Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival
by Kirby Larson, Mary Nethery, Jean Cassels
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Book Description
Simple prose introduces two animals, a cat and a dog, that survived Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, and, after four months of wandering, were rescued by the Best Friends Animal Society. The narrative is obviously part supposition as the original owners were never found, despite efforts to locate them. Since both pets had bobbed tails, a shelter volunteer named them Bob Cat and Bobbi, hence the book's title. It was soon discovered that Bob Cat was blind, making his survival even more amazing and underscoring the idea that the two critters relied on one another during their ordeal. The terrifying event is told about in a matter-of-fact way, with the text concentrating on the "feel good" aspect of the two Bobbies. The gouache illustrations, done in soft pastel shades, present realistic glimpses of the devastated city that serve as a backdrop for the animals' struggles. An afterword includes a photo and additional information. An excellent introduction to Katrina for young children, this touching animal tale memorializes a modern catastrophe and pays tribute to the many volunteers who traveled to New Orleans to help. -- Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA
About the Author
Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery are the best of friends, just like Bobbi and Bob Cat. They first saw the Two Bobbies on Anderson Cooper 360° and found hope in the Bobbies’ story of friendship and survival. Kirby is the acclaimed author of many books for children, including the 2007 Newbery Honor Book Hattie Big Sky. Mary is the author of many picture books, including Mary Veronica’s Egg. Kirby lives in Kenmore, Washington, and Mary lives in Eureka, California. The authors will be donating a portion of their proceeds to Best Friends Animal Society.
Jean Cassels has illustrated more than fifty nonfiction nature titles. Her other titles include Groundhog Stays Up Late and Br’er Rabbit Captured! Jean lives with her husband in New Orleans. They left the city with their three dogs a day before Katrina, and it was six weeks before they could return home. Although there is still much left to accomplish throughout the city, Jean is glad to say that through the efforts of the residents and the visitors who have come to help, New Orleans is making a comeback.
