed revisiting it for the first time in many decades.
Also, quite similar to "Jerry West"'s the Happy Hollisters, but I think I enjoy the Bobbseys more.
Read
November 16, 2020The twins go to visit their aunt and uncle on a farm. The boys make a circus to raise money for the outdoor camp children who are from disadvantaged background and are brought to the country, There is also a flood that nearly destroys the neighbourhood, a missing calf and a pony that runs away with one of Berts friends.
April 25, 2018
The Bobbsey Twins were one of my favourite series when I was a kid. I actually still have my vintage hardcover set that I saved from my childhood, and I read this one aloud to my daughter.
For those who are not familiar with this series, it features the Bobbsey siblings who are two sets of fraternal twins: Six-year-old blond-haired and blue-eyed twins Freddie and Flossie, and 12-year-old brown-haired and brown-eyed twins Bert and Nan. The books are usually categorized as "mysteries" but, as my daughter pointed out, they aren't really mysteries! They kids mean well, but they often find themselves in a pickle. As a kid, I loved how the older twins looked out for their younger siblings. The Bobbseys are a picture-perfect suburban family.
This is actually the second book in the series. I couldn't find the first one in my boxes, so I grabbed this one instead. The Bobbsey family goes to visit Mr. Bobbsey's sister, Sarah, and her family who live on a farm in Meadowbrook. During their stay, the family's prize bull gets stolen and the Bobbsey twins with their cousin Harry work together to solve the mystery.
It was fun to step back in time and read old school children's literature. I didn't realize that this was first published over 100 years ago, but then was re-written in the 60s so I guess that puts some of the language into perspective. When referencing their housekeeper, it's never just "Dinah" but the "plump colored woman." It also gave us a chuckle when Mr. Bobbsey referred to Flossie as his "fat little fairy" and Freddie as his "fat little fireman." My daughter pointed out that they weren't very nice nicknames to call his kids! I do agree with her, but it is clear that he does it with affection and the children giggle when he says it. There is an incident between Bert and Mark, a neighbour of Harry's who bullies Bert and holds his head under the water. Harry's father, Uncle Daniel, puts a stop to it and tells Mark to knock it off or he'll have to go home. When Mark starts in on Bert again, Uncle Daniel says: "You two boys had better have a wrestling match fair and square, and get this out of your systems!" I think I like the way that bullies were handled back in the day! There is something to be said for standing up to a bully and fighting back. I know that's not condoned nowadays in school, but sometimes a bully just needs to know that the person he is picking on is going to fight back! Overall, it's good clean juvenile fiction and it was like a walk down memory lane for me. This series is dear to me, because I loved it so much as a kid and it made me a bookworm!
It's tough to rate this, because my child-self would give it 5 stars hands-down. However, my adult-self isn't quite as enamored as when I was a child. This was less of a mystery than I remember, so that part of it was a disappointment. Still, I liked it and would probably rate this one 3 stars if I were reading it for the first time. I'm going to settle in the middle, with 4 stars.
This review was posted on my book blog:
https://darlenesbooknook.blogspot.ca/...
For those who are not familiar with this series, it features the Bobbsey siblings who are two sets of fraternal twins: Six-year-old blond-haired and blue-eyed twins Freddie and Flossie, and 12-year-old brown-haired and brown-eyed twins Bert and Nan. The books are usually categorized as "mysteries" but, as my daughter pointed out, they aren't really mysteries! They kids mean well, but they often find themselves in a pickle. As a kid, I loved how the older twins looked out for their younger siblings. The Bobbseys are a picture-perfect suburban family.
This is actually the second book in the series. I couldn't find the first one in my boxes, so I grabbed this one instead. The Bobbsey family goes to visit Mr. Bobbsey's sister, Sarah, and her family who live on a farm in Meadowbrook. During their stay, the family's prize bull gets stolen and the Bobbsey twins with their cousin Harry work together to solve the mystery.
