Bones and Biscuits: Letters from a Dog Named Bobs
What’s inside...
It's a dog's life! An adorable book of letters from Bobs the dog, by much-loved author Enid Blyton. This illustrated collection of his letters takes us through a year in the life of Bobs, the adored pet terrier owned by national treasure Enid Blyton. Written by Enid Blyton every week to entertain young readers in the 1920s-40s, these letters have never been published together in book form before. In this very funny book, Bobs gives his opinions on everything from fireworks to frogs, cats to Christmas, in his own words. The perfect gift for readers of any age, from 7 to 97, who love dogs and funny stories.
Discussion points
What do you think Bobs felt when he was trying to communicate with his owner?
How do you think the letters helped Bobs express his feelings and adventures?
If you were Bobs, what would you write about in your letter?
What did you learn about the relationship between pets and their owners from this story?
How can we show our pets that we love and understand them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they would expect a dog to write about in a letter. This sets the stage for curiosity.
While reading, pause at emotional moments in the story to discuss how Bobs might be feeling, and relate those feelings to personal experiences with pets.
Encourage your child to imagine and perhaps write a return letter to Bobs expressing their thoughts or offering advice.
Post-reading, engage in a creative activity like drawing scenes from the book or role-playing a day in the life of Bobs.
Reinforce the themes of empathy and communication by pointing out specific instances in the story where understanding and love are shown between Bobs and his owner.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: Bobs, the dog, offers a unique perspective by narrating his experiences and emotions. This helps children understand and connect with the feelings of others, even non-human characters.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and value different perspectives and emotions, fostering empathy towards animals and fellow humans in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Through Bobs' letters, he often talks about his duties like protecting the house or caring for his younger human siblings. His sense of duty teaches children about the importance of being responsible.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take responsibility in their own lives, be it completing homework, caring for a pet, or helping around the house.
Example Lesson: The value of Communication
Explanation: Bobs communicates his thoughts and feelings through letters, illustrating the power and significance of written communication.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to express themselves through writing, which can improve their literacy skills and help them handle emotions more effectively.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, Bobs interacts with various other characters, emphasizing the importance of building and maintaining friendships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to cultivate and cherish relationships with their peers, promoting social skills and emotional support networks.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Bobs faces several challenges, such as dealing with a mysterious noise or fixing a misunderstanding among friends. The way he approaches these situations teaches problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think creatively and develop solutions to everyday challenges, enhancing their critical thinking and resilience.