Bob: No Ordinary Cat

Bob the Cat: Children's Editions #1

by James Bowen

A special edition for children age 11 and above, featuring 8 pages of photographs.

'We are all given second chances every day of our lives, but we don't usually take them. Then I met Bob.'

James Bowen was a homeless musician, busking on the streets of London to survive. But the moment he met an injured stray cat with ginger fur and big green eyes, his life began to change. Together James and Bob the cat faced the world - and won.

A purrfectly true 'tail' of love and friendship to make you smile!


Please note contains some drug references.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Cats, Biography, Memoir, Audiobook, Autobiography

304 pages, Paperback

First published February 14, 2013

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

James Bowen is an author and musician currently based in London. He is author of A Street Cat Named Bob, which tells his life story.

James Bowen was born in Surrey in 1979. Following his parents’ divorce, he moved to Australia with his mother and stepfather. Home life was tense and, because the family moved frequently, James was unsettled at school. He was frequently bullied, and began sniffing glue while still in education, becoming a self-confessed “tearaway kid” who would later be diagnosed with ADHD, schizophrenia and manic depression. In 1997 he returned to the UK and lived with his half-sister, but this arrangement did not last; in time, he became homeless and began sleeping on the streets. From this point, James spent almost 10 years either sleeping rough or staying briefly in charity-run shelters; it was during this time that he began to use heroin in an attempt to escape the realities of homelessness.

In Spring 2007, James was enrolled on a methadone programme, busking in Covent Garden, and living in sheltered accommodation in Tottenham. One evening he returned home to find a ginger cat in the hallway of his building; assuming it belonged to another resident, he simply returned to his flat. When the cat was still there the following day, and the day after that, James became concerned and discovered the cat was wearing no collar or ID tag, and had an infected wound on his leg. James checked with other residents to see if the stray belonged to any of them, and when none of them claimed ownership of the animal James decided to help the cat himself.

He took the cat to a nearby veterinary surgery run by an animal charity, which provided antibiotics to treat the infected wound. In order to make sure he received the full two-week course of medication, James decided to take him in for a time while he continued to look for the stray’s owner. When he couldn’t find any information, he released the cat back on to the street, hoping he’d find his own way home. Instead, he began to follow James around, even following him onto the bus when he left to go busking. Concerned that the cat had nowhere else to go, James took him in on a permanent basis, naming him Bob after a character from the television drama Twin Peaks.[3]

Since Bob seemed keen to accompany James to work, he constructed a harness from shoelaces and began to bring him along to his regular spots in Covent Garden and Piccadilly, travelling in the window seat of the number 73 bus. The public reaction was positive and the pair became popular, their visibility increasing still further when James began selling the Big Issue. Soon the public began uploading videos of James and Bob to YouTube, and tourists from across the world would visit Covent Garden to see them. During this time, James decided to withdraw the methadone treatment; he credits his success to Bob, saying “I believe it came down to this little man. He came and asked me for help, and he needed me more than I needed to abuse my own body. He is what I wake up for every day now... he’s definitely given me the right direction to live my life.”

In time, James and Bob’s public appearances attracted the attention of Mary Pachnos, the literary agent responsible for the UK rights to John Grogan’s Marley and Me, who secured the pair a book deal with the publishers Hodder & Stoughton after she heard their story. The book was co-written by Garry Jenkins, and since its publication has sold over 250,000 copies, been translated into 22 languages and spent over 45 weeks at the top of the Sunday Times’ bestseller list in both its hardback and paperback format.

As of November 2012, two further books were at the planning stage - a follow-up to A Street Cat Named Bob, and a version of the book for children.

Reviews

[Klinta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Review.
This book is a true story about an addict who struggles with every single thing in his life until the moment he meets a stray ginger cat and the new responsibility and love changes him for the best.

It is a great story, which gives an insight into lives we might not consider and make us notice people who we might just pass on the street every day. And what's more - it shows people's nature.

This book is a really fast read and I think I value a lot the information about the homeless net and possibilities as well as the friendship and 'healing' of Bob. I do kind of see how using an animal is a trend in street workers, but then again - James leaves no place for doubt and his care and love is wonderful and had me on the verge of tears many times.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I bought the children's edition because I really wanted to have a copy with the pictures in too, as I think this adds to the book, but if I get chance I will read the full version.
I've not come across a real life story about a cat before, most are about dogs, so it was interesting to read this one.
Bob really reminds me of my cat DJ, who is not just my cat, but essentially one of my best friends, like Bob is to James.
This is a really feel good book, it almost made me cry at some points, which is an achievement since I've never cried at a book.

[Mike Sumner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A special adaptation from the bestselling A Street Cat Named Bob that I read when it was first published. I followed the story of James Bowen and Bob over the years. James found Bob in 2007 and they became inseparable and legendary on the streets of London. The publication of ASCNB was the salvation for James, a reformed drug addict. Together, James and Bob faced the world - and won. More book publications followed - I have them all - and James, his girlfriend and Bob moved to the leafy suburbs of Surrey, far removed from a small flat in Tottenham.

Over the years social media followed their lives as they travelled far and wide promoting James' books. Bob was indeed No Ordinary Cat and folk around the world loved him. Tragedy struck on 15th June 2020 when Bob was struck by a speeding motorist and killed instantly. James was completely bereft and the outpouring of grief from all corners of the world was overwhelming. People shared James' grief, and still do - me included.

It is still difficult to read these wonderful books without a tear in the eye...

[Emelie Sveding · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a okey book but I didn’t love it.

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nostalgic moment and it took me 1 hour to read essentially and I love cats idk why I read this rlly but it’s so sweet got me crying n shit

[♡Salomé⁠♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ganz süßes Buch, was ich trotzdem niemals freiwillig lesen würde. Für eine Schullektüre ist es aber echt gut und angenehm geschrieben.

[Yumii Kiyomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a touching read. Bob truly was no ordinary cat — his story with James moved me deeply. I smiled at their bond, and even laughed at times, but I ended up crying when I searched and found out Bob passed away five years ago. I really hope the rumors aren't true and that Bob lived a peaceful, loved life with James until the end. Their journey together is unforgettable, and this book reminds you just how healing and life-changing love, even from a street cat can be.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read two books of the three about the cat named Bob and his owner, James Bowen. I have found them to be enjoyable reads.
Bob has been an important part of James’ ability to get clean and stay clean. With Bob’s arrival, he has had someone to care for and about; a purpose for getting up every day; and a loyal friend and companion.
I am looking forward to reading the last book in the series.

[Marlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bob was a lot of fun to read about. I read this book aloud to my children. They both loved getting to know Bob. We found it randomly at the library and didn’t know anything about it before picking it up. Very interesting; not the greatest writing, but that didn’t matter.

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Bob he is a literal moooooood. The writing style was a bit meh but then again James isn't a trained writer (I think). 3 stars which tbh is pretty good! Next goal is to read A Street Cat Named Bob!

[Sandy Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the story. The main character adopts a homeless cat on the street. The story is about their life together and how much they helped each other and become. know on the streets as they travel together.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

A special edition for children, based on "A Streetcat named Bob". This book contains some lovely photos of gorgeous Bob and demonstrates just how much impact a little cat can make to their owner. It's a heartwarming read.

[Margaret Pitcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about friendship and hope - simply and movingly written. I have one or two people in my life who are of the ‘it’s just an animal’ (whatever that means…) persuasion. This book should be required reading.

[David Erkale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is basically a summarized version of the original Street Cat Named Bob story. Should've saw that from the start! This is a great book for younger readers, though, and introduces them to the wonderful world of Bob.

[Lony Neubauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this lovely Children’s book of an addict busker based in London who meets a Ginger Cat, who he later names Bob. It’s a lovely adventure of ups and downs they both encounter.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read heart warming

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book to read, seeing the transformation during the story, and it actually being written by James. Stay safe Bob- and James ☺😊

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing if you have read the first book. Much of the first book is repeated in this one.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Similar to the other "Bob" books, but would be suitable for children as well. I love Bob!

[Annina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story war sehr gut, aber durch das Kürzen des Originalbuches ging einiges an Information verloren und nahm den Lesespass etwas weg.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eine niedliche Geschichte, besonders, weil sie wahr ist. Jedoch hat sie mich absolut nicht von der guten Natur einer Katze überzeugt ...

[QuakerMaid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is just a very slight version of the orginal 'BOB' book.

[Catherine Waring · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just repeats from the larger book I had, waste of time

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Bob!

[Clarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ótimo livro. Conta uma bela história de superação de um homem que tenta se livrar das drogas mas não imaginava o quanto um certo gato poderia ajudá-lo e mostrar a ele o lado bom da vida.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks Kombi Cath
Looking forward to watching both the movies

[Zander Spring Donaldson]

I genuinely cried several times when I read this book it is a masterpiece of a book, and it would be idiotic of you not to buy it 💔

[Car · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review by 9 year old: it was good book because they helped each other. it shows the power of friendship.

[Paula Cardone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story. Such a beautiful story.

[bujee]

Bro just look at my pfp