It was fun to step back in time and read old school children's literature. I didn't realize that this was first published over 100 years ago, but then was re-written in the 60s so I guess that puts some of the language into perspective. When referencing their housekeeper, it's never just "Dinah" but the "plump colored woman." It also gave us a chuckle when Mr. Bobbsey referred to Flossie as his "fat little fairy" and Freddie as his "fat little fireman." My daughter pointed out that they weren't very nice nicknames to call his kids! I do agree with her, but it is clear that he does it with affection and the children giggle when he says it. There is an incident between Bert and Mark, a neighbour of Harry's who bullies Bert and holds his head under the water. Harry's father, Uncle Daniel, puts a stop to it and tells Mark to knock it off or he'll have to go home. When Mark starts in on Bert again, Uncle Daniel says: "You two boys had better have a wrestling match fair and square, and get this out of your systems!" I think I like the way that bullies were handled back in the day! There is something to be said for standing up to a bully and fighting back. I know that's not condoned nowadays in school, but sometimes a bully just needs to know that the person he is picking on is going to fight back! Overall, it's good clean juvenile fiction and it was like a walk down memory lane for me. This series is dear to me, because I loved it so much as a kid and it made me a bookworm!
It's tough to rate this, because my child-self would give it 5 stars hands-down. However, my adult-self isn't quite as enamored as when I was a child. This was less of a mystery than I remember, so that part of it was a disappointment. Still, I liked it and would probably rate this one 3 stars if I were reading it for the first time. I'm going to settle in the middle, with 4 stars.
This review was posted on my book blog:
https://darlenesbooknook.blogspot.ca/...
March 13, 2018
When I was growing up I had three Bobbsey Twins books - the first, second, and third in the series, published by Whitman, copyrighted in 1950/1953, though mine were probably printed in the 60's. I think these were close to the originals published at the turn of the 20th century.
Some people may consider them racist, sexist, and elitest. And I can see that in them. But they are a picture of an ideal that probably did not even exist at the time of their original publication. So, I choose to look back at them with a 2018 eye but still enjoy the positive virtues they portray.
The first 3 Bobbsey books are really all you need. The first one is the school year in the city, "In the Country" recounts a July vacation at the farm and #3 "At the Seashore" is the vacation continued in August. A few favorite characters from the country also visit the seashore, so we have a year of Bobbseys, great adventures, life lessons, and their friends and family, near and far. And, thank goodness, that naughty Danny Rugg doesn't come on vacation with us.
The time period of the Bobbseys is "not so long ago" when they were written and quite long ago now. The dresses in my Whitman versions are positively 1880's, the transportation is routinely horse-drawn and railroad (though there are mentions of automobiles) and Civil War soldiers are still alive (but old). No mention of any World Wars. The servants are black and "from Virginie", and speak in dialect.
Some of the country adventures include - horse stuck in the mud, runaway calf, 4th of July parade and fireworks and the explosion of an "old cannon", planting a garden, fishing and a near drowning, runaway horse, putting on a "circus" and raising money for the near-by fresh-air camp. a barn fire, a flood, and a well cleaning. We also find out the reason for the mysterious night-time piano playing.
The fresh air camp is predominant in the second half of the book. The real Fresh Air Society was created in 1877 and by 1888 was supported, in part, by the New York Tribune. This was, and continues to be a program, to give low income children from New York City time in the country. The boys raise $22 at their "circus" to donate. The girls have a sewing society and make aprons and night clothes for the camp. Uncle Daniel donates several wagon loads of fresh veggies and the Bobbsey twins visit the camp several times, making some special friends: Sandy (4) and 12 year old Nellie who works as a cashier during the day and goes to school at night. These books were written for the 8 - 10 year old set and were meant to develop a sense of compassion. As an adult, it is a charge to effect societal change for all of the weak and oppressed.
But, all good times must come to an end and the Bobbseys are off to the seashore. Volume 3 is my favorite and I cannot even begin to guess how many times I have read it.
Some people may consider them racist, sexist, and elitest. And I can see that in them. But they are a picture of an ideal that probably did not even exist at the time of their original publication. So, I choose to look back at them with a 2018 eye but still enjoy the positive virtues they portray.
The first 3 Bobbsey books are really all you need. The first one is the school year in the city, "In the Country" recounts a July vacation at the farm and #3 "At the Seashore" is the vacation continued in August. A few favorite characters from the country also visit the seashore, so we have a year of Bobbseys, great adventures, life lessons, and their friends and family, near and far. And, thank goodness, that naughty Danny Rugg doesn't come on vacation with us.
The time period of the Bobbseys is "not so long ago" when they were written and quite long ago now. The dresses in my Whitman versions are positively 1880's, the transportation is routinely horse-drawn and railroad (though there are mentions of automobiles) and Civil War soldiers are still alive (but old). No mention of any World Wars. The servants are black and "from Virginie", and speak in dialect.
