Bob

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 2, 2018

Review

Ten year old Livy from Massachusetts is visiting her grandmother in drought ridden Australia. This is her first visit in five years. She has the sensation that she is missing something or looking for something but has no memory what it could be. When she gets to her bedroom at her grandmother's house she starts searching and in the closet finds a "small zombie wearing a chicken suit" standing on a dictionary. This is Bob - and he needs to find his family but needs Livy's assistance. Bob sees Livy after 5 years and says: "You're back. Took you long enough." Five year old Livy befriended Bob and promised to help him find his way home - but who, or better, what is he and where could he possibly be from. Bob has waited all that time in the closet, passing time reading the dictionary and making a Lego pirate ship over and over. Through alternating chapters Bob and Livy reveal and remember more and more. They succeed in their search by working together. The bond between them grows ever stronger - and the power of friendship and believing anything is possible carries them forward.

This is a charming read with two very memorable characters - Livy and Bob. This is a title that most collections will want on their shelves.

Overall Book Score: excellent