#26 Two Bobbies

Title: Two Bobbies

Author: Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery

Illustrator: Jean Cassels

Publishing Company: Walker Publishing Company

Copyright Date: 2008

# of Pages: 29

Genre/Category: Nonfiction

            I chose this book because it is my new favorite book. I saw it during spring break at a bookstore in New Orleans and had to have it. Two Bobbies is a true story about a bobtail dog and a bobtail cat named Bob Cat and Bobbi. During Hurricane Katrina, the dog, Bobbi, was left chained to a porch, and Bob Cat did not leave his side. The animals were not rescued, so the dog finally broke free to search for food. The animals were nearly starved when they came upon a construction site. One of the workers fed them and tried to pet the cat, but the dog would not let him come near the cat. The worker eventually got them in a van and took them to a shelter. The shelter separated the animals, but the dog was so pitiful that they reunited Bob Cat and Bobbi. When they do, they realize that Bob Cat is blind, and that Bobbi has been his protector and eyes. The animals eventually find a new home, and the last page includes a photograph of the two animals together.

            The illustrations are all done using gouache on 140 lb. Arches hot press watercolor paper except the photograph provided by Barb Davis at the back of the book. The illustrations are realistic and accurately portray how devastated New Orleans was after Hurricane Katrina. I found the use of lines in this book interesting. During the hurricane and when the animals are homeless, the illustrator uses jagged lines. When they are rescued and reunited, the background has several straight lines.

The real Bobbi and Bob Cat.

            I think this book would be enjoyed by many age groups, but it would be appropriate for children ages 6-11 in a classroom. The obvious way this book would be used in a classroom is to discuss New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina. There are many more ways that this book could be used though. Bob Cat and Bobbi appeared on CNN when the shelter was looking for them a home. Students could make their own news story telling about Hurricane Katrina and the animals that need homes. Teachers could also use this book to discuss weather and what causes hurricanes. I would also like to use this book to talk about different disabilities, like Bob Cat’s blindness. Kirby Larson is also the author of Newbery Honor Book Hattie Big Sky, but this book has not won any awards.