Published by HarperCollins (Published May 5)

Summary:  Bob, the stray dog who befriended Ivan and Ruby in The One and Only Ivan has his own story to tell now that he’s been adopted by Julia and her family.  For the first time in his life, he has two meals a day, a comfortable bed, and people who love him.  But Bob has been through enough to be wary about getting too attached, refusing to do what he’s supposed to at obedience training.  He’s still close to Ivan and Ruby, often visiting them in their new zoo home, and happens to be there one day when a tornado strikes, followed by a hurricane.  After flying for the first time during the tornado, Bob gets to work in a series of harrowing rescues, both at the zoo and the animal shelter down the street.  The life-threatening situations help Bob to realize what is important to him and to learn the value of his friends and family.  352 pages; grades 3-7.

Pros:  It doesn’t much matter what I say here, this book will be a runaway bestseller as the many fans of The One and Only Ivan (soon to be a major motion picture) wil clamor to find out what happened to Ivan, Ruby, Bob, and the rest.  Those fans won’t be disappointed, and will enjoy getting to know the funny, feisty Bob a bit better.  The short chapters, action, and humorous narration will hook Ivan’s old friends and new readers alike.

Cons:  While the second half of the book (once the weather hit) had plenty of action, I found the first part a little meandering.  Not quite Newbery caliber, in my opinion, but then again, I’m an iconoclast who prefers Applegate’s Wishtree to the award-winning The One and Only Ivan. 

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