Book Review: Two Bobbies - A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival


Authors: Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery
Illustrator: Jean Cassels
Interest Level: Ages 3 and Up
Book Trailer: Two Bobbies

About This Book: During Hurricane Katrina, evacuating New Orleans residents were forced to leave their pets behind. Bobbi the dog was initially chained to keep her safe, but after her owners failed to return, she had to break free. For months, Bobbi wandered the city's ravaged streets-dragging her chain behind her-followed by her feline companion, Bob Cat. After months of hunger and struggle, the Two Bobbies were finally rescued by a construction worker helping to rebuild the city. When he brought them to a shelter, volunteers made an amazing discovery about the devoted friends-Bob Cat was actually blind! He had survived the aftermath of the storm by following the sound Bobbi's chain made as she dragged it along the ground.

At the shelter, the two bob-tailed friends refused to be parted, even for a moment. Could rescue workers find the Bobbies' owners? Or could they find a new home that would take them together? This remarkable true story of devotion and survival is a testament to the spirit that defined post-Katrina rescue missions, and is a perfect way to commemorate the this day in history. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This book was recommended on the Choice Literacy Facebook Page by 4th grade teacher Andrea Smith. She selects it as her first read aloud of the year. 

She says: "I love to use this book about a real cat and dog at the beginning of the year because it opens the doorway to conversations about friendship and loyalty. The characters also show kids how we each bring talents and strengths to our classroom, despite our challenges. These two unlikely friends also have a secret - one is blind and the other is deaf. Yet somehow they managed to find help during the difficult times after Hurricane Katrina, refusing to be separated. I love how this animal story invites children into conversations and makes them comfortable enough to discuss important topics."

After reading the book, I could not agree more! This is a great read aloud. You could use this to encourage kids to take care of each other during the school year. We all have emotional needs and we need to be mindful of how our behavior can hurt or help our school community. We all have differences but lets use those to strengthen our bonds - just like the Two Bobbies did. LOVE!

                                                                                                                                           
A Link to This Book: 

Book Review: Monday, Wednesday, And Every Other Weekend



Author/Illustrator: Karen Stanton
Interest Level: Ages 3 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Henry Cooper and his dog Pomegranate have two houses. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and every other weekend, they live with Mama in her new apartment, but on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and every other weekend, they live with Papa in his new house. 

Henry and Pomegranate are happy as they dance with Mama and sing with Papa, but Henry knows that sometimes Pomegranate gets confused and just wants to go...home. This gentle and accessible story about dealing with the many changes that come with divorce is beautifully brought to life by author Karen Stanton's vivid and memorable illustrations. 



Why It's On My Bookshelf: I haven't gotten any new bibliotherapy about divorce in quite awhile. This one is so great and will be such a comfort to kids who are getting used to being on a schedule between two homes. Henry's dog Pomegranate is experiencing anxiety and a little sadness. I thought this was a great way to mirror a child's feelings....through the pet. Even though Henry is happy in both homes, understands his schedule, and is obviously loved, it can still be hard at times.

A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful: 


Book Review: What If Everybody Did That?

Author: Ellen Javernick
Illustrator: Colleen M. Madden
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

From the Book Jacket: If you drop just one soda can out the window. It's no big deal ... right? But what if everybody did that? What if everybody broke the rules ... and spoke during story time, didn't wash up, or splashed too much at the pool? Then the world would be a mess. 

But what if everybody obeyed the rules so that the world would become a better place? This book shows how each person's small, everyday choices - good or bad - have consequences one way or the other. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This has been on my wish list for a looooong time. Decided it was time to buy it because I've had some PBIS ideas floating around in my head for back to school. This story is going to be part of our kick off for learning the school standards. What if Everybody Did That? is all about community and remembering we all play a part in keeping our school, neighborhoods, and homes safe and happy places. If we don't think of others our surroundings and daily routines can quickly become chaotic. 

There are fourteen examples showing cause and effect example of behavior. 

"During story time I had something important to say. I just couldn't wait till the end of the story. The librarian put her finger to her lips and said, "What if everybody did that?"


Just once I didn't hang my coat on the rack at school. Ms. Sanders made me pick it up and said, "What if everybody did that?"


The last example is a positive one. I was happy they ended on a good note and what a great way to start off your lesson and discussion. 

When I came home I gave my mom a hug. What if everybody did that?


If you need a new resource to introduce routines, procedures, and school standards this is such a great reinforcer! 

A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful: