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Bob Is the Biggest, Strongest, and Smartest
Bob was the biggest, strongest,
and smartest bear in the whole wide world.
Everyone knew it.
Everyone knew it because
Bob told them over and over and over again.
That is, until the day Bill comes along. Bill isn’t big or strong, but he asks lots of questions of the creatures around him. He’s interested in everyone, and soon, all the animals are so busy getting to know one another, they stop noticing poor Bob. Until—Bill does! But is Bob finally ready to have a real conversation, one that includes both talking and listening?
From Jean Reidy and Amy Jindra Hodgson comes an endearing, funny story that provides plenty of gentle wisdom about how to be a good listener and kind friend.
Picture book, Ages 4-8, Penguin/Rocky Pond, February 2026
ISBN 9780593858943 (Hardcover)
For Teachers, Parents and Readers
BOB IS THE BIGGEST, STRONGEST, AND SMARTEST Storytime and Curriculum Guide
It’s linked to learning standards and full of activities, games, crafts, puzzles, and even a reader’s theater script that make reading and learning with the book extra fun.
See BOB IS THE BIGGEST, STRONGEST, AND SMARTEST on TeachingBooks.net
Meet illustrator Amy Jindra Hodgson!
Bob Is the Biggest, Strongest, and Smartest
Bob was the biggest, strongest,
and smartest bear in the whole wide world.
Everyone knew it.
Everyone knew it because
Bob told them over and over and over again.
That is, until the day Bill comes along. Bill isn’t big or strong, but he asks lots of questions of the creatures around him. He’s interested in everyone, and soon, all the animals are so busy getting to know one another, they stop noticing poor Bob. Until—Bill does! But is Bob finally ready to have a real conversation, one that includes both talking and listening?
From Jean Reidy and Amy Jindra Hodgson comes an endearing, funny story that provides plenty of gentle wisdom about how to be a good listener and kind friend.
Picture book, Ages 4-8, Penguin/Rocky Pond, February 2026
ISBN 9780593858943 (Hardcover)
REVIEWS, NEWS AND INTERVIEWS
“This delightfully funny picture book gently shows young readers that getting to know others rather than showing off is the way to make friends … Reidy’s latest picture-book offering will leave readers, like Bob, feeling the biggest, strongest, and smartest when it comes to friendship.”
“With its punchy illustrations and clever callouts to show inner thoughts and conversations, this book puts forth the notion that respect isn’t given to the loudest or the braggart. Instead, it’s earned through conversation, through respecting differences, and through listening to others. It’s a worthy SEL lesson, as well as one that’s funny via exaggeration and commentary. A beautiful book about true friendship, with teachable skills for younger elementary students.”
“Emotionally generous … The story’s tidily phrased moral (‘Friends get to know friends’) lands on a truth: genuine curiosity builds connection far more powerfully than self-promotion ever could.”
“A jaunty, vibrant feel throughout … Modeling the key to making friends, this gentle tale wields its messaging with a whisper rather than a thump.
“A fun story about the importance of asking questions, listening to the answers, and getting to know others.”
“Sweet, funny, and quietly wise, this is one you’ll want on your keeper shelf!”