My Dear Green Friend: Review Bob

Ten-year-old Livy has returned to her grandmother’s farm after five years and there are so many things she can’t remember. She doesn’t remember the horses, the pigs or Rufus, the green stuffed elephant, but most importantly, she doesn’t remember her dear friend, Bob.

She does remember the chickens, particularly one that was a bit unusual…

Armed with only a Lego set and a dictionary, Bob (a small green creature dressed in a chicken suit) has been patiently filling in the time until Livy returns. Bob remembers everything about his time with Livy, but he doesn’t remember where he came from and where he belongs. He hopes that Livy will be able to help him get back home – wherever that is.

So, Bob and Livy set out to put the pieces of the puzzle together. However, there is something that is troubling Livy, even though she’s 10 years old, she is scared to stay over at her friend’s places and to be away from her mother. There is also trouble brewing for her grandmother: unless the drought breaks, her farm is in jeopardy.

Livy starts to remember that when she first met Bob she was drenched and huddled in the chicken coop. What happened when she was last at the farm?  And, will the answer to this help find Bob’s family?

When Livy discovers a picture identical to Bob on the cover of a book of Fairy Tales she starts to believe they just might find the secret to where he has come from. When the community comes together to find a lost child from the neighbouring farm the mystery of Bob’s home really begins to unravel.

This is a wonderful story of friendship, family and community written by New York Times bestselling author, Wendy Mass and Newberry Medal winner Rebecca Stead. Perfect for highly imaginative 8+ this a heart-warming story that is an easy read. The text is large and accessible and there is a small but beautiful selection of illustrations by Nicholas Gannon in the book.

Purchase a copy of Bob 

Rebecca Stead is the author of the children’s novels FirstLight and the Newberry Medal winner When You Reach Me. She lives in New York with her husband and two children.

Wendy Mass is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty-two novels for young readers including THE CANDYMAKERS. Wendy lives in New Jersey.