Big Bob, Little Bob

PreS-Gr 1—Two boys who are very different from each other learn that they can still be friends. More than size differentiates Little Bob from his new neighbor. Big Bob likes trucks, sports, and loud games. Little Bob prefers playing school or with his dolls and enjoys reading quietly. He's not good at throwing or catching a ball; dresses in girls' clothes, which "feel nice" to him; and likes the jangle of bracelets on his arms. "Boys do not play with dolls," Big Bob assures the smaller boy. However, when Blossom moves into the neighborhood and ridicules Little Bob for his choice of playthings, Big Bob comes to his pal's rescue: "Boys can do whatever they want!" And both boys agree that girls can, too, as they invite Blossom, who likes "playing with trucks more than dolls," to join them. The digitally rendered illustrations greatly extend the text, providing readers with examples of how the boys' play differs. They depict Big Bob, a head taller than his neighbor, orange hair sticking straight up, wearing a cape or firefighter's outfit. He roughhouses with his dog, and his exuberant play often disrupts Little Bob's more sedate activities. Little Bob wears glasses, has daisy barrettes in his hair, carries a stuffed unicorn, and wears a large yellow hat and flowing dress as he pushes his cat in a carriage.