Bob (Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead)

I think the cover of this book is enchanting. I listened to some of it on an audio book and it was great because of the Australian accents.

The story is lovely. I think it will be fun to discuss it with grade fours and talk about things they remember from when they were younger, now that they're more grown up.

For a while I was confused about whether Bob was imaginary or not. Turns out he isn't imaginary. He is a well-dweller! Lots of memory moments in this book to notice and note.

Goodreads says:

A classic middle-grade tale of magic and friendship, about a girl who helps an old friend find home, by two New York Times–bestselling authors Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead.

It’s been five years since Livy and her family have visited Livy’s grandmother in Australia. Now that she’s back, Livy has the feeling she’s forgotten something really, really important about Gran’s house.

It turns out she’s right.

Bob, a short, greenish creature dressed in a chicken suit, didn’t forget Livy, or her promise. He’s been waiting five years for her to come back, hiding in a closet like she told him to. He can’t remember who—or what—he is, where he came from, or if he even has a family. But five years ago Livy promised she would help him find his way back home. Now it’s time to keep that promise.

Clue by clue, Livy and Bob will unravel the mystery of where Bob comes from, and discover the kind of magic that lasts forever.

Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead, two masterminds of classic, middle-grade fiction come together to craft this magical story about the enduring power of friendship.