The Cut-ups at Camp Custer

The Cut-ups

by James Marshall

Primed for some serious summer mayhem, the Cut-Ups, Spud and Joe, arrive at Camp Custer only to discover that their killjoy school principal, Lamar J. Spurgle, is head camp counselor and that another camper is outclassing their non-plus-ultra practical jokes

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Humor, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

James Edward Marshall (October 10, 1942 – October 13, 1992), who also wrote as Edward Marshall, was a children's author and illustrator.

His father worked on the railroad, was a band member in the 1930s, and his mother sang in the local church choir. His family later moved to Beaumont, Texas. Marshall said: "Beaumont is deep south and swampy and I hated it. I knew I would die if I stayed there so I diligently studied the viola, and eventually won a scholarship to the New England Conservatory in Boston."[1] He entered the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, but injured his hand, ending his music career. He returned to Texas, where he attended San Antonio College, and later transferred to Southern Connecticut State University where he received degrees in French and history.

It is said that he discovered his vocation on a 1971 summer afternoon, lying on a hammock drawing. His mother was watching Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and the main characters, George and Martha, ultimately became characters in one of his children's books. Marshall continued as a children's author until his untimely death in 1992 of a brain tumor. In 1998, George and Martha became the basis of an eponymous animated children's television show.

In addition to George and Martha, the lovable hippopotami, James Marshall created dozens of other uniquely appealing characters. He is well-known for his Fox series (which he wrote as "Edward Marshall"), as well as the Miss Nelson books, the Stupids, the Cut-ups, and many more. James Marshall had the uncanny ability to elicit wild delight from readers with relatively little text and simple drawings. With only two minute dots for eyes, his illustrated characters are able to express a wide range of emotion, and produce howls of laughter from both children and adults.

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spud and Joe are classroom “cut-ups” who always have the eye of Principal Lamar J. Spurgle. But now, they are headed for summer camp and freedom. When they meet Frothingham, the nephew of the camp director, they are not impressed. But when they meet the camp director (oh no!), it’s Mr. Spurgle and he tells them they have to behave. The next day, they are being punished for a prank they didn’t mastermind. Who is setting them up?

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spud Jenkins and Joe Turner are off to spend their summer at Camp Custer, But to their dismay the camp director is none other than Lamar J. Spurgle their school's principle. The cut-ups are being framed, and they have to catch the person doing it to prove their innocence from the pranks being done, or their stay at camp will be totally ruined.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

When two trouble makers go to summer camp, the tables get turned on them when the goodie goodie nephew of the camp counselor sets them up for his misdeeds. The ending is very ironic.

[Louie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun and slightly mysterious series of adventures at Summer Camp.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spud and Joe head off to summer camp where Spurgle shows up as their counselor! It's not long before a bunch of pranks begin happening and Spurgle blames the boys though they claim they are innocent. It seems they are being framed by Spurgle's nephew.

Funny with colorful illustrations these troublemakers would appeal to the fans who can't get enough of Captain Underpants.

[kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

ha, this one is pretty dang funny. two thumbs up.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cut-Ups cause mischief at Camp Custer... or do they?