Bob and Bunk: A charming new children’s illustrated picture book about two very different cats
What’s inside...
This is a tale of two cats: Bob, the pampered indoor cat who likes curling up on the sofa and watching TV, and Bunk, the wild-spirited outdoor cat who likes rolling about in the garden and playing with leaves. They're both pretty different, but when Bob and Bunk meet they realize they're similar, too. This unique picture book brings together two brilliant author-illustrators, Maisie Paradise Shearring and Rose Blake, to collaborate. The illustrations are a mix of both their works, each illustrating the vibrant and amusing worlds of their own real-life cats, and what happens when these worlds collide. Bob and Bunk is a charming and entertaining picture book about accepting others and making friends, recognizing our similarities as well as our differences.
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes Bob and Bunk different from each other? How do they complement each other?
Can you think of a time when you had to work with someone very different from you? What was that like?
What do you think was the most important lesson Bob and Bunk learned about friendship?
If you could give Bob and Bunk a piece of advice at the start of their story, what would it be?
How do you think the story would have changed if Bob or Bunk decided not to be friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize pauses after each question to give your child time to think and articulate their thoughts.
Encourage your child to not just answer the questions, but to elaborate on their answers with examples if possible.
Show genuine interest in their responses. This encourages more thoughtful reflections and deeper discussion.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s own experiences to make the discussion more relatable and impactful.
Praise your child for their unique insights and encourage them to ask their own questions about the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: Bob and Bunk, despite being distinctly different cats, learn to appreciate and value each other's unique traits.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to appreciate diversity among their peers and finding value in everyone's differences.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, the bond between Bob and Bunk grows stronger as they face various adventures together.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building and maintaining friendships and being supportive companions.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The two cats encounter challenges that they have to solve together, teaching teamwork and critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children learn to collaborate with others to overcome obstacles and make decisions.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Bob and Bunk show resilience in the face of adversity, adapting to new situations and bouncing back from setbacks.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persevere and remain positive despite difficulties or changes in their lives.
Example Lesson: Joy of Exploration
Explanation: The adventurous spirit of Bob and Bunk as they explore their surroundings emphasizes the thrill of discovering new experiences.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to be curious, explore their environments, and learn continuously through their own adventures.