BOB THE ROBIN BOOK
Bob the Robin is a true, real life story of unexpected friendship between a man
and a wild robin called Bob.
‘A heartwarming story of connection; this book will inspire you to see nature with fresh eyes’ Suzy Reading
‘A beautiful and touching celebration of wildlife and our relationship with the little creatures who share this wonderful planet with us. This book is much needed in these chaotic times.’ Abigail Hopkins
“Sometimes in life you get to meet someone you feel at one with – where there’s a special connection. It’s not always something you understand or can explain, but it’s there, and you both feel it. I had that connection not with a person but with an animal, a wild bird. He stood no taller than 4 inches high, but his personality was the size of the world”
When Tony first noticed a small robin sitting on a branch of an old plum tree, he had no idea how much this wild bird would come to mean. The robin glanced in his direction as he approached but it didn’t fly away. With camera in hand Tony took a photo of the robin. It was the first of hundreds of photos that Tony would take of Bob – and the beginning of an extraordinary connection that would last for years.
Tony shared Bob’s journey through photos and videos on his Putman and Robin social media channels. During the pandemic, he also shared live videos of Bob which brought comfort to many people during those difficult times. Their story quickly captured hearts and was published by the BBC in compelling footage that has drawn comments from admirers all over the world. Since then, Tony’s story and work have drawn the attention of BBC Springwatch, Fox News USA and Belgian, Dutch and German television channels making Bob possibly the most famous robin in the world. The book is beautifully illustrated and features Tony’s own photographs, highlighting the most important subjects mentioned in the book.
ILLUSTRATOR: Clare Attewell
AUDIOBOOK READ BY: Tony Putman, Maxim Ays and also recordings of Bob the Robin
PUBLISHER: Gaia (Octopus Publishing Group, Hachette UK)
Book is available via:
Putman and Robin Shop (signed copies and book bundles)
Internationally:
LoveReading Review/Liz Robinson
“Absolutely gorgeous, this would make a lovely gift for others, or yourself! With the focus on nature and in particular a robin, this book travels with the author as he becomes a gardener and forms close relationships with some of the animals and birds he meets. Author Tony Putman says about his very special relationship with Bob: “Sometimes in life you get to meet someone you feel at one with – where there’s a special connection. It’s not always something you understand or can explain, but it’s there, and you both feel it. I had that connection not with a person but with an animal, a wild bird. He stood no taller than 4 inches high, but his personality was the size of the world”. The tale of Bob is simply told, with real heart and love and it casts a warm glow. The trust on display between the two is inspiring, but this isn’t just about Bob, while the book forms a: “love letter to Britain’s favourite bird”, the author forms relationships with other animals and birds too. The photos are beautiful, and made me smile as I met the creatures so charmingly described. This is about slowing down, taking time to stop, to really look and listen to the nature around you. You can see and feel the effect the friendships have on the author, and it is truly wonderful. This gentle feel-good book just had to be chosen as both a LoveReading Star Book and Liz Pick of the Month. Bob the Robin is the perfect remedy to the pressures of the modern world, it champions nature, kindness, and friendship. Highly recommended”.