Some of the country adventures include - horse stuck in the mud, runaway calf, 4th of July parade and fireworks and the explosion of an "old cannon", planting a garden, fishing and a near drowning, runaway horse, putting on a "circus" and raising money for the near-by fresh-air camp. a barn fire, a flood, and a well cleaning. We also find out the reason for the mysterious night-time piano playing.
The fresh air camp is predominant in the second half of the book. The real Fresh Air Society was created in 1877 and by 1888 was supported, in part, by the New York Tribune. This was, and continues to be a program, to give low income children from New York City time in the country. The boys raise $22 at their "circus" to donate. The girls have a sewing society and make aprons and night clothes for the camp. Uncle Daniel donates several wagon loads of fresh veggies and the Bobbsey twins visit the camp several times, making some special friends: Sandy (4) and 12 year old Nellie who works as a cashier during the day and goes to school at night. These books were written for the 8 - 10 year old set and were meant to develop a sense of compassion. As an adult, it is a charge to effect societal change for all of the weak and oppressed.
But, all good times must come to an end and the Bobbseys are off to the seashore. Volume 3 is my favorite and I cannot even begin to guess how many times I have read it.
June 14, 2020
I vaguely recall reading some Bobbsey twins books thirty plus years ago. So when I ran across this one in a box of books from a garage sale, I thought I'd see if there was some nostalgic value.
Nope.
This book has not aged well. The casual racism (really, LLH, you have one black character who has more than a line or two, and the first thing they talk about is stealing watermelons in a dialect so overdone that Margaret Mitchell would tell you to tone it down?) the assumption that snakes are all to be killed, and the scene where the four year olds are given fireworks to toss at people and animals... yeah, it's cringeworthy.
But setting that aside, is the story good enough to ignore or pass over those issues?
Again, Nope.
Actually, calling it a story is not quite accurate. It's just a series of events only loosely connected by the same poorly written characters. The writing is stilted and dull, the dialogue barely above Dick and Jane, and the very small amount of characterization just shows up how annoying most of these people would be.
About the only scene that held my attention is the cider-making bit. With a bit of re-writing, that one would be passable. For the rest, this book is going in my giveaway pile.
Nope.
This book has not aged well. The casual racism (really, LLH, you have one black character who has more than a line or two, and the first thing they talk about is stealing watermelons in a dialect so overdone that Margaret Mitchell would tell you to tone it down?) the assumption that snakes are all to be killed, and the scene where the four year olds are given fireworks to toss at people and animals... yeah, it's cringeworthy.
But setting that aside, is the story good enough to ignore or pass over those issues?
Again, Nope.
Actually, calling it a story is not quite accurate. It's just a series of events only loosely connected by the same poorly written characters. The writing is stilted and dull, the dialogue barely above Dick and Jane, and the very small amount of characterization just shows up how annoying most of these people would be.
About the only scene that held my attention is the cider-making bit. With a bit of re-writing, that one would be passable. For the rest, this book is going in my giveaway pile.
November 25, 2020
The dearest thing about this book is the inscription on the front page: To Pat February 14, 1952, and it's sweetness throughout. Copyright 1950 it predates me by a bit, in a time that is simple, clean and almost pure (she introduces children to the fact that life is not without trouble) and a little extraordinary for today, where ordinary folks have a cook; and families, for the most part, are whole and wholesome. As I get older reading or re-reading books from another time are a little disturbing in light of today's cultural norms. At the time, nothing to see here but they do stand out. If you are on principle without exception 'politically correct'- pretty much everything is going to scream at you. If you lived basically in this time, you know it was-life with no agendas-just life. Props to Laura Lee Hope who didn't write a fantasy world but let her little readers know that there are bad influences, children without homes, lost things, heartbreak, while leading them on childhood adventures and assuring them that things work out. Big message for a simple little book.
July 11, 2025
🧒🏼👧🏼🐴🐈⬛🎇🪡⛈️🐭🫛
Whoever owned this book before me hated it lol. Some choice words written “this book belongs to anyone stupid enough to want it.”
Saying the book reeked, was lousy and stinks. 😭
Yes, I kinda agree it is obviously more for children but it is a little boring. & I could do without the racism. Even though I’m aware to of how old the book is… and times were different. I do like thinking about how summers use to be back than where kids actually played outdoors lol 😂 but overall this book isn’t anything to be put on a tbr not that I think many people are doing that anyways.
