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Bubba and Beau, Best Friends
Bubba, a brand-new Texas baby, and Beau, a brand-new Texas puppy, are best friends who share lots of adventures.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
About the author
Kathi Appelt
61 books550 followersLives in College Station, TX with husband Ken and four adorable cats.
Two sons, both musicians.
Serves on the faculty at Vermont College of Fine Arts in the MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults Program.
Two sons, both musicians.
Serves on the faculty at Vermont College of Fine Arts in the MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults Program.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 21, 2007
First sentence: Meet Bubba. Bubba is the son of Big Bubba and Mama Pearl. Right after Bubba was born, Mama Pearl wrapped him in his soft pink blankie and whispered into both of his soft pink ears, "I love you, Bubba Junior." She sighed. He was the perfect little Bubba.
Premise/plot: Bubba (the baby) and Beau (the puppy) are BEST friends. This picture book is written in small chapters. Each chapter written to perfection to highlight the awesomeness of Bubba, Beau, and their blanket. There are many good and happy days in Bubbaville, but this picture book chooses to include a very SAD day in Bubbaville as well. What will happen when Mama Pearl dares to WASH the blanket?!?!
My thoughts: Bubba and Beau, Best Friends has to be one of my absolute favorite, favorite, favorite picture books. It is perfectly perfect I tell you. I love the setting. (It is set in Texas.) I love the characters. I love the illustrations. (Now when I see Arthur Howard I think Mr. Putter and Tabby.) But most of all I love the words--the narrative flavor and flow.
One of my favorite quotes:
It didn't take long for Bubba and Beau to become best friends. For one thing, they both went around on all fours. They were both keen on chewing. Neither one was house-trained. And they could howl to beat the band. They also had a mutual affection for MUD. And a mutual disdain for soap. Sister, those two got along.
Honestly, I could quote the whole book. That's how much I love it. The best books become part of the fabric of our lives, become a part of ourselves. Even though I was an adult in 2002--in library school to be exact--this book is part of me.
Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 10 out of 10
Premise/plot: Bubba (the baby) and Beau (the puppy) are BEST friends. This picture book is written in small chapters. Each chapter written to perfection to highlight the awesomeness of Bubba, Beau, and their blanket. There are many good and happy days in Bubbaville, but this picture book chooses to include a very SAD day in Bubbaville as well. What will happen when Mama Pearl dares to WASH the blanket?!?!
My thoughts: Bubba and Beau, Best Friends has to be one of my absolute favorite, favorite, favorite picture books. It is perfectly perfect I tell you. I love the setting. (It is set in Texas.) I love the characters. I love the illustrations. (Now when I see Arthur Howard I think Mr. Putter and Tabby.) But most of all I love the words--the narrative flavor and flow.
One of my favorite quotes:
It didn't take long for Bubba and Beau to become best friends. For one thing, they both went around on all fours. They were both keen on chewing. Neither one was house-trained. And they could howl to beat the band. They also had a mutual affection for MUD. And a mutual disdain for soap. Sister, those two got along.
Honestly, I could quote the whole book. That's how much I love it. The best books become part of the fabric of our lives, become a part of ourselves. Even though I was an adult in 2002--in library school to be exact--this book is part of me.
Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 10 out of 10
January 8, 2009
This book surprised me and then made me laugh and then after the second page I read the rest of the book with a backwoods drawl without even realizing it. Right now I'm listening to Macie read it (from memory) to Carsen...also with a drawl...simply hilarious! I will have to check out the rest in the collection.
June 30, 2023
When Mama Pearl hugs her newborn and whispers into both of his ears, "I love you, Bubba Junior"?
Definitely sweet, but I do have some questions:
* Why wrap this macho-looking scion of a tough-looking Texas Dad in a pink blanket?
* And how does Mama Pearl manage to whisper into both of his ears at the same time. (Like, is there a second illustration packed into the book, a bonus page, an invisible page?) Since, in the illustration, her lips don't look unusually large. Puzzling.
ANYWAY
As the chapter book unfolds, I see that there's a sweet interplay between toughness and tenderness. Like the friendship between Bubba and Beau, who live -- it turns out -- in Bubbaville.
