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Original Bobbsey Twins #58

The Bobbsey Twins' Search for the Green Rooster

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Book by Hope, Laura Lee

Paperback

First published December 1, 1964

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About the author

Laura Lee Hope

603 books79 followers
Laura 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

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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Profile Image for Laura Edwards.
1,198 reviews15 followers
August 11, 2020
"The Search for the Green Rooster" contained interesting information about Portugal without devolving into a travelogue like the previous book, making it a bit better. I do think the past couple of books is where the series takes a downward turn as the twins tend to be away from Lakeport (3 of the last 4 have taken place out of the country). These stories tend to read more like travelogues instead of fun adventure stories.

All the twins' friends are neglected, too, relegated to bit parts. Mainly they appear at the very beginning of the story where they can listen wistfully (or enviously) to the next spot where the Bobbseys' plan on vacationing. It seems as if Nellie is forever throwing "going away" parties for the twins. Speaking of which. Why in the world did she invite Danny and Jack to the party? Very out of character since she despises them as much as the twins. None of their other classmates whom the twins actually like, outside of each twins' best friend, were invited. But Danny and Jack were. Hmm, maybe Nellie's jealousy is showing a bit because I can't fathom another reason why she would invite the two bullies who thrive on annoying the twins.

I also believe this is the last book containing drawings by my favorite illustrator for the Bobbsey Twins' books. Another downturn in the series.

210 reviews
March 28, 2026
I'm coming to the end of my Bobbsey Twins' world tour (books 50-60 emphasize global travel before they settle back down in Lakeport). This story marshals more charm than "Camel Adventure" but a touch less than my absolute favorites "Goldfish" and "Puppet." Rich glimpses into Portuguese fishing culture. Fun with mosaics!
Profile Image for Chance Hansen.
Author 23 books21 followers
January 24, 2017
I am going to try to give it some leeway. It is a classic being set up in the same category as Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. Even the story direction could be argued have the same direction.
One thing is that this book did not age well.
What can you say about the The Search For The Green Rooster. Honestly I don't know if they could have titled it any better. I believe no other words pop up more than 'fat man' and 'green rooster'. How obsessed Flossie is with finding this animal that in the beginning she is actually accusing every fat man she sees for stealing their green rooster, what ever it could be. I actually found the mystery a little annoying compared to 'In The Mystery Cave'. (But it is a different idea of an mystery.) I would have personally pulled the attention back a little from the green rooster and focus on the more interesting idea of a thief ring stealing from rich homes all over town.
In fact Mrs. Bobbsey really annoyed me, She actually let her kids walk around a strange city in Portugal without concern. It might be because I am growing up in the present lifestyle and not 1965 but I wouldn't let my four kids, Spy/listen in on, talk to, or catch/stop a suspected thief. She is so lackadaisical with her concern with where her kids are and what they are doing it's almost comical, if it wasn't so dangerous. (They aren't the Hardy Boys where their father is a detective and ties to the police, their dad runs a lumber yard.)
A quick statement because I know I've said it before, but ALL the characters are flat. (Even their unconcerned mother really doesn't have a personality.)(I think only once she acts concerned throughout this book for their welfare.)
I am going to say it again. this book is a classic and with all the things that bothers me in the book I still found it OK.
Profile Image for Ava.
123 reviews
July 20, 2011
I remember really liking this one too! Can't believe I had managed to read so many of these.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews