Time has passed since "The One and Only Ivan" and Bob is now a pampered pooch. While this book was okay, I thought it lacked the charm and heart that the first book had. For one thing, Bob was too opinionated and all the talk about dogs at the start was frustrating. I felt the author was too preachy and the hurricane event was unnecessarily prolonged.

I was so glad when Ivan and Ruby finally made an appearance, they are still my favourite characters but neither of them had a big enough role, in my opinion. After "The One and Only Ivan", this was a disappointing read and an unnecessary sequel. ( )

First sentence: Look, nobody's ever accused me of being a good dog. I bark at empty air. I eat cat litter. I roll in garbage to enhance my aroma. I harass innocent squirrels. I hog the couch. I lick myself in the presence of company. I'm no saint, okay?

The One and Only Bob is a sequel to Katherine Applegate's One and Only Ivan. Is it a sequel or more of a companion novel? Definitely a sequel. The novel opens with Bob living with his new family (George, Sara, Julia), and Ivan (the gorilla) and Ruby (the elephant) in their new homes at the local zoo. There are flashbacks--of sorts--to their time living together at the mall (as well as other flashbacks).

The One and Only Bob has enough action for ten books. (I jest, mostly). You could argue that The One and Only Ivan was a character-driven, contemplative/reflective story with tons of heart. The One and Only Bob doesn't lack any in the character department. It doesn't. (There are new characters introduced too). And it certainly has HEART. (It is all the feels all at once.) But the action is INTENSE. Now take what you're imagining and magnify by about five. For 98% of this one expect to have your stomach in knots and an ache in your heart.

So a storm is coming...and it's a BIG storm. It will catch all the characters--especially the animals, but also the humans--a bit unprepared.

I really LOVED this one. It is a love in a different way. It complements One and Only Ivan. It does. But the intensity of the action is something that I could NEVER have handled in a million years as a kid. Bravo to those who can read it without becoming a total wreck. And the ending is 1000% worth it. It is a GREAT book. But oh the journey for these characters!!!!! ( )

This is such a cute series and I loved the ending of this book, Bob deserves the happiness he received. I can't wait for The One and Only Ruby's release, currently scheduled for May 2, 2023. I listened to this one on audiobook and I loved Danny Devito's narration, he is such a cool guy! ( )

Bob as a stray dog had a traumatic childhood. So he's never trusting of humans, even though he has a good human family taking care of him now. In the process of saving zoo animals and shelter animals from a hurricane, Bob faces his demons. My favorite part of the book is his discussion with his sister on why his sister could forgive humans, yet he couldn't. His sister was able to do it because she realized she was just as wretched and unforgivable, and if she needed to forgive herself, she should forgive others too. This is a very Christian theme! I can see parallels between Bob's sentiments toward humans and the complicated feelings black Americans have for white Americans.

( )

Sequel to the One and Only Ivan.
Bob the dog has trust issues. When a tornado hits the city zoo, Bob helps his friends. Later when another tornado hits, his friends help him. ( )