The stray dog Bob finally got to tell his story in The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate (Storytide, 2020). Bob was the friend of the gorilla Ivan, who spent 27 years in a cage at an interstate exit mall, and a baby elephant named Ruby. As Bob talked about his early days, his charismatic, brave, and kind character comes out. With a unique voice, Bob’s humorous narration style kept the reader laughing even while adoring his silly antics and parenthetical thoughts. This great characterization was only the lead-up to Bob’s new adventure.
In Bob’s story, a hurricane approached the Park, which was the name of the zoo where Ivan and Ruby live. Although Bob didn’t live at the zoo, he ended up at the zoo when the storms hit. A tornado violently tossed Bob into the air. Thankfully, Bob was unhurt. By helping other animals in the park and others outside of the park, Bob showed his truly kind heart.
The story is well plotted, and I love how loose strings are tied up at the end. It is definitely not realistic in terms of Ivan and Ruby’s role in the story. Nevertheless, it is truly delightful and even (dare I say it?) sweet as Bob saves the day. Of course, Bob would hate to hear himself called “sweet.” The strength of this statement is a testament to how clearly Bob’s voice came across: I do feel like I knew him.
The One and Only Bob is the first follow-up middle grade novel to The One and Only Ivan, which was inspired by the true story of a mall gorilla. Although there is no true basis for Bob’s story, that’s okay. He doesn’t need one; he’s the one and only. I highly recommend the audiobook version of this story, narrated by the one and only Danny Devito. He is also the voice for Bob in the Disney movie of The One and Only Ivan. (Warning: Movie is not nearly as good as the book, of course!)
