Noor and Bobby

Gr 1--4--A story of love during great loss and destruction. Gay-Para and Quentric have created a delicate balance of the written word and muted illustrations to share a story of a young boy's grief of losing the life he once knew. Noor's family and a woman on the sixth floor are the last families left in his apartment building. His only friend is the woman's dog, whom Noor has secretly named Bobby. One day the woman also moves out of the apartment building, but she leaves Bobby behind. Bobby runs after his mistress and Noor runs after Bobby, and in doing so, Noor comes across animals that need his help in the rubble of ruined buildings. He continues his search until he finally finds Bobby, and when he does, he discovers that life can be beautiful in unexpected ways. Noor and Bobby are happily reunited. This book addresses children living in war-torn countries or other very difficult circumstances in a respectful way. VERDICT Gay-Para and Quentric provide an extraordinary outlet, giving voice to children and families in crisis and providing an opportunity to talk about it.--Laura Ellis

A child searches for an abandoned dog. Noor, a boy with dark hair and skin the color of the page, lives with his family in an apartment building. The neighbors have all left, and only a woman on the sixth floor remains. Each morning, Noor waits for her to walk her dog--whom he secretly names Bobby--"dreaming that some day they'll play together." One morning, a taxi is waiting for her, and Noor is sad she will take Bobby with her. But then Noor sees Bobby waiting on the curb as the cab departs. When Bobby chases the taxi, Noor runs after him. He urgently searches for Bobby, along the way performing acts of kindness as he frees a bird trapped in barbed wire and provides shelter for a cat who has just given birth. In this book translated from the French, Gay-Para never uses the word war, though her text clearly describes a ravaged city--"Behind a wounded wall"; "Noor climbs atop a pile of stones, steps over rubble." Quentric's paper-cut collage illustrations and choice of colors for the buildings--gray and brown--keep the focus on Noor and the animals he encounters. The result is a simple tale that hints at the devastation of military conflict yet exudes optimism; with context from educators or caregivers, this one could be a jumping-off point for larger conversations.(This book was reviewed digitally.) A hopeful story laced with complex themes of destruction that centers a child's love and kindness. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.