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The One and Only #2

The One and Only Bob

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3 parts 3 hours 53 minutes

Bob sets out on a dangerous journey in search of his long-lost sister with the help of his two best friends, Ivan and Ruby. As a hurricane approaches and time is running out, Bob finds courage he never knew he had and learns the true meaning of friendship and family.

4 pages, Audiobook

First published May 5, 2020

2,570 people are currently reading
21.1k people want to read

About the author

Katherine Applegate

262books5,920followers
Katherine Applegate is the author of The One and Only Ivan, winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal. Her novel Crenshaw spent over twenty weeks on the New York Times children's bestseller list, and her first middle-grade stand-alone novel, the award-winning Home of the Brave, continues to be included on state reading lists, summer reading lists, and class reading lists.

Katherine has written three picture books: The Buffalo Storm; The Remarkable True Story of Ivan, the Shopping Mall Gorilla (often used as a companion book to The One and Only Ivan for younger readers); and Sometimes You Fly (publishing in spring, 2018). For beginning readers, Katherine wrote Roscoe Riley Rules, a seven-book series.

With her husband, Michael Grant, Katherine co-wrote Animorphs, a long-running series that has sold over 35 million books worldwide.

Katherine lives in Marin County, California, with her family and assorted pets.

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5 stars
11,594 (44%)
4 stars
9,620 (37%)
3 stars
4,011 (15%)
2 stars
600 (2%)
1 star
164 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,995 reviews
Profile Image for Mischenko.
1,023 reviews95 followers
August 1, 2020
After reading The One and Only Ivan and learning that Bob would now get his own story, we couldn’t wait to read this.

In this story we follow our little four-legged friend, Bob, who’s now been adopted by Julia and lives a much better life. Here we learn some of his back story and also his perspective on life as a dog. He reflects on his sister who was lost when they were abandoned years ago and expresses some of the demons that still hang over him today. Luckily, Bob still gets to visit Ruby and Ivan at the wildlife sanctuary where they now live, but one day a danger lurks over them and Bob needs to find courage within himself to be brave.

Bob’s story wasn’t as emotional as Ivan’s as it had plenty of funny, laugh-out-loud moments, but it was certainly just as good as Ivan’s in my opinion. It was nice getting Bob’s perspective on everything. We read the physical book along with the audio narrated by Danny DeVito, which gave it even more of a comical feel.

Exploring themes of friendship, forgiveness, family, hope, trust, and also messages about the importance of caring for animals and those around us, this turned out to be the perfect sequel. It didn’t disappoint! We’re happy to have it in our collection.

5
Profile Image for Debbie W..
900 reviews789 followers
February 8, 2023
Why I chose to listen to this audiobook:
1. since I recently enjoyed listening to , I added this book to my WTR list;
2. my hold became available on Libby; and,
3. February 2023 is my "Books For Young and Old Alike" Month.

Praises:
1. first of all, I was thrilled that narrated this audiobook! He is the perfect voice for Bob, a street dog. Btw, author asked Mr. DeVito to narrate this book since he was the voice for Bob in movie. So glad he accepted because he kept me riveted!
2. although humorous, we do get some serious stuff in here. I loved Bob's "philosophical" musings when he couldn't understand why people focused on each other's differences:
"Life is short. Play is good. And there are plenty of tennis balls to go around."
3. the major problems of the hurricane/tornado and the flooding aftermath were quite intense;
4. the description of the zoo and its occupants reminded me so much of the Calgary Zoo (here in Alberta); and,
5. I appreciated the "Canine Glossary" that prefaced the story and the short chapters throughout the book.

Overall Thoughts:
Even though this book had a different storyline than , I'm glad it did! I'm also glad favorite characters play major roles in this story as well. I understand a third book, is coming out in May 2023. I do plan on checking it out.

Recommendation?
For animal (especially dog) lovers! this book would make a great read-aloud for ages 7 to 12 or be included in a classroom's listening center.
Profile Image for Reading_ Tamishly.
5,223 reviews3,336 followers
November 13, 2021
***The only thing that made me happy was the perfect, beautiful illustrations***

Yes, it's rare for me to actually hate a children's book.

But this book is not a good children's book.

This book is a mess. Like annoying and irritating bad mess. I think there's not much in this one. I wonder who has written this one. It cannot be the original author! The first book was so damn good!

Damn disappointing!

The story is so disconnected. And whatever the story there is - that hurricane thing?!- it doesn't even start after 100 pages. Just a lot of blah blah blah. I am a good dog. Blah blah blah. I know everything. Blah blah blah.

And nothing worked.