FIVE STARS in honor of all you readers who can't wait to read the whole series.
Definitely sweet, but I do have some questions:
* Why wrap this macho-looking scion of a tough-looking Texas Dad in a pink blanket?
* And how does Mama Pearl manage to whisper into both of his ears at the same time. (Like, is there a second illustration packed into the book, a bonus page, an invisible page?) Since, in the illustration, her lips don't look unusually large. Puzzling.
ANYWAY
As the chapter book unfolds, I see that there's a sweet interplay between toughness and tenderness. Like the friendship between Bubba and Beau, who live -- it turns out -- in Bubbaville.
FIVE STARS in honor of all you readers who can't wait to read the whole series.
February 6, 2024
This book was cute! It has a really cute story and I love the southern vibe it has to it. I would love to read it to my baby niece since she loves hanging out with my dog. it is a very fast and simple read. However, the illustrations aren't the best. They are a bit scary-looking. Bubba, the baby, seems like they would appear at the edge of your bed at night with a demonic grin. All in all, the story was cute but the art was not.
January 4, 2019
This is one of my absolute favorite read alouds. You can't help but do a southern accent as you read about Bubba and Beau and the pinky pink blanket going snappity snap. I also love that this book introduces younger kids to onomatopoeia and chapters. The phrase "bad news in Bubbaville" has became a staple in my household and in my library.
March 2, 2022
This was a very lighthearted and love able book about the relationship between a baby and it's dog and how much they loved each other. The illustrations and pictures pick up the characters emotions really well and add to the story perfectly. Although there is not a large lesson to take out of this book, it is a cute, easy read for those just beginning to.
September 3, 2019
I love this author, but admittedly this wasn't my favorite book. I liked the southern charm, but there was something about it that just wasn't that fun. It might have been the art style that didn't land. My son liked it fine.
May 29, 2026
This is the first book of a series about a baby and a dog. It has redneck quality to the illustrations and text, but is not obnoxious.
The baby and the dog meet and become friends. It is a cute story.
The illustrations are simple, but nice.
The baby and the dog meet and become friends. It is a cute story.
The illustrations are simple, but nice.
October 10, 2018
Texas is so alien to me. I know WI & MN, MA, NV, and am getting to know MO and OK... but these books by Appelt are, erm, enlightening. Cute enough, though.
December 4, 2019
Funny read aloud for all ages.
Read
August 20, 2020I don't know why I read this
April 2, 2024
Appelt Box #7
Texas baby and dog are friends, and their adventure around being washed.
OK, but very much a Yank book.
Texas baby and dog are friends, and their adventure around being washed.
OK, but very much a Yank book.
January 20, 2026
This was a super cute book and was definitely aimed for younger kids. It had a sweet storyline and really good illustrations. It brought a lot of happiness to me when I read it.
October 16, 2017
Bubba and Beau: Best Friends (Bubbaville #1) / by Kathi Appelt; illustrated by Arthur Howard -- Orlando, FL : Voyager Books / Harcourt, Inc, c2002. (32 pages) RANGE 3 -- PICTURE BOOKS
SUMMARY: When Mama Pearl washes their favorite blanket it's a sad day for best friends Bubba and Beau, but it gets worse when she decides the baby boy and his puppy need baths, too. (from Verso)
FORMAT: Picture book seperated into simple chapters. Illustrations with muted colors and bold outlines that should be popular with younger readers. Illustrations are very humorous in nature and support the text perfectly. At first I was confused by the blank white pages throughout the book thinking something was missing, but they were planned that way to divide up the chapters.
REVIEW: Children's books that feature the distinct southern culture are hard to find. This was a true delight to the heart of this southern girl and it has quickly become a favorite series of mine. I also like how the illustrator has made Bubba and Beau look so similar. Even though I grew up southern, the phrase "sister" throughout the book threw me off just a little.
MY FAVORITE PART: is when the proud father (Big Bubba) is in his pickup (Earl) raising a rucus to celebrate the birth of his baby boy (page 7). Later this action is repeated when his hound dog Maurice joins him when his puppy is born (page 13).