🧒🏼👧🏼🐴🐈⬛🎇🪡⛈️🐭🫛
Whoever owned this book before me hated it lol. Some choice words written “this book belongs to anyone stupid enough to want it.”
Saying the book reeked, was lousy and stinks. 😭
Yes, I kinda agree it is obviously more for children but it is a little boring. & I could do without the racism. Even though I’m aware to of how old the book is… and times were different. I do like thinking about how summers use to be back than where kids actually played outdoors lol 😂 but overall this book isn’t anything to be put on a tbr not that I think many people are doing that anyways.
🧒🏼👧🏼🐴🐈⬛🎇🪡⛈️🐭🫛
November 5, 2025
I grew up reading the Bobbsey Twin books and the version I read was published in 1961. I found this older version in a used book store and thought it would be fun to compare them. I believe this copy that I have was published in 1943. These books were so different! The basic idea of the story was the same but there were characters added to the later version and big plot points were removed. Even the ages of the twins being changed with them being 4 and 8 years of age in the earlier books and then in the later books they were 6 and 12 years old. It was fun to read both back to back and the writing style is so different.
June 18, 2021
I read a number of this books when I was a child, and one of my aunt's gifted me with this and other that belonged to her kids. It's probably a first edition printed in 1961 and bok #2 in a long series. I enjoyed, and it was one I read a chapter of now and then before falling asleep.
My how times have changed....no way would playing detective with real cattle thieves, some of the pranks, falls and accidents alert child protective services today. You know all will turn out and no children or pets will be seriously harmed, and the menus for meals will be given.
My how times have changed....no way would playing detective with real cattle thieves, some of the pranks, falls and accidents alert child protective services today. You know all will turn out and no children or pets will be seriously harmed, and the menus for meals will be given.
July 2, 2019
Series, Bk 2, HB-B, @ 1950, Read 2/5/89, fiction, juvenile, Edward Stratemeyer, pseudonym Laura Lee Hope. The adventures of 2 sets of fraternal twins, Bert and Nan, 12 years old, and Freddy and Flossie, 6 years old. 72 books were written from 1904 to 1979,
plus a separate series, The New Bobbsey Twins, of 30 books published from 1987 to 1992.
This the second book dealt with a trip to the country. 3 ☆'s = Good.
plus a separate series, The New Bobbsey Twins, of 30 books published from 1987 to 1992.
This the second book dealt with a trip to the country. 3 ☆'s = Good.
October 31, 2021
1960s edition: Another delightful installment. Entire family enjoyed it. The Fresh Air component was fascinating particularly after having studied the movement this summer. This 1960s view of the Fresh Air program was enlightening.
Earlier edition: yikes! Some things in this edition that are no longer politically correct and others that are cringe-worthy. Enjoyed as an adult, but not for young kids. Also didn’t have the enjoyable mystery elements.
Earlier edition: yikes! Some things in this edition that are no longer politically correct and others that are cringe-worthy. Enjoyed as an adult, but not for young kids. Also didn’t have the enjoyable mystery elements.
September 17, 2018
My favorite part was when They managed to get the prize winning bull back, and he won a prize. My least favorite part was when Bert was caught by the thieves and they almost lost the thieves after they ran away and left Bert behind. Luckily, he got the licence plate number before he got blindfolded. This book does not match at all what the description on Goodreads says.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2020
My 100th and last book of 2019! A ok book. Normally, these mystery books get a little slow in the middle but this one really seemed to drag in my opinion. More similar to the Boxcar Children than Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew, and definitely aimed for a younger audience.
July 16, 2020
The twins visit cousin Harry on the farm. I always enjoyed the books where the Bobbsey Twins had fun with their cousins. Reminds me of hanging out with my cousin Kathy when we were little. Too bad they cousins disappear after a time.
December 2, 2017
Hewoo. I didn't REALLY like the book :/ Byeeeeeee :DDDDDD
June 25, 2018
Need a little childhood fun to make me smile.
July 24, 2018
Excellent book for children
September 10, 2018
I love this series! Hope others like this series!
June 15, 2020
I read these books as a child 1950’s
Read
July 8, 2020Read the 1950 version of this book from a collection of children's books. The children had so many adventures without TV or technology. Not sure how the newer versions have been edited.
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