Not even the Ivan thing. Is he even present in this book? I doubt it.

Ruby, the baby elephant (even after 5 years!) has been used for cute, emotional effect. It didn't work. Too weak presentation.

And Bob's sister out of nowhere to make the readers feel sad and cry?! Didn't work either.

What's with the snickering attitude ever since the first page of the book? I thought it would not last long but yes, it was there like 80 percent of the entire writing.

No, I won't let any kid I know read this book.

A dog book told from the perspective of a sarcastic, mean, scornful dog. No, it doesn't make a good story. And yes, you do not have the right to talk rude about the legendary tale of Hachiko. Don't. Just don't.

And that chapter with the force flirting of dogs? *CRINGY*
I wish I could unread this book. It was like another person wrote this book. I mean the first book The One and Only Ivan is really good!
Profile Image for Montzalee Wittmann.
5,043 reviews2,305 followers
July 12, 2020
The One and Only Bob (The One and Only Ivan #2) by Katherine Applegate was a great sequel to Ivan. I don't think it was as heartbreaking, which I am thankful for, but it had plenty of emotions. Bob is the little pup from book one that Julia now keeps. A lot happens in here that Bob deals with, some deals with how he feels about himself. I very touching story!
Profile Image for Darla.
4,461 reviews1,082 followers
April 21, 2020
Remember that puppy in "The One and Only Ivan?" He has gotten his own book! As a hurricane approaches, Bob goes with George and Julia to visit the animal sanctuary. After seeing his best friend Ivan and sidekick Ruby, a tornado unexpectedly separates them all. Bob narrates this tale of searching and finding as our old friends reel from the tornado destruction and Hurricane Gus batters the area. Katherine Applegate uses short chapters and dog lingo to place us firmly in Bob's world. A canine glossary at the end educates us on any unfamiliar terms like "bed boogie," "FRAP," and "rhymes-with-pet-threat." This fully deserving of a "crazy mutt." Don't forget that the movie adaptation of "Ivan" is due to release in August.

Thank you to HarperCollins and Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Mangler.
1,584 reviews24 followers
May 17, 2020
If I hadn't read and completely loved The One and Only Ivan, this book wouldn't have had much of an impact. If I hadn't already cared about Bob and Ivan and Stella and Julia, this book wouldn't have gotten me to care about them. And that makes me sad. It just doesn't stand on its own.
Profile Image for Mari Anne.
1,437 reviews25 followers
June 6, 2020
Sadly, I don't feel like this one has lived up to the hype. While it contained some of the same characters as the first, the tone was drastically different. This one, instead of feeling educational, felt preachy and strident. Quite frankly it was boring and something I think the target audience might have a hard time getting through.

When you finally make it to where the plot actually begins, the action picks up and it becomes a much better book.

Sadly though I feel like it was almost too little too late with this one. I may be in the minority on this one but I think I would only recommend it to hard core Ivan fans and then with a caveat that the first half is slow.
Profile Image for Jonas.
290 reviews11 followers
May 21, 2020
Absolutely Amazing! Heartwarming and Heroic! You don't have to read The One and Only Ivan to enjoy this book. What a journey! Bob faces many challenges and obstacles in this book, but the biggest is confronting his past. This is a story of confronting fear, the power of family/friendship, coming together to help others in need, and above all forgiveness. I have read many books about dogs since adopting our rescue puppy, but this was on my list long before then. I wasn't sure how the characters could come together and interact, but the author does this in a masterful and believable way. Katherine Applegate has a gift for capturing big moments, strong themes, and issues we all struggle with in poetic, sparse text. This is going to be a long-time favorite for readers of all ages. Warning: have a box of tissues handy!
Profile Image for Skip.
3,678 reviews550 followers
May 16, 2020
For me, this was a huge letdown from The One and Only Ivan, which was based on a true story. 2.5 stars, rounded up. I did not care for the silly dog stuff, which comprised the first third of the book: it's been done before and done better although I did like the Bob illustrations, which reminded me of Jock, the Scottish Terrier, from Disney's Lady and the Tramp. Thank goodness, Bob finally got to the local zoo, where he could be with Ivan the gorilla and Ruby, the baby elephant. When disaster strikes, readers are finally provided with a plot as Bob and friends spring into action. I was disappointed that Applegate did not illustrate the creative elephant rescue of the baby gorilla, engineered by Ruby or the chaotic scenes at the shelter.
Profile Image for Leo.
4,801 reviews601 followers
May 22, 2022
I enjoyed this second book in the series. Instead of focusing on Ovan as it did in the first did one focused on Bob. An easy and entertaining audiobook with Danny Devito doing the narration. It didn't quite feel the same as the first one, perhaps because I read that one in physical form but still a good middle grade story
Profile Image for Amanda NEVER MANDY.
553 reviews99 followers
October 26, 2020
“The what about Bob question is answered as we get to know more about one of Ivan’s besties.�

This was a cute story but not what I thought it was going to be. The charm of the first book did not carry over to the second and it lacked the heartstring tug that I needed. My daughter and I bonded over the first so when she found a sequel existed, she made it very clear we had to continue on the journey ASAP. She immediately started reading it the second we got home from the bookstore, but then crickets soon followed and I should have realized that was a warning to what was to come. Three months later and she still has not finished it. I am waiting to compare notes with her once she does but I am pretty sure they will not be good ones.

Three stars to a lackluster read.
Profile Image for Lata.
4,603 reviews238 followers
November 4, 2020
Scrappy, opinionated, swift on his feet, and a keen observer, Bob takes centre stage and is charming and funny as all get out in this return to Ivan’s world.
Ivan and Ruby are here, too, but this is Bob’s story, and we’re treated to his opinions on everything from his vastly improved circumstances and his acquaintances in the neighbourhood and friends at the zoo.
After a terrible hurricane, Bob is reunited with someone from his past, and has to make a decision about whether he’s better off alone and looking after only himself, or whether he should reach out to someone(s).
This is essentially a happy story, so, of course the resolution is heartwarming and sweet.
Profile Image for Michael Finocchiaro.
Author3 books6,116 followers
June 11, 2020
After we adored , my daughter and I breathlessly awaited the sequel about Bob and were not disappointed. Ivan and Ruby are of course at the zoo now and Bob is taken care of by Julia. However, a visit to see his friends happens just as a massive hurricane hits the town and spreads chaos everywhere. Naturally, our heroes will save the day and overcome their fears which is what makes the story so adorable and moving. An absolute gem for 8-10 year old readers!
Profile Image for Gemma.
834 reviews65 followers
May 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this, it was great to have a follow up on Bob after The one and only Ivan.
I hope there are more books to come with these characters.
Profile Image for Alaina.
7,027 reviews207 followers
June 4, 2020
I am so happy to dive into Bob's adventure! Plus it was super cute to see everyone that I loved all over again and exciting to meet some new characters! I've also really enjoyed Bob and Ivan's friendship so when I could get more of it - I didn't hesitate a second to dive into this book.

The One and Only Bob features a unexpected tornado that kind of flips their lives upside down. When they get reunited, I was just so happy but it was also bittersweet. Bob's only concern is Ruby and Ivan. So when he finds them it almost broke my heart a little bit. Yes, Ruby was fine but Ivan was in a bit of trouble. Oh, and that's not the only thing going wrong at the zoo either.

Bob's adventure was really cute and it made me appreciate him and all the other animals a lot more in this book. Each character was great on their own but together they were more amazing. I definitely enjoyed this little book and I'm hoping that there's going to be another editions. Maybe Ruby's?
Profile Image for Sophie_The_Jedi_Knight.
1,168 reviews
October 18, 2024
*4.5
Well I wasn't expecting to listen to this audiobook all in one go. That was certainly emotional.

Ugh, that last chapter did bring tears to my eyes.

I always feel strange reviewing great sequels to extraordinary first books. Like Holes and Small Steps. Small Steps is an amazing 5-star book on its own, but Holes is legendary. The same goes for this one when The One and Only Ivan was so astounding - it's a masterpiece. And this one is still really good, but - you can't really judge it properly when you have such a fantastic first book to stand behind it.

The One and Only Bob focuses on topics of forgiveness, home, family, and survival. It's really strong even on its own, but I loved still having Ivan and Ruby around. I'm only taking off half a star because the initial writing of this book was not my cup of tea - the narrator's a dog, so of course Bob is talking about standard dog things, like peeing on fire hydrants, going on walks, and arguing with squirrels. It's just a bit childish, even though I know this is a middle grade book. Dog toilet humor just seems a bit at odds with the deeper themes of this book.

I think this is a book that should probably be run over once by a parent or guardian or teacher - it's pretty hard at places. Bob remarks on how he and his siblings were thrown from a truck onto the side of the highway, how a dog friend of his is beaten by his owner, previous dog deaths that happen offscreen, and there are some terrifying near-death experiences. This book does have a happy ending all around, but it can be heart-heavy at many times.

