The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Twenty years ago, Bob Books were self-published by Bobby and John Maslen. When you sent in your Bob Books order, my parents personally packaged up the mail and often included a personal note or drawing. There was quite a bit of correspondence between those early Bob Books purchasers and the authors. In fact, letters from readers are still treasured by the Maslens and Bob Books.
Early on, Bobby and John received a letter and photo of a little boy who loved his Bob Books so much, he had fallen asleep in bed with them. This inspired the cover of an early brochure (illustrated by family friend and children’s illustrator Fredrika Spillman).
Now, 20 years later, we received another letter – with a very similar story:
I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for a great product. I ordered the first collection of Bob Books for my five year-old son. He loves reading them. It is such a nice thing for him to have so many books that he can read by himself.
I am attaching a picture of him asleep, clutching his books. That’s how much he loves them. Thank you! Sincerely, Sarah E.
It tickles my heart that Bob Books still means so much to kids as they start their journey into reading.
Do you have a Bob Books story you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you!
stories that make these beginning books fun and satisfying for kids.
