The One and Only Bob (One and Only Ivan) - book cover
Growing Up & Facts of Life
  • Publisher : HarperCollins; Illustrated edition
  • Published : 05 May 2020
  • Pages : 352
  • ISBN-10 : 0062991310
  • ISBN-13 : 9780062991317
  • Language : English

The One and Only Bob (One and Only Ivan)

A #1 New York Times bestseller!

Return to the unforgettable world of the Newbery Medal-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling novel The One and Only Ivan (soon to be a major motion picture!) in this incredible sequel, starring Ivan's friend Bob!

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.


Bob, Ivan, and Ruby have touched the hearts of millions of readers, and their story isn't over yet. Catch up with these beloved friends before the star-studded film adaptation of The One and Only Ivan hits theaters in August 2020!

One and Only Bob is an instant #1 New York Times bestseller, embraced by new and old fans of Katherine Applegate's beloved One and Only Ivan. Great for summer reading or anytime! A Today show pick for "25 children's books your kids and teens won't be able to put down this summer!"

Editorial Reviews

"Bob proves to everyone (and finally himself) that there is a big heart in that tiny chest…and a brave one too. Applegate picks up where her Newbery Medal winner left off, and fans will be overjoyed to ride along in the head of lovable, self-deprecating Bob on his storm-tossed adventure. His wry doggy observations and attitude are pitch perfect." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Ricocheting between entertainment and poignancy, the dog's musings on his past and present give way to an urgent chronicle of survival. Applegate deepens the suspense (while, ingeniously, amplifying the humor) with the appearance of Bob's long-lost sister. The novel's fluid meshing of loyalty, forgiveness, and trust will leave readers hoping that the author has more one-and-only stories to tell." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"In this story of true friendship, hope, and courage, Bob learns to appreciate and cherish those he loves. Driven by favorite characters from The One and Only Ivan, Bob's story is delightfully heartfelt and adventurous. Castelao's illustrations add additional beauty to the story. Readers will be lining up to read this sequel." -- School Library Journal (starred review)

"Explore[s] themes of forgiveness, redemption, and heroism. A playful canine glossary and expressive spot illustrations further enhance the appeal of this sequel." -- Horn Book Magazine

"Bob supplies a sharp, lively voice that young readers will enjoy. Fans of the first book will love catching up with cherished friends, and newcomers, too, will enjoy this heartfelt story of survival." -- Booklist

"Much like Bob himself, this book has an appealing mix of frenetic energy and somber contemplation. Commentary on animal welfare and climate change is carefully woven into the narrative, giving readers food for thought but never overwhelming what is ultimately a tale of friendship and forgiveness." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Applegate writes that she was delighted when she heard DeVito would be the voice of Bob in the upcoming film adaptation of Ivan, and we agree: DeVito's voice is Bob's. This is a heartfelt and entertaining listen." -- Booklist (starred review of audio edition)

Readers Top Reviews

DaisyCOLLEENPolly L
Brilliant follow up to The one and only Ivan. Bob is the real hero of this story, after a tornado sweeps through the Zoo where his friends are, Bob helps to save the day.
Mike DKatie Reilley
Very disappointed by this follow up to “The One and Only Ivan”. “Ivan” is one of our families all time favorite books, so we were obviously excited about this sequel. For starters the book may be 300+ pages but it is a short read. Takes about 200 pages for something to happen and to get to the characters we actually cared about. Worth a read but be prepared to be disappointed.
Amanda 📚
As a person, I like to read all types of books. As a mother, I like to read books my daughter is required to read (or chooses) ~~ it gives us something to talk about, and excites her to read more 🤗 As an animal lover, I like to read books that encourage rescue & paint a picture for all ages to see about the way some humans can treat innocent animals. We both LOVED “The One & Only Ivan” ~ so I preordered three total copies of “The One & Only Bob” {2 as gifts and 1 for my daughter/me}. I finished it in one sit-down. Applegate does a great job, again, adding subtle hints in her books for “how to treat others” - and not just with lines as “be kind to others” or “help one another” and “don’t judge a book by its cover” ~~ she does this all in such perfect story telling ways, with all of her characters. It brings a smile to my face & heart. = it gives my daughter and I more topics to talk about and for me to add on to Applegate’s words and say “so you see the lesson or point here?....” 😉 Start with “Ivan” if you haven’t read it yet. Then enjoy “Bob”. I really am hoping 🤞🏼 for the next one...”The One & Only Ruby” 🐘 🤗 {P.S. the ending is my favorite part ♥️}
psaltybunnylinda gal
My students and I love reading The One and Only Ivan and then learning about what is known about Ivan from his life. The One and Only Bob could never be used as a sequel, because Ms. Applegate takes great liberty in Ivan's adventures, to the point of being unrealistic. Many of the details presented in this book directly contradict facts from the first book, like time period, and any student who pays attention will catch on to the discrepancies. Instead of the profoundly moving, intimately chosen words to represent Ivan's thoughts, she resorts to using modern day slang when Bob is talking. She uses the phrase, "I may or may not have" ad naseum. While Bob was a rescue, the amount of time that had passed for the setting of this book, and knowing that he is admittedly spoiled, he would have lost his wanna-be street attitude. It possibly could be an okay read on its own, but the ending is predictably cliche, and definitely could not be taught as a sequel. I wouldn't use this book in my classroom period.