Two Bobbies

Genuine, Authentic, Cultivating, Empowering, Stirring

Two Bobbies A True Story of Hurrican Katrina, Friendship, and Survival 
by Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery

Illustrated by Jean Cassels Copyright 2008

Published by Walker Publishing Company
Children's Choice Award 2009

"This moving story about the importance of friendship and home highlights the plight of the hurricane's lost and left-behind animals, as well as the value of animal shelters."--Booklist

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit in Bobbi and Bot Cat's hometown of New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina destroyed everything, killing many people and animals. Debris and devastation filled the town, as many looked for their loved ones. Two Bobbies tells the story of Hurricane Katrina and how two best friends survived only through each other. For days Bobbi and Bob Cat went without food and water, searching for their families aimlessly. Eventually, they found a construction site where a man Rich gave them food and water, but only for so long. Rich took them to a temporary shelter called "Celebration Station" where other animals were as well. That night, Bob Cat and Bobbi were placed in separate rooms, but this did not last for long. Bobbi and Bob Cat had grown so close that they could not be without each other, so they were placed back together, only to have people figure out that Bob Cat was blind! After a month, Celebration Station was forced to close its doors, and Bobbi and Bob Cat were shown on CNN. Everyone wanted the two best friends! This remarkable, true story shows the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, but also the story of two best friends that couldn't have made it without each other.  

Reading Level: Grade 3/4 Lexile AD810
Suggested Delivery: This book could be used as a small group or a read-aloud book to discuss Hurricane Katrina and some of the things that happened, or it could be used as an independent read.
Extras: On the end pages of the book you can read "After the Storm" which describes how Bobbi and Bob Cat survived their ordeal and how they are doing now. You can also read about the authors and the illustrator on the jacket flap at the end of the book.

Teachers here are some resources that may help with teaching Two Bobbies... 
Key Vocabulary: Here are some words you may considering pre teaching: Mardi Gras, bustled, levees, tethered, debris, receded, devastated, ruckus, sanctuary

Electronic Resources: Here are some resources that may be used to enhance the knowledge of Two Bobbies.

• TwoBobbies: Two Bobbies has its own website, where you can read all about the bobbies, including their favorite food and toys, as well as the awards and reviews the book has received, information about the creators, author appearances, and other links, including a coloring page of Bobbi and Bob Cat. This website could be used pre, during or post reading.
• MaryNetheryInterview: Here you can watch as Mary Nethery talks about the background behind the story and how she came to write the book. This could be used for an intiation to capture students interests or as a closure to sum up the lesson. 
• KirbyLarson: This website has information about Two Bobbies, as well as information about the authors. It includes reviews, awards, interviews with Kirby, a trailer video, reading audio where you can hear Kirby read the first two pages of Two Bobbies, and a gallery with actual pictures of Bobbi and Bob Cat. This website could be used during or after reading.



Bobbi and Bob Cat with new mom Melinda

•  BestFriendsNetwork: While remembering hurricane Katrina, Bobbi and Bob Cat were remembered for their remarkable friendship and journey. Thanks to Melinda, Bobbi and Bob Cat found the perfect home to live together happily. After reading, it would be a good idea to show children this website to let them know how Bobbi and Bob Cat are doing.
• BobbiesOnNBC: These two incredible animals were featured on television multiple times. Here you can watch the two bobbies, Melinda speak about other animals hardships through hurricane Katrina and the two bobbies and how they came to live with her. 

Activities for Students:

• Before Reading: Ask students, what does loyalty mean? In what ways can friends be loyal? Look at the neighborhood on the cover. What do you think happened in this neighborhood? Do you think anybody lives in these houses? What can you tell about these pets from the picture?
• During Reading: What do you think it was like in the flooded New Orleans neighborhoods after the hurricane? How must the pets have felt? What do you think the X's painted on the door mean? Have the students write a paragraph answering these questions. Explain to the children that in 2005 when hurricane Katrina hit, people were told to leave their homes and find shelter far away, and that those people who went to a shelter were not allowed to bring their pets.
• Post Reading: Locate a map of the U.S. and show the children where Mississippi is on the map, and then locate New Orleans. Show the students the area of the state affected by hurricane Katrina. It may also be useful to bring in background information of hurricane Katrina, including other books, facts, and videos describing the event. Explain to the children that it was a very sad and hard time for people, but that these things do unfortunately happen to some people.

Hurricane Katrina was the sixth strongest hurricane to ever hit the United States. It was rated as a Category 3 hurricane, with winds as high as 110 miles an hour. Nearly 10,000 animals were left homeless.

"An excellent introduction to Katrina for young children, this touching animal tale memorializes a modern catastrophe and pays tribute to the many volunteers who traveled to New Orleans to help." –School Library Journal

Larson, K., Nethery, M., & Cassels, J. (2008). Two Bobbies: a true story of Hurricane Katrina, friendship, and survival. New York: Walker Publishing Company.