Books On Board
series Reading Order

Bob the Cat Books in Order

9 Books
2012 – 2018 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start: The Recommended Reading Order

If you want to experience the complete journey of James Bowen and his faithful companion Bob, it is best to read their main memoirs in order. Here is the recommended path for general readers:

  1. A Street Cat Named Bob (2012) – The original memoir where James first meets an injured Bob and begins his journey toward recovery.
  2. The World According to Bob (2013) – The sequel detailing their life on the streets of London and the challenges of sudden fame.
  3. A Gift from Bob (2014) – A heartwarming memoir focusing on their final Christmas busking and selling Big Issue magazines on the streets.

Chronological vs. Publication Order

While the publication order matches the narrative flow of James's life, there are a few chronological details to keep in mind, especially if you include the children's illustrated books:

  • My Name Is Bob (2014) – This picture book serves as a chronological prequel, telling the story of Bob's life before he met James from the cat's own perspective.
  • A Gift from Bob (2014) – Although published last in the main trilogy, it focuses specifically on the events of one festive season during their time on the streets.

The Complete Bob the Cat Collection

The Bob the Cat books span several formats to cater to readers of all ages. Here is how they break down:

The Children's Adaptations

These are simplified editions of the main memoirs tailored for younger readers:

  • Bob: No Ordinary Cat (2013) – A youth-friendly adaptation of A Street Cat Named Bob.
  • For the Love of Bob (2014) – A young readers' version of The World According to Bob.

Picture and Activity Books

For toddlers or readers looking for illustrated fun:

  • Where in the World is Bob? (2013) – A search-and-find activity book where readers spot Bob in scenes across the globe.
  • Bob to the Rescue (2015) – A picture book about Bob finding a lost puppy in a park and helping him.

Wisdom and Companion Books

  • The Little Book of Bob (2018) – A collection of life lessons, mindfulness tips, and street-smart wisdom James learned from Bob over their years together.

Co-Authorship and Adaptations

James Bowen collaborated with author and journalist Garry Jenkins to write these memoirs, while the illustrated picture books feature artwork by Gerald Kelley. Because these books are true memoirs and illustrated companions, readers do not need to worry about complex fictional canon. You can safely skip the children's adaptations if you have read the main books, or use them to share Bob's inspiring legacy with younger family members.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the recommended starting book for Bob the Cat?

You should start with the original memoir, A Street Cat Named Bob (2012), which introduces the true story of how James Bowen met Bob.

QAre the Bob the Cat books based on a true story?

Yes, they are non-fiction memoirs detailing the real-life friendship and adventures of James Bowen and his ginger tomcat, Bob, on the streets of London.

QWhich books are suitable for young children?

For younger readers, My Name Is Bob and Bob to the Rescue are illustrated picture books, while Bob: No Ordinary Cat is a simplified version of the first memoir.

QIs there a movie adaptation of the books?

Yes, the series has two film adaptations: A Street Cat Named Bob (2016) and a festive sequel, A Gift from Bob (2020).

QWhat is the chronological order of the main story?

Chronologically, the picture book My Name Is Bob acts as a prequel. It is followed by the main memoirs: A Street Cat Named Bob, The World According to Bob, and finally A Gift from Bob.

QWho co-authored the Bob the Cat books?

James Bowen co-wrote the books with author and journalist Garry Jenkins to help bring his experiences with Bob to the page.

QWhat is the purpose of The Little Book of Bob?

It is a collection of life lessons, mindfulness, and philosophy that James Bowen gathered from his years of companionship with Bob.