• Age: 3 to 5
• Grade: p to k
• Reading age: 3 to 5

Follow Fred and Pete on an adventure where they hitch rides in anything with wheels, and optimism prevails.

Fred is a near-sighted dog who worries all the time. He worries the most about what kind of trouble Pete is going to get them into next. Unlike Fred, Pete is a happy, impulsive dog who believes something wonderful waits around every corner. Fred and Pete live with their human, Ron. When the dogs misbehave, Ron leaves them at home for the day. So the dogs decide to find their own way to the beach. Pete is sure they can get to the beach by themselves, meet up with Ron and all will be forgiven. Full of misgivings, Fred hurries after Pete, if only to try to keep him out of trouble.

Cynthia Nugent
is a nationally recognized and award-winning children's book author and illustrator. Her first book, Mister Got to Go, is now considered a Canadian classic. All of her books have been on the Canadian Children's Book Centre's Our Choice lists. She also makes book trailers and apps and has animated several Tradewind titles. Cynthia lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with her Yorkshire terrier Emma.

More information is available at www.cynthianugent.com.

Cynthia Nugent's profile page

• Short-listed, Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Awards - Shining Willow
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection
• Winner, Chocolate Lily Book Awards - Picture Books
• Commended, Resource Links, The Year's Best Books

"A delightful story...The mixed media illustrations really capture the spirit of the feisty dogs. The students are going to enjoy this book! The website for the book does a good job of explaining how the book was written and illustrated."

Tacoma School District #10

"Bright and bold illustration move the story forward and give depth to this delightful story."

Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media

"Nugent's playful text and humorous artwork combine well to create a fun-filled, enjoyable book…Likely to appeal to dog lovers of all ages. Recommended."

CM Magazine

"Cute...story with colorful illustrations, this is a nice addition for young dog lovers."

Highlands Regional Book Evaluation

"Here are two pups to steal your heart, even from their portraits on the first page…This is a witty engaging tale, full of vitality and humour in text and illustration…Children will enjoy this pair and parents too will have a chuckle reading it. It really is a pleasure."

Deakin Newsletter

Fred and Pete at the Beach

Ron is going to the beach and he has chosen to leave his dogs Fred and Pete at home because they have not been very well behaved. The dogs have other ideas. They follow Ron to the beach. Thoughtful, responsible Fred, the worrier, isn’t sure this escapade is such a great idea so he questions impulsive Pete at every turn. Fred and Pete ride in a Canada Post truck, a bike trailer and on a bus while trying to find their way to the beach. Do they make it? If they do, how will they ever find their human, Ron, amongst all the people? Readers will recognize Vancouver landscapes in the illustrations.

Nugent is an award-winning author and illustrator. Her website, fredandpeteatthebeach.com, contains a video that demonstrates her artistic technique as well as colouring pages and author information.

Fred and Pete at the Beach

Meet Fred and Pete, two dogs with very different personalities. When their human leaves them at home for being naughty, Pete decides they can find their own way to the beach. Join them as they hitch rides in anything with wheels and see where they finally end up.