“Bob” is the name Katie gave the family car when she was a little girl. Years later, as she prepares to say goodbye to Bob, she reflects on the many memories in which Bob played a part. Bob took them to the Wichita powwow, where she first danced as a “Tiny Tot.” They went on vacation to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. “You drove us to visit Aka:h in the Smoky Mountains—which the Cherokee call Shaconage—before she got sick.” At home, there were trips to the library and dog park; to the hospital when her little sister, Jenna, was born; and to her aunt’s to celebrate Jenna’s arrival. “But when families grow, sometimes they need bigger cars.” Saying goodbye is a bittersweet moment in this epistolary picture book written as a letter to Bob. Engaging details in the text and stylized illustrations underscore the warmth of family and importance of identity across the passage of time. A glossary and brief information about the Wichita and Cherokee tribes are at volume’s end. (Ages 4-8)

With humor and heart and brought to life by Jonathan Nelson's warm, distinctive artwork, Kim Rogers's A Letter for Bob celebrates the treasured cars that carry us through our most meaningful childhood moments.

Ever since the day Mom and Dad brought Bob home from the car dealership, Bob has been a part of Katie's family.

Bob has taken them all over, from powwows to vacations to time spent with faraway family. Bob has been there in sad and scary times and for some of the family's most treasured memories.

But after many miles, it's time for the family to say goodbye to Bob...

This humorous and tender story about a beloved family car--and all the stories and love carried along for the ride--will appeal to every kid whose family has owned a special car.

Winner of the American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Award and a Charlotte Zolotow Award Highly Commended Title!

Kim Rogers is the author of Just Like Grandma, illustrated by Julie Flett, which received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and ALA Booklist, which called it "a joyous, uplifting celebration of culture and family."