Other titles in the series: Bubba and Beau: Go Night-Night and Bubba and Beau: Meet the Relatives
SUMMARY: When Mama Pearl washes their favorite blanket it's a sad day for best friends Bubba and Beau, but it gets worse when she decides the baby boy and his puppy need baths, too. (from Verso)
FORMAT: Picture book seperated into simple chapters. Illustrations with muted colors and bold outlines that should be popular with younger readers. Illustrations are very humorous in nature and support the text perfectly. At first I was confused by the blank white pages throughout the book thinking something was missing, but they were planned that way to divide up the chapters.
REVIEW: Children's books that feature the distinct southern culture are hard to find. This was a true delight to the heart of this southern girl and it has quickly become a favorite series of mine. I also like how the illustrator has made Bubba and Beau look so similar. Even though I grew up southern, the phrase "sister" throughout the book threw me off just a little.
MY FAVORITE PART: is when the proud father (Big Bubba) is in his pickup (Earl) raising a rucus to celebrate the birth of his baby boy (page 7). Later this action is repeated when his hound dog Maurice joins him when his puppy is born (page 13).
Other titles in the series: Bubba and Beau: Go Night-Night and Bubba and Beau: Meet the Relatives
December 29, 2010
Bubba and Beau are a baby boy and a puppy. They were born at the same time, and quickly bonded. They both love mud, love the same blankie and hate mud. One day, Bubba’s mom washes the blanket, and now it smells like soap. Bubba and Beau do not like the smell of the clean blankie. Finally, Bubba and Beau get a bath, and they both smell like soap. Now, Bubba and Beau like the blankie again, because it smells just like the two of them.
The illustrations are done in a cartoon style. Bubba’s head is slightly misshapen, but makes the reader immediately fall in love with him. Based on the illustrations, one can easily tell that Bubba and Beau are the best of friends, without even reading the words.
This book would work well for a storytime or a one-on-one reading environment. If this book was used for a storytime, it could be used for a theme about friends, or even bath time. Crafts for this story could include dog related crafts and bubble bath crafts.
The illustrations are done in a cartoon style. Bubba’s head is slightly misshapen, but makes the reader immediately fall in love with him. Based on the illustrations, one can easily tell that Bubba and Beau are the best of friends, without even reading the words.
This book would work well for a storytime or a one-on-one reading environment. If this book was used for a storytime, it could be used for a theme about friends, or even bath time. Crafts for this story could include dog related crafts and bubble bath crafts.
September 29, 2008
Summary: Bubba, a little boy, and Beau, a hound dog, are best friends. They both love mud and crawling around on all fours. Best of all, they love Bubba's pink blankie. Mama Pearl washing the pink blankie and both of the friends are sad because the blanket no longer smells like one another. Then Mama Pearl gives Bubba and Beau each a bath. Each of the friends smells like soap, just like the blankie. All is well again.
Uses: read-aloud for primary grades; independent reading for early readers (good for those anxious to start chapter books); recommend for dog-lovers
Social issues: example of southern culture/dialect
Literary Devices: onomatopoeia, personification, alliteration
Other: cute illustrations, very funny
Uses: read-aloud for primary grades; independent reading for early readers (good for those anxious to start chapter books); recommend for dog-lovers
Social issues: example of southern culture/dialect
Literary Devices: onomatopoeia, personification, alliteration
Other: cute illustrations, very funny
October 7, 2008
Genre: Picture Book
Audience: K-6
Topic: Best friends
Curricular Uses: Read aloud, independent reading
Literary Elements: Onomatopoeia, humor, voice/tone: Southern dialect
Reading Level: Late Early/Transitional Readers
Illustrations: The illustrations in the book are great. They bring the characters to life. They do support the text, but not as much as other texts. Makes this book a more challenging read for students.
Additional Comments: This book is very funny; it actually seems to incorporate humor that may be targeted at adults. Book is challenging because of the length and word usage, but lacks the difficulty of dialogue.
Audience: K-6
Topic: Best friends
Curricular Uses: Read aloud, independent reading
Literary Elements: Onomatopoeia, humor, voice/tone: Southern dialect
Reading Level: Late Early/Transitional Readers
Illustrations: The illustrations in the book are great. They bring the characters to life. They do support the text, but not as much as other texts. Makes this book a more challenging read for students.
