Children’s Book Review: My Name is Bob

If you have ever used a test-prep book for the SATs, ACT, or pretty much any standardized test – chances are it was one of Barron’s. The world famous Barron’s Educational Series has expanded its collection to include children’s books.

I was recently sent a review copy of My Name is Bob, the new children’s book based on the New York Time’s Bestseller,  A Street Cat Named Bob: And How He Saved My Life, which has sold over a million copies.

It’s funny how even though my family is a “dog family,” my kids absolutely love anything to do with cats. The book My Name is Bob was no exception. I sat down with my 2-, 4-, and 6-year-old sons to read the book with them and they spent a full minute giggling about the cover picture of an orange cat wearing a scarf.

My Name is Bob by James Bowen and Garry Jenkins is based on a true story about how an extraordinary street cat forever changed the life of homeless musician James Bowen.  The story is told from Bob’s (the cat’s) point of view.

At the beginning of the book, Bob is a house cat living a contented life with a little old lady. But hard times soon come upon Bob and he is forced to live out on the streets, hungry and cold. One spring day, Bob hears music and finds James playing his guitar on the street. I won’t give any more spoilers about how Bob came to live with James. But just know that there is a very happy ending to this cat’s tale (tail pun intended).

From the beginning to the end, illustrator Gerald Kelley’s drawings do an amazing job retelling the story through pictures.

The kids and I especially enjoyed looking at the photographs of the real-life Bob and James found at the end of the book. They are a nice touch that make this “based on a true story” book come to life.

James Bowen reads My Name is Bob to Street Cat Bob:

My Name is Bob tells a positive, uplifting story about friendship that will appeal to children, adults, and anyone who loves cats. After reading about street cat Bob, my kids are begging for their own cat.

WHERE TO BUY:

Learn more about Barron’s Educational Series books and buy My Name is Bob at Barron’s website, nationwide retailers, and Amazon.com