The One and Only Bob: A Heartfelt Animal Adventure About Courage, Friendship, and Family Bonds in the Wild

My daughter has struggled to really get into reading, but she absolutely loves this series. The story is engaging and keeps her interested, but I also love the way the book is structured. The larger spacing between sentences and paragraphs makes the pages feel less overwhelming and helps her feel like she’s making progress as she reads. For a new, hesitant, or struggling reader, this format is such a confidence booster. She’s excited to pick up the book, feels successful as she moves through the pages, and is building her love of reading along the way. The story itself is amazing too — it’s the perfect combination of a great message and a story kids actually want to follow. Highly recommend for kids who are still finding their confidence as readers!

A heartwarming story with so many life lessons for children and adolescents. An edge of your seat adventure but also clean and family friendly.

You heard Ivan, a gorilla, tell his story in "The One and Only Ivan". Now Ivan’s best bud Bob, a dog, tells his story in this sequel to Ivan, "The One and Only Bob". Katherine Applegate's searing writing style is back, and she is just as penetrating. It's a four-part book, with part one providing the introduction to Bob's start and the story's connection to Ivan, Stella, and Ruby. She quickly gets at human responsibility when it comes to animal treatment, which makes both of these books so ever convicting. At one point Bob says, “humans meant the possibility of living, just as much as they meant the possibility of dying.” Part two introduces new characters named Nutwit, a squirrel near his home, and a fellow dog named Droolius. Bob describes his present life as a pet and the changes from his life as a stray. Not gonna lie, when Julia takes Bob to the zoo, my heart did a little dance with the first interactions between Bob and Ivan and then Bob and Ruby. It speaks to my love for “The One and Only Ivan”. I realized after years of teaching this book to elementary students, I longed for more interaction between Bob, Ivan (along with Kinyani), and Ruby. “The One and Only Bob” provides this satisfaction. But things are different, as they always are with the passing of time. And then the weather turns… Part three sees Bob in the hound pound and at the same time taking the reader into the inner struggles of Bob, a seemingly tough guy with an ever-softening heart. It also asks of humans, how will you respond to animals, any animals? With kindness? Brutality? Part four rounds back to 1249 Hinman Ave. and begs the question, “Is Ruby up next?”

A three book series my grandchildren, absolutely love the stories according to her dad.

As a person, I like to read all types of books. As a mother, I like to read books my daughter is required to read (or chooses) ~~ it gives us something to talk about, and excites her to read more 🤗 As an animal lover, I like to read books that encourage rescue & paint a picture for all ages to see about the way some humans can treat innocent animals. We both LOVED “The One & Only Ivan” ~ so I preordered three total copies of “The One & Only Bob” {2 as gifts and 1 for my daughter/me}. I finished it in one sit-down. Applegate does a great job, again, adding subtle hints in her books for “how to treat others” - and not just with lines as “be kind to others” or “help one another” and “don’t judge a book by its cover” ~~ she does this all in such perfect story telling ways, with all of her characters. It brings a smile to my face & heart. = it gives my daughter and I more topics to talk about and for me to add on to Applegate’s words and say “so you see the lesson or point here?....” 😉 Start with “Ivan” if you haven’t read it yet. Then enjoy “Bob”. I really am hoping 🤞🏼 for the next one...”The One & Only Ruby” 🐘 🤗 {P.S. the ending is my favorite part ♥️}

“The One and Only Bob” is a fun and engaging early chapter book that does a great job keeping younger readers interested while still supporting reading development. The story is easy to follow, with clear language and short chapters that make it feel approachable without being overwhelming. The character is likable and relatable, and the pacing keeps kids moving through the book with curiosity and momentum. What stands out most is how well it supports confidence in reading longer texts, especially for kids transitioning from picture books to chapter books. The story has heart and humor, and it holds attention well, even for newer readers. Overall, it’s a solid, enjoyable book that encourages reading growth while still being entertaining

Great

This is another book that is a mainstay in our house. My oldest read it in third grade and it is so good. So many life lesson not only for the kids reading it but also for the adult if you are reading it outloud with your little ones. Highly recommend.

Brilliant follow up to The one and only Ivan. Bob is the real hero of this story, after a tornado sweeps through the Zoo where his friends are, Bob helps to save the day.

Awesome book, Daughter loves the series, Great for bedtime reading, Recommended!!!

I bought this book online and I can't put it down!! If you fell in love with Ivan in the previous book as I did, you're going to love this one!!

Edición en Inglés y Pasta Dura por Katherine Applegate. Muy Bonita presntación ilustrada con bellos dibujos. "THE ONE AND ONLY BOB" es la secuela de el libro "The One and Only Ivan" por la misma autora pero ahora narrado desde el punto de vista de un perrito adoptado: BOB. Libro para niños, jóvenes y adultos que en forma divertida y a veces triste nos enseña el mundo a través de los ojos y palabras de Bob y sus amigos. Nos hace reflexionar sobre el tratamiento que damos a los animales, salvajes o domésticos, y a nuestro bello y maltratado planeta además de mostrar el comportamiento humano cotidiano desde el punto de vista de los animales. El libro está estructurado en forma de breves viñetas con frases y párrafos también cortos pero de gran contenido y escritos en forma tierna y divertida; es de muy fácil lectura. Existen traducciones de ambas obras al Español aunque no he encontrado presentaciones en pasta dura. ADULTOS: este libro no es solamente para audiencias jóvenes. LÉANLO, les encantará. F.M.

My eight-year-old daughter loves reading these books