REBECCA STEAD BOOKS

Bob by author Rebecca Stead

BOB

It’s been five years since Livy and her family have visited Livy’s grandmother in Australia. Now that she’s back, Livy has the feeling she’s forgotten something really, really important about Gran’s house. It turns out she’s right.

Bob, a short, greenish creature dressed in a chicken suit, didn’t forget Livy, or her promise. He’s been waiting five years for her to come back, hiding in a closet like she told him to. He can’t remember who―or what―he is, where he came from, or if he even has a family. But five years ago Livy promised she would help him find his way back home. Now it’s time to keep that promise.

Clue by clue, Livy and Bob will unravel the mystery of where Bob comes from, and discover the kind of magic that lasts forever.

Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead have come together to craft this magical story about the enduring power of friendship.

  • Chicago Tribune Best Children’s Books of the Year
  • Booklist Editors’ Choice
  • Golden Cowbell Book Award (Switzerland)
  • Cartwheel Book Award for Best Non-human Character
  • Nominated for fifteen state book awards

Reviews

“Authors Mass and Stead team up for this irresistible tale of magic, mystery, and friendship that poses timeless questions about identity and belonging…a tribute to the power of storytelling..”
-Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

“An unusual fantasy with simplicity, immediacy, and wit.”
-Starred Review, Booklist

“Five years ago, Livy left her friend Bob, who she describes as a zombielike creature, in the closet of her grandmother’s house in Australia without saying goodbye. Bob has loyally awaited Livy’s return, dressed in the chicken suit she made to disguise him, and hopeful about the promise she made to help him find his way home, wherever that may be. … A perfectly paced plot, supported by secondary characters to whom readers will relate and luminous artwork by Gannon, fill out a story that readers will eagerly embrace.”
-Starred Review, School Library Journal

“MAGICAL.”
-The Wall Street Journal

“Perfect for reading aloud or independent reading, this comfortably old-fashioned tale refreshes age-old themes of belonging, friendship, family and the power of story.”
-San Francisco Chronicle

“A delightfully whimsical tale that begs to be read with a friend. Don’t miss Bob.”
-The Christian Science Monitor

“This is a welcome addition to the middle-grade canon and will likely become a classic. Bob deserves readership beyond middle grade.”
-San Francisco Book Review

“Offer[s] just the right blend of mystery and cozy magic in a rewarding story about how friendships—and people—evolve over time.”
-Bookpage

“Perfect for a family read-aloud, this has short chapters, occasional illustrations and a heartwarming conclusion.”
-Providence Journal

“. . . [T]he ending is pure enchantment.”
-The New York Times Book Review