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Greyfriars Bobby
A true story of a dog's love and loyalty is retold and illustrated in sumptuous style
More than 100 years ago, a faithful little dog called Bobby kept a 14-year vigil by his master's graveside in Greyfriars churchyard in Edinburgh, Scotland. Bobby captured the hearts of the townsfolk and remains a legend still today. This 19th-century tale is now retold by Ruth Brown from the perspective of two modern-day children who come across the commemorative plaque outside Greyfriar's churchyard.
More than 100 years ago, a faithful little dog called Bobby kept a 14-year vigil by his master's graveside in Greyfriars churchyard in Edinburgh, Scotland. Bobby captured the hearts of the townsfolk and remains a legend still today. This 19th-century tale is now retold by Ruth Brown from the perspective of two modern-day children who come across the commemorative plaque outside Greyfriar's churchyard.
32 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1996
About the author
Ruth Brown
177 books32 followersBorn in 1941, Ruth Brown is the creator of some of Britain's best loved children's books. She has created a great many picture books for Andersen Press and is highly respected as an author and illustrator.
She attended Bournemouth College of Art, 1957–59; Birmingham College of Art, degree (with first-class honors), 1961; Royal College of Art, M.A., 1964.
She is married to artist Ken Brown and they have two grown-up sons and one grandchild.
She attended Bournemouth College of Art, 1957–59; Birmingham College of Art, degree (with first-class honors), 1961; Royal College of Art, M.A., 1964.
She is married to artist Ken Brown and they have two grown-up sons and one grandchild.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 15, 2012
I first came across Greyfriar's Bobby in primary school. I was one of those children that, if given the chance, would choose the same story to read over and over again (I suppose it does improve comprehension of the story!). I therefore came very familiar with the plot in this time.
The story goes that there is an old, homeless man known as 'Auld Jock' who has a dog 'Greyfriar's Bobby'. The two keep each other company and often visit a kitchen which provides Auld Jock with food, the cook also gives Greyfriar's Bobby some food out of kindness. However, one wintry night Auld Jock gets so cold that he dies. Greyfriar's Bobby remains loyal to his owner and sits himself next to Auld Jock's grave all day and all night. On seeing this loyalty the towns people, including the old cook from the kitchen provide food for Greyfriar's Bobby. This story is supposedly true and a statue of Greyfriar's Bobby resides in Edinburgh.
I came across the story when being interviewed for a teaching course and was asked to come up with ways I could use this story in class. I found that the story could be used in many of the curriculum areas, which is very helpful for a trainee teacher to have one resource that can do this. Aside from the obvious Literacy lessons which could emanate from the narrative there are also lessons to be learned about History or Personal and Social care. The emotive graphology and language used supports these lessons.
Overall, the narrative is enthralling and teaches a great lesson of loyalty and devotion, which is possible even if you are a dog. The story has since been adapted for film.
The story goes that there is an old, homeless man known as 'Auld Jock' who has a dog 'Greyfriar's Bobby'. The two keep each other company and often visit a kitchen which provides Auld Jock with food, the cook also gives Greyfriar's Bobby some food out of kindness. However, one wintry night Auld Jock gets so cold that he dies. Greyfriar's Bobby remains loyal to his owner and sits himself next to Auld Jock's grave all day and all night. On seeing this loyalty the towns people, including the old cook from the kitchen provide food for Greyfriar's Bobby. This story is supposedly true and a statue of Greyfriar's Bobby resides in Edinburgh.
I came across the story when being interviewed for a teaching course and was asked to come up with ways I could use this story in class. I found that the story could be used in many of the curriculum areas, which is very helpful for a trainee teacher to have one resource that can do this. Aside from the obvious Literacy lessons which could emanate from the narrative there are also lessons to be learned about History or Personal and Social care. The emotive graphology and language used supports these lessons.
Overall, the narrative is enthralling and teaches a great lesson of loyalty and devotion, which is possible even if you are a dog. The story has since been adapted for film.
November 7, 2022
Sorry, but this is probably the most boring version of Greyfriar's Bobby out there. They took one of the best dog stories and washed out almost all the drama. The book Greyfriars Bobby by Eleanor Atkinson is a classic I think every dog book fan should read (although the first half which matches up to the Disney movie is better than the second half.)
What makes up for the story is the fantastic watercolor pictures. Every page are full of wonderful detail. The picture of Old Jock and Bobby in the snow is enough to make the whole book worth getting. I would appreciate it if Ruth Brown or anyone else would let me know if there is a print for sale somewhere.
If you come across the book, read the quick story and take a long time enjoying the great illustrations.
What makes up for the story is the fantastic watercolor pictures. Every page are full of wonderful detail. The picture of Old Jock and Bobby in the snow is enough to make the whole book worth getting. I would appreciate it if Ruth Brown or anyone else would let me know if there is a print for sale somewhere.
If you come across the book, read the quick story and take a long time enjoying the great illustrations.
October 17, 2013
After reading A Dark, dark tale, I fell in love with it, and hoped I'd find some more "dark" stories in the Ruth Brown collection. This is a dark story, perfect for Halloween. It's unusual and has completely unique aspects to it. Ruth Brown once again has a flavor all her own with magical illustrations that just pull you into their beauty. The story is adorable, the illustrations are so detailed! My 3 yr old twins and 5 yr old both love Ruth Brown. Just an overall fun book that's a great addition to any children's collection. Highly recommend this author!
March 13, 2014
This is an enchanting little book telling the story of Greyfriars Bobby. The story starts out in modern day, but transports the readers (the children characters) back in time to when Bobby, the little dog was alive. I've been to Edinburgh and to Greyfriars, and the artist really captures the old beauty of the city. The paintings of the people and the dog are wonderful and really capture their expressions.
The story is told simply in an easy to understand way. I felt this was a good book to start out our studies of Scotland.
The story is told simply in an easy to understand way. I felt this was a good book to start out our studies of Scotland.
Read
August 12, 2011 Loved the story - or as they would say in the book, 'Twas the bonniest tale o' a maist michty wee sperity sonsie bittie doggie! The thick Scottish accents made for slow reading for me, despite the help of the glossary in the back. The last chapter moved me to tears. Now I want to see the old movie again!
January 21, 2017
A lovely book with the unforgettable story of the little dog that lived 14 years at a cemetery, to stay close to his dead friend. With sumptuous illustrations, this is a wonderful book for childen and also for all those who love dogs.
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon 21 January 2017
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon 21 January 2017
September 9, 2009
Charming story and beautiful illustrations!
September 16, 2018
One of my purchases from my Scottish Roadtrip, loved the story of this little dog!
May 8, 2025
I picked up this beautiful little book while on holiday in Edinburgh. The story of Greyfriar’s Bobby completely captured my heart and I love the illustrations.
March 23, 2023
Such a sweet story about a wonderful dog!
September 12, 2014
When I was a child, Greyfriar's Bobby was a Disney movie, and the first movie I ever saw in a theater. I recently had the privilege of being in Scotland (Edinborough) where the original story took place, and saw a pub called Greyfriar's Bobby, we saw (from a bit of distance) the cemetery where he is buried, and the area where he lived. At the National Museum, I purchased this book, and thoroughly enjoyed reading it, though my version is a bit shorter and seems to be a children's story and it appears there is a longer "adult" version available.
December 16, 2007
great book, I read this when I was little, about 3 times, kids will love the tale o the wee dog.
Read
December 4, 2023Look, my heart's not made of stone. I understand the tug of heartstrings when a story about a dog who continuously remains or returns to a spot associated with his human companion.* To me there's definitely something to be gleaned from these stories about animal emotion, and even ritual. It moves me in the same way that I am moved when I hear about elephants who return to gravesites.
But I don't find these stories particularly... heartwarming. They mostly make me sad and the retelling and celebration of some form of grief feels icky. Almost all these stories also use phrases like "Faithful to his master even after death" that feel way too colonial for my comfort.*
*Look, colonial language sneaking into how we talk about animals is a whole damn essay, but also worth thinking about ways that using colonial language for animals normalizes it in general. If you feel uncomfortable watching a dog show and hearing people talking about "ideal measurements" for a "perfect species," it's good to explore some of the origins and assumptions of that language. Explore why you feel uncomfortable.
Thank you for coming to my TED talk
But I don't find these stories particularly... heartwarming. They mostly make me sad and the retelling and celebration of some form of grief feels icky. Almost all these stories also use phrases like "Faithful to his master even after death" that feel way too colonial for my comfort.*
*Look, colonial language sneaking into how we talk about animals is a whole damn essay, but also worth thinking about ways that using colonial language for animals normalizes it in general. If you feel uncomfortable watching a dog show and hearing people talking about "ideal measurements" for a "perfect species," it's good to explore some of the origins and assumptions of that language. Explore why you feel uncomfortable.
Thank you for coming to my TED talk
November 23, 2020
First published in Great Britain in 1995, in the US in 2013. Ruth Brown tells the poignant true tale and illustrates it with gorgeous art. Here is a beloved story of a loyal dog from years ago, one that will please in so many ways. Two children follow the story into Greyfriars Graveyard when they stop at a water fountain, for people and dogs, "a tribute to the affectionate fidelity of Greyfriars Bobby" to where the gardener shares the story. Greyfriars Bobby helped his master, Old Jock, guard the cattle that he brought to town for the market. When Jock died, Bobby stayed by his grave and the townspeople took care of him, giving him his own engraved collar and water bowl as he grieved. Everyone, including a Mrs. Ramsay, owner of a cafe the two frequented, ensured he was well fed. He lived an additional fourteen years and was buried near his master. I'm happy that I discovered this lovely picture book!
January 5, 2025
I think this was the first Ruth Brown I read. Sometimes, when I was homeless in England, I'd go into book stores and read all I could until I was thrown out. This was one of the books I read.
This is a story of modern tourists to Scotland learning about Greyfriar's Bobby, a real cattle-working terrier who stayed by his master's grave for 14 years. The story was turned into a 1949 Lassie movie, Chalkenge to Lassie.
The only problem I have with the book is minor -- and actual photo of who is thought to be Bobby the terrier has floppy ears. His statue shows floppy ears. The Bobby illustrated in this book has prick ears.
Again, just a minor problem. The odds are that Ruth Brown didn't have access to anything but the statue and other artists' interpretations back when she did this in 1995.
And yes, I still cry when I read this, even though I know the book backwards and forwards.
This is a story of modern tourists to Scotland learning about Greyfriar's Bobby, a real cattle-working terrier who stayed by his master's grave for 14 years. The story was turned into a 1949 Lassie movie, Chalkenge to Lassie.
The only problem I have with the book is minor -- and actual photo of who is thought to be Bobby the terrier has floppy ears. His statue shows floppy ears. The Bobby illustrated in this book has prick ears.
Again, just a minor problem. The odds are that Ruth Brown didn't have access to anything but the statue and other artists' interpretations back when she did this in 1995.
And yes, I still cry when I read this, even though I know the book backwards and forwards.
August 26, 2026
A beautifully rich and heartwarming classic that remains deeply moving and inspiring. Having read this book with my children and watched the film many times, I even made a personal pilgrimage to Edinburgh to visit Bobby’s statue. Eleanor Atkinson paints a vivid portrait of late-19th-century Edinburgh, offering a subtle yet poignant critique of animal welfare and the treatment of the working poor. While the author can be forgiven for romanticising certain harsh realities given her target audience, the story loses none of its emotional weight. It is a haunting, unforgettable tale that stays with you long after the final page.
May 17, 2020
Lots of death, though with sweet moments. Lots of new vocabulary for my American preschooler and kindergartener (inscription, friar, churchyard, remains [dead body], master, titbits, lingered, engraved, etc.). Maybe would give four stars if I’d read it with older kids. A nice story, but not one I’d pick for bedtime and that’s when we do most of our reading.
April 19, 2023
Precious story handed down in Edinburgh for generations and now captured in a book written and illustrated by Ruth Brown. The artwork alone is a reason to buy this book. Many thanks to our tour guide Annette for recommending the book as a souvenir for our grandchildren.
July 7, 2024
Adorable. Bobby is one of my favourite stories and I love visiting him when we go to Edinburgh. My mum found me this book in a charity shop and got it for me as she know how much I love the story. The illustrations are beautiful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2018
The loveliest illustrations for such a poignant story about this little little wee dog 💛
February 3, 2021
All time favourite childhood book! I must have re-read this hundreds of times!
October 9, 2021
Cute story with just a dash of spook, a perfect first ghost story for little ones. Beautiful illustrations, too.
February 10, 2022
Lovely tale retelling of a true story
August 21, 2025
🐶✨ 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚘 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚗 𝚢𝚎𝚊𝚛 𝚊𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚢𝚎𝚊𝚛 𝚝𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚊𝚝 𝚕𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚛 𝚏𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚜𝚕𝚎𝚎𝚙 𝚘𝚗 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚖𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛'𝚜 𝚐𝚛𝚊𝚟𝚎 ✨🐶
Such a sweet book 🫶
Such a sweet book 🫶
December 1, 2025
A beautiful real story, nice drawings like paintings as with the colours.
July 1, 2021
This book is a beautiful tribute to the little Skye Terrier, Bobby, who remained faithful to his beloved owner, even after said owner passed away. Sleeping on the grave and surviving by the generosity of the townspeople, this little fellow was truly one man's best friend.
September 4, 2020
This is based on a true story from a hundred years ago. When his master, Old Jock, died the faithful little Bobby stayed at his grave in Greyfriars churchyard, Edinburgh for FOURTEEN YEARS! The people of Edinburgh fell so in love with Bobby that they fed him and arranged special permission for him to stay in the graveyard until he died.
His is legend still alive today. You can visit the graves of both Bobby & Jock (John Grey) in Grey Friars Kirk. Instead of flowers, people leave sticks on Bobby’s grave. There is also a special statue of Bobby near by (a water fountain for people & dogs) to remember this special dog. People think it is good luck to rub Bobby’s nose.
The drawings are very good and I enjoyed the story. There are different versions of the legend. In this one, Old Jock (John Grey) is a night watchman guarding the cattle that have been brought to the city for sale. In other versions Jock is a farmer. In the version my Mum knew, Jock was a night watchman for the City of Edinburgh Police. This is also mentioned on a plaque in Greyfriars graveyard. I think I would have given the story a higher score if it had been based on the version I know.
His is legend still alive today. You can visit the graves of both Bobby & Jock (John Grey) in Grey Friars Kirk. Instead of flowers, people leave sticks on Bobby’s grave. There is also a special statue of Bobby near by (a water fountain for people & dogs) to remember this special dog. People think it is good luck to rub Bobby’s nose.
The drawings are very good and I enjoyed the story. There are different versions of the legend. In this one, Old Jock (John Grey) is a night watchman guarding the cattle that have been brought to the city for sale. In other versions Jock is a farmer. In the version my Mum knew, Jock was a night watchman for the City of Edinburgh Police. This is also mentioned on a plaque in Greyfriars graveyard. I think I would have given the story a higher score if it had been based on the version I know.
January 26, 2025
Bobby Greyfriars is one of those books that stayed with me long after I finished it (I am writing this review about 1 month after finishing the book). Even though it was a quick read, it had such an emotional impact....I actually teared up. Bobby’s incredible loyalty is something truly special, and reading about his devotion to his owner just hit me right in the heart. I knew I had to visit his grave in Edinburgh after finishing the book, and standing there, offering a silent prayer, felt like the perfect way to honour this special little dog. I really hope that Bobby was loved by the people around him in his time, though it’s hard to know what it was really like back then. His story is a beautiful, bittersweet reminder of how deep love and loyalty can go. Rest in peace, little Bobby.
March 16, 2012
This is a sweet story recommended for all dog lovers. The illustrations are beautiful. However, I didn't really like the way the story ended, I expected just a little bit more.
Also, just on a side note, I wonder why the author chose to create characters in the beginning that were children and were meeting up with their parents while they were touring Edinburgh. I wouldn't exactly let any child, even two of them, go out on their own in any unknown city. Thought that was kind of strange.
Also, just on a side note, I wonder why the author chose to create characters in the beginning that were children and were meeting up with their parents while they were touring Edinburgh. I wouldn't exactly let any child, even two of them, go out on their own in any unknown city. Thought that was kind of strange.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews