The Tale of Greyfriars Bobby

by Lavinia Derwent

Bobby, a lively little Skye Terrier, adores his master Auld Jock and when the old man dies, Bobby refuses to leave his grave in Greyfriars Churchyard in Edinburgh. By day, he plays with local orphans and eats at a nearby tavern, but every night for fourteen years Bobby returns faithfully to sleep by his master's grave.

Based on a true story.

Genres: Childrens

75 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 2000

About the author

Lavinia Derwent (1909 – 1989) was the pen name of Scottish author and broadcaster Elizabeth Dodd MBE.

She was born in an isolated farmhouse in the Cheviot hills some seven miles from Jedburgh. She began making up stories about animals at an early age. Her most famous creation was "Tammy Troot" who entranced generations of children. She also wrote a best-selling book about an island called Sula which later featured in a film. The novels were: Sula (1969), Return to Sula (1971), The Boy From Sula (1973) and Song of Sula (1976). She also wrote a version of Greyfriars Bobby (1985). Her autobiographical books, particularly A Breath of Border Air recreate a world when it was the more fundamental things of life that mattered. Her Border Bairn series is set around Jedburgh, and Lady of the Manse has a Berwickshire setting. She wrote the wee kirk moose poem.

In the 1970s she co-presented the television series Teatime Tales (alternating with Molly Weir and Cliff Hanley) on STV in which she recollected stories from her own childhood.

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book if you loved the movie Hachiko: a dog’s tale.

In much similar vein, the short book tells the story of a small terrier dog who gets abandoned by its owners. The dog chooses a house and it would believe the old man of the house would be its one and only master.

The man is old and frail. He couldn’t work anymore and he’s sick. However, he couldn’t give up considering his family and now the dog whom he named Bobby.

Bobby is loyal. Bobby is fierce. Bobby just wouldn’t leave.

This is the story of an abandoned small dog and an unlikely master. How the story ends is sad but it also tells the story of a loyal soul.

Bonus point: You and the younger readers will totally love the original black ink illustrations!

You will absolutely love reading this story out loud.

[Robyn Ghafoor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having grown up watching the film this was the first time reading this and I only started due to a reading challenge where I needed a short book. Was enjoyable enough but even though it's a children's book I felt it was too short, although probably still too long for the wean's attention span. 😄🙈 Had a wee tear at the last page and has made me want to take another trip to Edinburgh when the current situation has improved.

[Priyanka Nena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh dear Bobby, words can’t express how much we love you. Thanks to the author for bringing this story to us. So grateful for that. Bobby is cute, funny, loving, sweet and many more things. Most of all, he is very loyal. He chooses an old man, a shepherd to be his owner. He is always clinging to him though he gets some rude words. He never gives up on this old man. Also, though some people seemed to be rude turned out to be kind people. Loving all these people for being extremely nice to Bobby. Can’t get enough of Bobby. Do pick this book. It’s a very beautiful story and animal lovers would love this book even more.
Highly recommended.
Bobby, I love you. 🫶🏻☺️☺️

[Courtenay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This reminded me of the 2009 movie, Hachi: A Dog's Tale, starring Richard Gere. I'm guessing stories about loyal dogs refusing to leave their owners (even when their owners have moved on) have been told for centuries. I liked this version for children but man, such stories do make me cry!

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up with this story and watching the film. It's still a lovely story to this day. It was great to read it again.

[Alexandre Oliveira · Rating 3 out of 5]

While on a trip to Edinburgh, we found Bobby's statue near the kirkyard. Delighted to learn more about this loyal dog. Little book but fun story.
We don't deserve dogs.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun, but for little kids. go see the statue and grave!

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read before our trip to Scotland. A sweet (true) story.

[Vickie Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m feeling oddly emotional.