Since the day my children were born, we've read bedtime stories every night. A few we just read once, but most we read over and over. It can get a bit tedious on my end, reading the same story over and over. My children are unrightfully impressed when I have a book memorized and can recite it for them. Needless to say, I'm always happy to fold a new favorite book into our lineup of regulars. I'm even more happy when the book is entertaining to someone over the age of eight (me). And when it features an animal? I'm sold.
This week our family was introduced to "a street cat named Bob" of children's book, My Name is Bob due out in early May.
My Name is Bob was written by the author team of James Bowen and Garry Jenkins, writers of the original A Street Cat Named Bob. They did a fantastic job of adapting the story for children. My littles, Porter (7) and Campbell (5) were touched by the tale of sweet, funny Bob, so–yes–we've read the book several times, now. I'm not sick of it, yet, nor do I expect to be any time soon.
I'll try not to spoil things for you, but, as you might expect, Bob's life isn't worry-free. He meets some tough times, and these issues Bob faces are thought-provoking for my kids. They ask questions about his situation while we're reading and even days after, which I love. It lets me know that we're reading a book that is getting them thinking. The story is told in such a way that my littles can empathize with Bob's plight and root him on to better times.
Gerald Kelley's charming illustrations bring Bob's world to life.
The best part? My Name is Bob is based on a true story. That always seems to make things more interesting for our family. There's even a whole spread in the back of the book that shares actual photos of Bob and his real-life person, James.
The publisher, Barron's Educational Series, summarizes the book:
Bowen inspires young minds by retelling his tale from a new perspective, Bob's. My Name is Bob explores what life was like for Bob before he met James. After his world is suddenly turned upside down, Bob finds himself living alone on the street. However, Bob's luck seems to change when he meets a street meow-sician named James. Along the way Bob learns that what started off as quite a cat-astrophe all worked out in the end. This uplifting tale of true friendship and second chances will be adored by both children and adults for years to come.
Check out the book trailer featuring James Bowen and Bob:
Did I mention that the real-life Bob loves to wear scarves, as pictured? What more do you need to know?
Aren't you excited to check it out for yourself?
Well, you're in luck. We're giving away two copies of My Name is Bob to two lucky winners!