FANTASTIC FRIDAY: Bob by Wendy Mass & Rebecca Stead
ABOUT THE BOOK
A classic middle-grade tale of magic and friendship, about a girl who helps an old friend find home, by two New York Times–bestselling authors Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead.
It’s been five years since Livy and her family have visited Livy’s grandmother in Australia. Now that she’s back, Livy has the feeling she’s forgotten something really, really important about Gran’s house.
It turns out she’s right.
Bob, a short, greenish creature dressed in a chicken suit, didn’t forget Livy, or her promise. He’s been waiting five years for her to come back, hiding in a closet like she told him to. He can’t remember who—or what—he is, where he came from, or if he even has a family. But five years ago Livy promised she would help him find his way back home. Now it’s time to keep that promise.
Clue by clue, Livy and Bob will unravel the mystery of where Bob comes from, and discover the kind of magic that lasts forever.
Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead, two masterminds of classic, middle-grade fiction come together to craft this magical story about the enduring power of friendship.
REVIEW
I wasn't sure I was going to like this when I first started it. But by the time I finished it, I had developed a fondness for it. The relationship between Livy and Bob is at the heart of this story. The friendship that first developed between them when Livy was five-years-old and visiting her grandmother in Australia. Bob has patiently lived in a closet for five years, awaiting Livy's return. But Livy doesn't remember Bob or any of the things that they experienced together. And Bob doesn't remember where he came from, he just knows he wants to get back to the home he must have, somewhere. Despite not remembering him, Livy decides to help him find his way home, but in order to do so, she must investigate the events that brought them together in the first place. At the same time, her grandmother's neighborhood is enduring a horrible drought that may drive them from their homes. The story alternates between Livy's and Bob's points of view. Each voice is unique and fun, Livy's near teen skepticism and Bob's undying hopefulness. The story is relatively short and quite easy to read. In fact, I think this one would make a fun read aloud. The handful of illustrations add a nice touch.
I've been looking at this one. Glad to hear you liked it!
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