Pete and Fremont

by Jenny Tripp, John Manders (Illustrations)

Purebred and razzle-dazzle pink, Pete the poodle is the biggest star in the Circus Martinez. But when he muffs a couple of flaming-hoop jumps, he gets bumped from the headliner spot. Pete's just about ready to roll over and play dead when he comes nose to nose with the new attraction, a supersized grizzly bear named Fremont. Pete quickly teaches Fremont that though the big top is no place for a rookie, it's a breeding ground for loyalty. This story is full of daredevil schemes, legendary letdowns, and stunning victories. But it's Pete and Fremont's friendship that ends up as the knock-'em-dead finale.

Genres: Animals, Fantasy

192 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2007

Reviews

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tripp, Jenny Pete and Fremont. Pgs. 192. Harcourt Childeren's books. Language-G; Sexual Content-G; Violence-G;

Pete is a poodle. He is in the circus. One night after they leave a town, he hears noises in a cage at the end of the train. He goes to investigate and meets a bear named Fremont. They learn to live with each other and make an act together. I think that this book is okay. But it is not relistic enough for me. I like books that are realistic. This book is interesting and parts of it are funny.

EL - OPTIONAL. Student Reviewer: SH

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pete is a pink poodle—and also the star of the Circus Martinez! He loves his act, part of which requires him to jump through a flaming hoop. But when his jumps start to fall short, the circus owners decide that he just might be getting too old for the job. He is no longer the star and thinks that his career in the circus might be over…until he meets the huge new animal the circus owners pick up from the wild.

Fremont, the wild bear, is so scary that all of the other circus animals stay away from him. Pete, however, sees that Fremont is simply young, scared, and homesick for the forest. As they become friends, Pete learns that Fremont is a natural performer! Fremont is the answer that Pete has been looking for to save his circus career. Yet, Fremont desperately yearns to return to the forest. As Fremont’s friend, what is Pete to do?

Pete & Fremont is a story that is not only a fast read, but will keep readers glued to the page with its humor and suspenseful moments. Not only that, the illustrations are hilarious! Who would think that a poodle named Pete would be so proud to be pink and fluffy? The other circus animals are memorable in their own charming ways as well.

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pierre Le Chien (aka Pete the Poodle) is the star performer in a small circus. One night Pete scorches his tail while jumping through a flaming hoop. Unable to fulfill his doggie trick duties, Pete is demoted to “doggie cannonball” status in the clown act. Determined to stage a comeback, Pete enlists the help of the newest member of the circus, a recently captured grizzly bear named Fremont. At first Fremont wants nothing to do with Pete and his juggling act, but Fremont finally relents. By the end of the story, Pete pays Fremont back for all of his efforts by helping the captive grizzly bear escape to a national park.

This is not great literature but rather a light, fluffy read for those looking to escape reality. Fans of animal stories will also enjoy the humorous characters.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pete is a circus poodle. Fremont is a bear captured and given to the circus. Pete may be a headliner but he has been having problems. Fremont only wants to go back to the woods. I enjoyed this story. Pete is doing at he must to regain headline status. Teaching Fremont tricks so they can be a team has Pete rethinking what is best for him, Fremont, and the circus. I liked the support system the animals created for themselves. This is a fun read. The illustrations are marvelous. Good for your elementary school children.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pete is a poodle that is part of a small travelling circus. Fremont is a wild bear that is captured and forced into the circus business. Pete befriends Fremont and the two end up creating a performance together; however, as time passes, Pete realizes that Fremont isn't happy to be a part of the circus. He would rather roam free in the woods where he belongs. Pete and the other circus animals hatch a plan to free Fremont.

The book was cute with a surprise ending.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pete is a pink poodle who does a flaming hoop routine for the circus until one day he falls short on his mark. Fremont is a wild bear that the circus hopes will be their new star attraction. One small problem, Fremont is from the wild and knows nothing about circus performances. Pete and Fremont find a special bond which helps them both to obtain their goals. Pete and Fremont is a fairly quick read and the illustrations make this a wonderfully fun book.

[Kasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cutest book of the year! Such a fun read...fun subject, fun story, told in a fun voice. Pete is a circus professional...born into it. Fremont is a surely, wild bear, captured one dark and stormy night, in between show stops. Can Pete help Fremont survive captivation and turn him into a sizzling star attraction? Read it! You'll love finding out!

[Erin D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

sort of a little kid book but still good

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hilarious! Great book to illustrate voice to readers and writers. I hope it wins the Children's Sequoyah award this year!

[Jason Penckofer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay story, with lots of bad puns. Would be an okay choice for someone looking for a book about circus life, dogs or bears from a dog

[Corbie Mumford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good for a kids book. Not great or all that memorable, but I wasnt bored to tears as I read it to my son.