Additional Comments: This book is very funny; it actually seems to incorporate humor that may be targeted at adults. Book is challenging because of the length and word usage, but lacks the difficulty of dialogue.
June 27, 2010
The setting in Bubba and Beau: Best Friends is essential to this story. If the setting was set somewhere else, then it would be an entirely different story. This story is as much a story about Texans as it is about Bubba and Beau. Although the setting is never stated directly to the reader, there are plenty of visual references made to inform the reader that the setting is in the state of Texas. The big, blue Texas sky, the cowboy boots, the state flag and the longhorns on Big Bubba’s pickup truck are some of the visual clues that inform the reader of the setting.
November 11, 2011
This is a very short chapter book with very short chapters.
This is a cute chapter book for students to hear. It maybe above their level (use for 1st or 2nd grade) but I would use this book as a mentor book. I would want them to make chapter books about what ever they wanted. I would let them pick a genre to write in. Then I would show/ model with them how each chapter is built to make a complete story. Then students are to write on their own. I would lamenate each of there books and put in classroom library. Then students could take it home.
This is a cute chapter book for students to hear. It maybe above their level (use for 1st or 2nd grade) but I would use this book as a mentor book. I would want them to make chapter books about what ever they wanted. I would let them pick a genre to write in. Then I would show/ model with them how each chapter is built to make a complete story. Then students are to write on their own. I would lamenate each of there books and put in classroom library. Then students could take it home.
April 15, 2011
This isn't exactly about a farm, but it is very fun to read so I worked it into this week's story time on farmers because of Big Bubba's trusy pickup truck Earl. The story is composed of five chapters in which we are introduced to Baby Bubba, Beau, the plot, the drama, and conclusion. Due to limited time we stopped at the end of chapter one, where Big Bubba is honking Earl's horn in celebration.
March 18, 2012
Bubba (a baby) and Beau (a puppy) are best pals. They grow up together and share lots of "new baby" traits: they both love to chew on things, they aren't potty-trained, and they're both attached to their blanket (smells good!). The narrator's voice is a little bit country which adds to the fun - "Sister, those two got along." Engaging voice and silly illustrations make this a fun read aloud for toddlers through grade 1.
April 30, 2013
This is a fun and silly book that would gfet students laughing as you go through the adventures of baby Bubba and his puppy. I like how it is in the form of a chapter book. This is a good transition for students showing them books with chpaters. You could try this at the end of 1st grade depending on the reading levels.
August 28, 2015
My four year olds liked this book, but really didn't understand some of the phrases. Such as, "And they could howl to beat the band" and "Sister, those two got along." It was kind of funny to me. They were looking at the pictures saying, "What band?" and "Where's the sister?" "I don't see a sister."
November 28, 2009
Bubba and Beau are lovable characters utilized as series characters in Appelt's books. Very cute stories--this one is about how sad Bubba and Beau become when Mama Pearl washes their favorite blanket. Things get worse when it's bath time for them. Very enjoyable.
April 10, 2010
My kindergartner loves reading this book to me and to her little brother. She howls like Beau, narrates in a great Texas accent, and loves reading this story over and over. Any book that can spark a desire to read and to really tell a story is a 5-star book in my opinion.
June 18, 2011
In a class with Kathi, the author, she used this book as a timed writing send-off, writing about an object of special importance. Would work great with any age group. I plan on using it with seventh graders.
April 23, 2012
This is a creative story written with a lot of voice and humor. It depicts a fun loving relationship between a baby and a dog. Best of all, it's written in "chapters" that appeal to those developing readers.
September 23, 2012
Reread 4/23/15 This is the first in the trio of picture books about baby Bubba and puppy Beau. Appelt's Texas drawl is perfect for the tone and setting. My favorite line: "It was a sad day in Bubbaville."
April 29, 2013
A good book about a baby and his puppy who are best friends. This would be a good book for those who have pets because they would relate to the adventures they go on. The illustrations are kind of plain though. I would recommend this book for any elementary aged students.
March 30, 2015
A good book about a baby and his puppy who are best friends. This would be a good book for those who have pets because they would relate to the adventures they go on. The illustrations are kind of plain though. I would recommend this book for any elementary aged students.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews