My Dog Bob a great way to celebrate National Dog Day

Today is National Dog Day, which is being celebrated on social media in many different ways. A fun new book showed up on my doorstep that makes a dog named Bob a lead character worth following. My Dog, Bob, written by Richard Torrey, tells the tale of a dog with many talents, even though he can’t sit or fetch on command.

The story takes young children through a lesson that is worth remembering at any age. Bob is a classically trained chef. He can whip up culinary delights for his family. He cannot do the “normal” things that most dogs do like sit or speak or fetch.

When a neighbor decides to show off her dog’s skills, Bob and his friend, Jeff, should have been sad that Truffles could do all the things most dogs master easily. Instead, Bob and Jeff have a secret. Bob has a lot of interesting skills that Truffles can’t even imagine. Instead of bragging, Bob and Jeff simply stand tall, knowing all the while that Bob’s skills don’t need attention. His “quietly amazing” self-esteem proves that feeling good about yourself doesn’t require an audience.

My Dog, Bob is a fun way to introduce kids to all the different ways they can excel. While some dogs can fetch, Bob can play golf. While some dogs fetch a stick, Bob cooks breakfast. The message is important for little kids who want to fit in with their peers. Everyone has special talents, but not everyone needs the approval of others regarding their talent.

Many of Richard Torrey’s books help kids understand their own self-esteem. His recent book, Ally-Saurus & the first day of school, was another fun book for young children anxious about doing something new. Torrey’s shares an important belief in all his books, “Don’t try to be someone you are not. Be yourself, and be proud of it.”

It’s a lesson children of all ages need to remember.

For more information about My Dog, Bob, visit www.amazon.com/RichardTorrey.

Disclosure:  I did receive a review copy of this book. My words and opinions are my own.