The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate

Abstract

Reviewed by: The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate Kate Quealy-Gainer, Assistant Editor Applegate, Katherine The One and Only Bob; illus. by Patricia Castelao. Harper, 2020 [352p] Trade ed. ISBN 978-0-06-299131-7 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-0-06-299133-1 $10.99 Reviewed from galleys R Gr. 3-5 In this sequel to her Newbery-winning The One and Only Ivan (BCCB 2/12), Applegate shifts the narration from the gorilla Ivan to his best pal Bob, an irascible street mutt who has now been thoroughly domesticated by the zookeeper’s daughter, Julia. Bob’s always thrilled when Julia takes him on a visit to the zoo to see Ivan and their baby elephant friend, Ruby, but one outing takes a dangerous turn when a tornado strikes, separating Julia and Bob, destroying several animal habitats, including Ivan’s, and throwing the zoo into chaos. As Bob searches for his friends, he narrowly escapes danger, makes a few daring saves, and comes face to face with one of the more painful secrets of his life. Much like Bob himself, this book has an appealing mix of frenetic energy and somber contemplation, and the lightning-quick pace (most of the book takes place in the few hours before and after the storm) is tempered by Bob’s flashbacks to his time as a stray, scrapping for food and often seeing the worst in both animals and humans. The mutt’s happy-go-lucky demeanor is belied by quiet pauses of reflection, touched by pain and grief (“There are so many ways the world can find to fail you”), and even the upbeat resolution to his secret comes with its own sorrow. A secondary cast of animals, ranging from a sassy squirrel to a snobby poodle, provides bits of humor, and the rescue scenes add drama and thrills. Commentary on animal welfare and climate change is carefully woven into the narrative, giving readers food for thought but never overwhelming what is ultimately a tale of friendship and forgiveness. Copyright © 2020 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois