Bob Is the Biggest, Strongest, and Smartest

by Jean Reidy, Amy Jindra Hodgson (Illustrator)

A boastful bear learns how to be a good listener and friend in this endearing, funny picture book by the author of Truman.

Everyone knows that Bob is the biggest, strongest, and smartest bear in the world . . . because he tells them so, over and over again. No one can question him because Bob does all the talking. That is, until the day Bill comes along. Bill isn’t big or strong, but he asks lots of questions of the creatures around him. He’s interested in everyone, and soon, all the animals are so busy getting to know one another, they stop noticing poor Bob. Until—Bill does! But is Bob finally ready to have a real conversation, one that includes both talking and listening?

Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 24, 2026

About the author

Jean Reidy’s bestselling and award-winning picture books have earned their spots as favorites among readers and listeners of all ages and from all over the world. She is honored to be a three-time winner of the Colorado Book Award, a Parent’s Choice Gold Award Winner, a Charlotte Zolotow Honor winner and recognized on “Best of” lists by School Library Journal, the New York Times, NPR and Amazon. Jean writes from her home in Chicago where she lives just a short walk from her neighborhood library … which she visits nearly every day.