Bob the Railway Dog
Age 5+
Picture Books
The true story of a little dog who had adventure in his heart and the rattle of the rails in his soul.
In the early days of the railway, when shiny new tracks were opening vast areas of Australia, there was an adventurous dog who was part of it all. As the tracks were being laid he was there on the train - riding in his favourite spot on top of the Yankee engine. Everyone knew him. He was Bob the Railway Dog.
Resources
Creators
Corinne Fenton is the author of 25 books for children but her passion is picture books about social history. Her classic picture book Queenie: One Elephant’s Story, illustrated by Peter Gouldthorpe, was an Honour Book in the 2007 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book of the Year Awards. The Dog on the Tuckerbox, also illustrated by Gouldthorpe, was named a Notable Book in two categories of the 2009 CBCA Awards.
Andrew McLean grew up in the Victorian country town of Bairnsdale. He trained as a painter and teacher, and taught in secondary schools before becoming a lecturer in painting and drawing at Caulfield Institute of Technology. He has been a full-time artist now for more than thirty years. Andrew and his wife Janet have created many picture books together, and Andrew also illustrates books written by other authors. Many of his books have been award winners: he has won the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award three times. Bob the Railway Dog (written by Corinne Fenton) is his first work with Black Dog Books.
Reviews
Bob’s adventurous ways are perfectly captured in words and pictures in this charming book
Readings
With lyrical prose that shines and illuminates Corinne Fenton’s love of social history… This stunning book is suitable for the 5 -105 age group. It comes highly recommended.
Buzz Words
Children and adults of all ages will love this feel-good story, a little slice of unknown Australian history.
Creative Kids Tales
This delightful story of Bob will melt the hearts of the readers and McLean’s wonderful illustrations add to the development of the tale.
ReadPlus
It is an interesting story, and pleasant book to read, reread and talk about.
103.1FM Grafton
Bob’s cheeky personality shines through in both text and illustrations and young train enthusiasts will enjoy the many images of tracks, engines, trains and stations throughout the story.
Kids' Book Review
This superb hardback picture book reinforces the affection that can develop between humans and animals.
Bookrapt
‘Bob the Railway Dog’ features a strong, loveable character with extraordinary audacity. It is a great addition to any home or early years classroom with a wonderful Australian historical and social background
Boomerang Books
This book is an animated, engaging story of the case of a missing leg. With elements of problem solving, creativity, acceptance and wit, ‘Dog and the Lost Leg’ is a testament to the power of friendship and charity between diverse characters.
Boomerang Books
Bob, the Railway Dog is a beautiful historical picture book told with the warm simplicity at which author Corinne Fenton is so very adept.
Aussie Reviews
Children’ Christmas Gift Guide inclusion
Australian Women's Weekly
A delightful story that opens up conversations about the importance of the railways to a fast-developing nation.
The Australian
The gently measured text perfectly augments the simply exquisite visuals making every page a delight and enticing younger readers to pause and reflect on times past and historical detail such as the Hawkesbury Bridge construction and the many fine stone stations both city and outback.
Reading Time
Bob the Railway Dog is a well-told historically based story that will particularly appeal to dog and train enthusiasts. It is a great way of showing children that our history abounds with amazing stories that can stir the heart and engage the mind.
Sydney Morning Herald
A gorgeous taste of history, beautifully illustrated. Highly recommended.
Pinerolo
