I tend not to read aloud nonfiction picture books. They often have too much text for one session and work better for guided and independent reading. This is not the case with Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery's Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival. After Hurricane Katrinia, many people had to say good-bye to destroyed homes, friends, and animals. Best friends Bobbi and Bob Cat were two of the many animals left behind. They stuck together and took care of each other. My students rooted for the two Bobbies and cheered when they got their happily ever after. It opens the doors to a discussion about resilience and true friendship. Thank you, Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery, for telling this touching, inspirational story
Watch an interesting interview with Mary Nethery.
Kirby Larson thinks picture books are one of the hardest genres to write. It took her ten years to write The Magic Kerchief.
Please visit the official Two Bobbies website to learn more about Bobbi, Bob Cat, Kirby, Mary, and illustrator Jean Cassels.
Borrow Two Bobbies from your school or public library. Whenever possible, please support independent bookshops.
