The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate follows Bob, a former stray dog, who embarks on a perilous journey to rescue his friends, Ivan the gorilla and Ruby the elephant, during a storm while also confronting his own fears and learning to trust humans again. The story presents themes of healing, forgiveness, and humans’ complex relationship with animals.

The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate has been praised for its engaging storytelling and emotional depth, offering a heartfelt exploration of friendship and bravery. However, some found the narrative pacing uneven and less impactful compared to its predecessor. Overall, it balances humor and serious themes effectively, appealing to both children and adults.

Readers who enjoyed The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate will likely cherish The One and Only Bob. This book targets middle-grade readers who love heartwarming animal stories filled with adventure, humor, and friendship, akin to Charlotte's Web by E.B. White and Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo.

Heartwarming / Contemplative / Adventurous / Emotional / Hopeful

- The One and Only Bob is a companion novel to Katherine Applegate's Newbery Medal-winning book The One and Only Ivan, exploring the life and adventures of Ivan's dog friend, Bob.
- The book highlights Katherine Applegate's skill in portraying animal characters with depth and emotion, using Bob's perspective to address themes like finding courage and family.
- Katherine Applegate was inspired by the real-life story of Ivan, a gorilla who lived in a shopping mall for 27 years before being moved to a zoo, and created Bob’s story to further explore the connections between animals and humans.

**Bob**  
A former stray dog now living with a human family, who enjoys companionship and faces challenges that prompt growth and self-discovery.

**Boss**  
Bob’s street-savvy sister with a tough exterior and enduring resilience, whose arrival brings closure to Bob’s past.

**Julia**  
Bob’s caring and patient human owner, who is dedicated to understanding and training him despite his stubborn nature.

**Ivan**  
A gorilla with a compassionate and intuitive nature, offering friendship and support to Bob during difficult times.

**Kimu**  
A wild wolf characterized by his untamed essence, presenting a fierce presence that contrasts with Bob's domesticated life.

Katherine Applegate

Middle grade

Novel

The One and Only Ivan

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore The One and Only Bob reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The One and Only Bob | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The One and Only Bob and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The One and Only Bob Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 The One and Only Bob Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 The One and Only Bob Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 The One and Only Bob Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4 The One and Only Bob Part 4 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The One and Only Bob Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The One and Only Bob Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The One and Only Bob Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The One and Only Bob Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The One and Only Bob Essay Topics

Introduction

The One and Only Bob Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

The One and Only Bob Before Reading

During Reading

The One and Only Bob During Reading

After Reading

The One and Only Bob After Reading

The One and Only Bob

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The One and Only Bob?

Reading Age

Book Details