If your kid has already sobbed through The One and Only Ivan, they already know Bob. He’s the cynical, street-smart mutt who used to sleep on Ivan’s belly at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall.

In this sequel, Bob takes the mic. He’s no longer a stray; he’s been adopted by Julia (the daughter of the mall’s former custodian), but he’s still struggling with "imposter syndrome." He doesn't think he's a "good dog." He thinks he's a coward because of a tragic event in his past involving his siblings.

The plot kicks into high gear when a hurricane (and a tornado!) hits the area, forcing Bob to find the courage to save his best friends, Ivan the gorilla and Ruby the elephant, while unexpectedly reuniting with a piece of his past he thought was gone forever.

Kids—especially the ones who feel a bit like underdogs themselves—obsess over Bob because he’s real. Unlike some overly saccharine animal stories, Bob is grumpy, he’s a bit of a liar, and he’s obsessed with food. He has a "dog-centric" vocabulary (included in a glossary at the front of the book) that makes the world-building feel tactile and hilarious.

It’s also a "survival" story. There’s something about the high stakes of a natural disaster that keeps kids turning pages. It’s the same reason they love I Survived or Wings of Fire.

Katherine Applegate has built a powerhouse franchise here. If your kid finishes Bob and wants more, here is the roadmap:

The OG. Inspired by a true story of a gorilla kept in a mall for 27 years. It’s essential reading before Bob.

A solid adaptation. Danny DeVito voices Bob, and he absolutely nails the "crusty but lovable" vibe. It’s a great family movie night pick, though it lacks some of the internal grit found in the books. Check out our guide to Disney+ parental controls

The third book, focusing on the baby elephant’s backstory in Africa. It deals heavily with poaching, so it’s a bit more intense on the animal rights front.

The newest addition (2024), bringing the story full circle as Ivan becomes a father.

Recommended Ages: 8-12

While the tone is often funny, The One and Only Bob doesn't pull its punches. Here’s what might trigger some "parental radar" moments:

Get a personalized list of "cozy" animal books for sensitive readers

This book is a fantastic gateway for talking about resilience and forgiveness. Bob spends most of the book hating himself for being "a coward." You can ask your kids:

It’s also a great way to talk about animal welfare without being preachy. The books are based on the real-life Ivan, which adds a layer of "this actually happened" that kids find fascinating.

The One and Only Bob is a rare sequel that actually justifies its existence. It takes a beloved side character and gives him a complex, messy, and ultimately redemptive arc.

If you have a kid who is "too cool" for talking animals but loves a good survival story, or a kid who is currently grieving a pet or dealing with a big life change, this book is a win. It’s smart, it’s fast-paced, and it treats kids like they’re capable of understanding that the world is a complicated place.

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