If you are like me and can’t get enough of the lovable orange tabby, Bob, you will be happy to know that a new picture book by Bob’s rescuer and companion, James Bowen, (and Garry Jenkins) is now available.
My Name is Bob is a book geared toward children, but any cat- or Bob-lover will enjoy it. Each page is a fully-colored illustration (by Gerald Kelley) with text overlay. It is reminiscent of the over-sized, quality, picture books I enjoyed growing up.
This short book imagines Bob’s beginnings before he and down-on-his-luck, street musician, James Bowen, saved each other.
NOTE: For young children, the section where Bob’s previous owner is taken away in an ambulance never to return could be paraphrased when reading the book to them, as this section could evoke questions parents aren’t ready to answer.
Though Bob’s previous home life as well as his life on the streets prior to Bowen finding him, injured and cowering in his building, are imagined, the trials and tribulations Bob faces are most likely close to the truth for any cat lost in a big city. With this in mind, My Name is Bob offers several teachable moments for children with regard to the abandonment and rescue of animals.
In addition to the exquisite illustrations, two full pages of photographs of Bob and Bowen are included at the end of the book.
My Name is Bob is available from both Barnes and Noble and Amazon and reasonably priced below the retail ($16.99 U.S.) at $12.27. The only decision you will need to make is whether or not you want your own personal copy when you purchase the book for all the other cat lovers in your life.
To read my review of A Street Cat Named Bob, which focuses on Bob’s life after his rescue, click on the title.
Disclaimer: I received no compensation for this review other than a copy of the book, and opinions expressed are mine alone.