I absolutely loved when Ivan

4.5/5 stars. This is an excellent follow-up to The One and Only Ivan. Highly recommend.

edit: I originally reread this one nearly four years ago exactly. Rereading it was SUCH a treat because I remembered so little of it! And I was left crying all over again. That last line... oh, it'll get you like nothing else!
224 reviews4 followers
March 5, 2023
Well I loved this book. I read the aAfter reading Good Reads friend Debbie’s review of the One and Oy Ivan I decided I had to read it. I li enjoyed it so much I just had to read The One and Only Bob. I absolutely adored the character of Bob and the story. Another heartwarming story that made me smile .
Profile Image for Fiebre Lectora.
2,198 reviews665 followers
October 1, 2020
El único e incomparable Bob ha sido una historia increíble, que me ha cautivado y emocionado, llena de ternura y valores importantes; una historia conmovedora y brillante ideal para todas las edades.
Reseña completa:
Profile Image for Shaye Miller.
1,236 reviews94 followers
May 11, 2020
2013 Newbery Medal winner The One and Only Ivan stole my heart, so I was super excited when The One and Only Bob was available this week through Overdrive audiobooks. Narrated by Danny DeVito, this story is told by Ivan’s little canine friend, Bob. I won’t spoil the details of the story, except to say that I love how this one spends some wonderful time examining courage and regrets.

“I was afraid. A coward. There’s a certain freedom that comes with owning your faults.�

But there are also important lessons in forgiveness � forgiveness of others AND especially of one’s self. I still think book #1 is my favorite, but I wish I’d re-read it just before starting this one. Kids will definitely connect with Bob and be excited to learn more about what’s going on with Ivan and Ruby.

For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at !
Profile Image for Christina Pilkington.
1,766 reviews231 followers
August 1, 2020
*4.5 stars

When I found out earlier in the year that we would be getting a book from Bob the dog's POV from The One and Only Ivan, I squealed just a little bit!

Several years ago I read The One and Only Ivan with my kids, and it's still one of the few books that have made me cry- a fantastic book about the dark world of animal cruelty and the power of friendship and art to bring hope. In Ivan, Bob is this feisty little terrier who is abandoned as a puppy but finds his way to the mall where Ivan is kept in a cage and the two become best friends.

So it made me so happy to read a book entirely from Bob's POV! I read this aloud to my kids, and even though at 14 they are a little too old for the story, it brought back a lot of nostalgia from when we read The One and Only Ivan. It's not as heart-breaking or as philosophical as Ivan, and reading Ivan beforehand makes the book more meaningful, but it's still a wonderful children's book that I'd highly recommend.

If you're looking for a sweet, heart-warming, book about friendship and resilience, The One and Only Bob will hit you right in the feels.

Profile Image for Lucy.
510 reviews123 followers
January 17, 2021
While I liked more than this one, it was still an enjoyable read. This is a story about courage and friendship. The main even throught the book is the hurricane, so the story felt a little tired and dragged on for a good portion of the book. Even so, it was still nice to catch up with Ivan and Ruby in this story told from Bob the dog's POV.

I wouldn't recommend reading this book if you haven't read .
Profile Image for Cheryl .
1,049 reviews132 followers
September 3, 2020
Bob is the spunky little dog who became the best friend of “the one and only Ivan� the gorilla. After both animals were rescued from a sad fate, Bob was adopted by a loving family. Ivan found sanctuary at an animal preserve nearby where Bob became a regular visitor.

In this heartwarming story, Bob, Ivan, and many of their friends face a life threatening danger they never could have imagined. A tornado strikes their town causing terrible destruction. With camaraderie, bravery, kindness and unwavering loyalty, they survive the disaster with an even greater appreciation and love for each other.
Profile Image for Fefyy Antela.
465 reviews33 followers
September 28, 2020
"The way I understand things, it’s like this. We live on a lonely ball called Earth, and humans have basically been throwing it against the wall for so long that the poor ol� ball is falling apart."

These books are SO BEAUTIFUL and yet SO REAL �

It never ceases to impress me how children's books usually have the strongest messages 🙌🏼

EVERYBODY SHOULD READ THIS!

Also, can somebody please start a Change.org petition to make Danny DeVito the narrator of all audiobooks to exist from this point forward? Because this was FANTASTIC 🤩
Profile Image for Barb Middleton.
2,189 reviews136 followers
June 7, 2020
The audiobook is read by Danny DeVito and he does the character of Bob brilliantly. This was much funnier than I expected and captures the quirks of human relationships with their dogs. Throw in a natural disaster and you have tension and drama. Many themes prevail such as adoption, stewards of earth or environmentalism, friendship, abandonment, loyalty, etc. Well-written and highly recommended.
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