Books with author Bob Graham

“Such a visual piece . . . readers young and old will return to the story to look more deeply; they won’t be disappointed.” — Booklist (starred review)In a city full of hurried people, only young Will notices the bird lying hurt on the ground. With the help of his sympathetic mother, he gently wraps the injured bird and takes it home. Wistful and uplifting in true Bob Graham fashion, here is a tale of possibility — and of the souls who never doubt its power.

"This is first-rate child’s fare. . . . Sure to make both listeners and readers feel warm and happy when they put it down." — Booklist (starred review)There are lots of dogs of all shapes and sizes at the animal shelter. But Kate and her mom and dad know they want Dave the moment they see him. He’s small and cute and a perfect fit for the end of Kate’s bed. But then they see Rosy, who is old and gray and broad as a table. How can they take home just one dog when there are so many wonderful animals who need a home? Bob Graham creates an original, endearing family in a touching story that will appeal to animal lovers everywhere.

Winner of the 2000 Smarties Prize Gold Medal. It's not easy being the son of legendary superheroes Captain Lightning and Madam Thunderbolt. Max has a cape and a mask, but he doesn't fly. His parents can't understand it. It seems that Max is just an ordinary boy, until finally, to save a falling baby bird, Max discovers he can fly! He'll be a small hero, doing small deeds. "The world needs more of those," says his mum. A funny and touching tale about little Max, the reluctant superhero. Bob Graham has three times won the Australian Children's Book of the Year Award, in addition to the Smarties Book Prize Gold and Silver Awards and the Kate Greenaway Medal.

Baby Oscar's half birthday is full cause for celebration in this amusing tale of an urban family outing, affectionately told by the inimitable Bob Graham."Perfect day for a half birthday,"says Oscar's dad.The birthday boy waves his wet fists."And a picnic," says Oscar's mom.Oscar is six months old today, but the truth is that no one can wait for his whole birthday. So there's nothing else for Mom and Dad to do but pack some sandwiches, park Oscar in his stroller, and take older sister Millie — handmade fairy wings attached — to the "half country" of their urban park for a half-birthday party. As always in the warm, quirky world of Bob Graham, the joy is in the details — a stop in a graffitied tunnel as the train rushes overhead; the expressions on Oscar's face as he watches a single leaf fall; the little half candle on his cake; and the impromptu gathering of admiring park visitors who join, one by one, in the hearty birthday song. With his jaunty watercolors full of charming surprises and a gently humorous text, Bob Graham creates an endearing, unconventional family readers will be happy to meet, and they'll be tickled to join in their celebration.

A success story for anyone who knows the highs—and lows—of learning to do something for the first time. Max will fly away with your heart!As the son of legendary superheroes Captain Lightning and Madam Thunderbolt, Max too is destined to one day join their ranks. Once he learns to fly, that is. But despite his parents' valiant coaching, and encouragement from grandparents and friends, Max can't seem to get off the ground. Will he ever learn to leap tall buildings in a single bound? Or will Max be doomed forever to life on land?Bob Graham, the award-winning author-illustrator of BENNY: AN ADVENTURE STORY and QUEENIE, ONE OF THE FAMILY, has created a mighty tale about the ups and downs of mastering your potential—all in your own good time.

In a spare urban fable, Bob Graham brings us one small boy, one loving family, and one miraculous story of hope and healing."No one saw the bird fall."In a city full of hurried people, only young Will notices the bird lying hurt on the ground. With the help of his sympathetic mother, he gently wraps the injured bird and takes it home. In classic Bob Graham style, the beauty is in the details: the careful ministrations with an eyedropper, the bedroom filled with animal memorabilia, the saving of the single feather as a good-luck charm for the bird's return to the sky. Wistful and uplifting, here is a tale of possibility — and of the souls who never doubt its power.

"So much wonderful whimsy here, it’s hard to know what to praise first." — Booklist (starred review)Two young tooth fairies make their first lost-tooth collection in Bob Graham’s warm, whimsical tale. Charm abounds in the visual details: the tiny fairy-sized cell phones the girls carry; the pony-tailed, winged dad in baggy jeans; the snug fairy house with teeth dangling like wind chimes. Once again, Bob Graham has crafted a tale of heartwarming adventure, magical yet very real.

“This is an elegant piece of living theater. . . . A book to bathe in, reminding readers that something magical is happening every instant.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)At 9:59 on a Thursday morning, Jodie draws a duck. As she’s about to add a silver button to the duck’s boot, her little brother, Jonathan, takes his first step. At the exact same moment, a man buys fresh bread at the bakery, a baby is born, a soldier says good-bye to his mom. . . . From an ordinary scene in an apartment strewn with a child’s artwork to a bird’s-eye view of a city morning pulsing with life, Bob Graham celebrates a whole world-vision in a single moment.

A wild sparrow’s journey sets in motion a toddler’s new experience in Bob Graham’s tale of life’s surprising little turns — and unlikely connections.Following some food, a curious young sparrow stows away in the back of a truck and takes an unusual voyage south — through the lush rice paddies of India, across the rough sea, and all the way into a bright new day. As the sun rises high over the city, he finds little Edie at a café with her grandma and granddad, and for a fleeting instant, his world meets up with hers and changes her life in the most delightful way. From the masterful Bob Graham comes an invitation to notice the smallest of moments as they unfold around us, full of unexpected promise.

“In a story where every turn is possible, if improbable, Graham makes readers believe. High hopes and busy, vibrant artwork . . . will entice children.” — Booklist (starred review)One morning in front of Stella’s house, an abandoned bus appears, looking sad as a whale on a beach. On its front, held up with packing tape, is a hand-painted sign that says Heaven. Right away, the bus brings change to Stella’s street when people stop to talk about it instead of rushing by. “This bus could be ours,” Stella declares. With a master’s eye for finding the magic in the mundane, Bob Graham creates an encouraging story about community — a whimsical tale about neighbors of all ages and stripes coming together, and about one little girl who comes into her own.