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Summary
Summary
It's not easy to become friends with someone who is nothing like you--but surprising things can happen when you give it a try.
Despite the fact that they share a name, Big Bob and Little Bob are different. Big Bob likes trucks and throwing balls and being loud. Little Bob likes dolls and jingling bracelets and being quiet. No matter what they do, they do not do it the same. Could they possibly be friends despite these differences? With humor and tenderness, James Howe and Laura Ellen Anderson beautifully depict the struggles and rewards that come when friendships are forged between different kinds of people.
Author Notes
James Howe is the author of many books for children, including the Bunnicula series and the Misfits series. He is also the author of the Houndsley and Catina books, illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay, as well as Otter and Odder, illustrated by Chris Raschka, and Brontorina, illustrated by Randy Cecil. James Howe lives outside of New York City.
Laura Ellen Anderson is the illustrator of several books for children, as well as the author-illustrator of the graphic novel Evil Emperor Penguin. Laura Ellen Anderson lives in London.
Reviews (3)
School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-Two boys who are very different from each other learn that they can still be friends. More than size differentiates Little Bob from his new neighbor. Big Bob likes trucks, sports, and loud games. Little Bob prefers playing school or with his dolls and enjoys reading quietly. He's not good at throwing or catching a ball; dresses in girls' clothes, which "feel nice" to him; and likes the jangle of bracelets on his arms. "Boys do not play with dolls," Big Bob assures the smaller boy. However, when Blossom moves into the neighborhood and ridicules Little Bob for his choice of playthings, Big Bob comes to his pal's rescue: "Boys can do whatever they want!" And both boys agree that girls can, too, as they invite Blossom, who likes "playing with trucks more than dolls," to join them. The digitally rendered illustrations greatly extend the text, providing readers with examples of how the boys' play differs. They depict Big Bob, a head taller than his neighbor, orange hair sticking straight up, wearing a cape or firefighter's outfit. He roughhouses with his dog, and his exuberant play often disrupts Little Bob's more sedate activities. Little Bob wears glasses, has daisy barrettes in his hair, carries a stuffed unicorn, and wears a large yellow hat and flowing dress as he pushes his cat in a carriage. VERDICT Though Big Bob's change of heart is a bit abrupt, this is a fine choice for very young children who don't conform to gender stereotypes, and an example for all kids that differences can enrich rather than hinder friendships.-Marianne Saccardi, Children's Literature Consultant, Cambridge, MA © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Firefighter-costumed Big Bob challenges quiet, sensitive neighbor Little Bob during one of their attempts to play together ("Hey! Those are girls' clothes!"). But when new girl Blossom mocks Little's Bob's dolls, Big Bob defends his friend. Feel-good illustrations eventually depict the odd trio (including Blossom, who prefers trucks to dolls) happily parallel-playing in this clear-eyed look at the folly of policing gender norms. (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Friendship transcends gender norms.When Big Bob moves next door, Little Bob is leery of befriending him. The main problem isn't their size difference, its that they enjoy different things. Without malice apparent in the cheery, digital cartoon depictions of the smiling, light-skinned boys, Big Bob tells Little Bob, Boys do not play with dolls.They play with trucks. Little Bob isnt persuaded and continues playing with his dolls, but Big Bobs antics with his trucks and a ball destroy Little Bobs playtime tableaux. Big Bob apologizes and explains, You were supposed to catch the ball, but Little Bob responds that hes not good at playing catch. They cant find common ground in attempts at shared activities, but this lack of connection never seems rooted in animosity, even when Big Bob remarks on Little Bobs wearing a dress. Then Blossom, also light-skinned, moves in nearby, and she teases Little Bob about playing with dolls. This time, hes hurt, and Big Bob comes to his defense: Boys can do whatever they want! Chagrined, she leaves, but Little Bob calls her back. Blossom returns, sharing that she likes playing with trucks, which Big Bob affirms since Girls can do whatever they want, too. The children then happily engage in play with their various toys, offering an ending that seems righteous if a bit forced. Free to be Big Bob, Little Bob, and Blossom. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
