Bob the Robin: A true story of the friendship between one man and Britain's favourite garden bird

by Tony Putman

'When a robin appears, a loved one is near'

In 2019, Tony Putman was working as a gardener in Edenbridge, Kent, when he noticed a bold robin sitting on a branch of an old plum tree. The robin glanced in his direction as he approached, but he didn't move, so Tony grabbed his camera and took a photo. This would be the first of hundreds of photos that Tony would take of Bob the robin - and the start of an extraordinary friendship that would last for years.

As Tony shared his pictures on his social media account, Putman and Robin, he witnessed an outpouring the love - not just for Bob, but for robins everywhere, who populate our gardens with song and movement even on the direst winter days.

In this book, Tony shares his touching journey with Bob, and tells the story of our unwavering affection for these magnificent creatures. This is an informative book about the life of a robin, as well as a beautiful love letter to these spirited and lively birds - who offer us a connection with nature, a moment of contact and a great source of comfort and joy.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Animals, Memoir, Birds, Natural History

164 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2024

Reviews

[Ron Charles]

On Monday, Dawn had another lockdown at her school, the second one in two weeks: a student with a gun, again. There’s my dear wife huddled on the floor in her darkened classroom texting me. It was such an outrageous addition to this week that it almost struck her as more irritating than frightening.

Then yesterday, an old friend sent Dawn and me a wooden box of chocolates from Burdick’s, which was such a random and extravagant act of kindness that it lured us from the gloom for a few delicious moments.

I’ve been thinking how important such moments are. Some books can serve as little boxes of chocolates, too. Over the last few days, I sneaked away from several demanding novels to find solace in “Bob the Robin,” by a photographer and gardener named Tony Putman. Presented as “a love letter to Britain’s favourite bird,” this nature memoir goes down warm and gentle, like a bowl of farina in print.

“I discovered that I was at peace when I was using my camera,” Putman writes. “Every negative thought, every problem, was blocked out when I was thinking about my next shot.” That salubrious hobby runs parallel with his keen attention to animals, particularly birds.

In 2019, a new robin approached him, and they established a remarkable rapport. “If he was in the middle of a song, he might look at me to acknowledge my presence or he might completely ignore me,” Putman writes. “When I wanted him to move to a better location for a photo, he would simply follow me wherever I went.” The bird eats mealworms from Putman’s lips.

Putman’s Facebook followers christened the bird “Bob.” Over the next several years, Bob the Robin and Putman the Gardener became media celebrities, but that doesn’t really matter to Putman nor, I suppose, to Bob.

“Sometimes in life you get to meet someone you feel at one with,” Putman writes. “It’s not always something you understand or can explain, but it’s there, and you both feel it.” Okay, not exactly Montaigne, but you do feel it because Putman is such an achingly sincere writer. His long friendship with an English robin — different from our American robin — is plainly, unapologetically heartwarming.

Across this story, printed on airy pages with several lovely color plates at the center, we follow these two companions through the rhythms of the seasons. There are moments of family joy and sadness. The covid pandemic intervenes, but the natural world provides an oasis for Putman and his feathered friend.

“I was very happy that he chose to stick around,” he writes. “There was a calmness about him right from the start.” The same could be said about this tender book.

Excerpted from The Washington Post's free Book Club newsletter, which you can read here:
https://s2.washingtonpost.com/camp-rw...

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robins are delightful little birds, and this book confirms it. They're intelligent, inquisitive and very friendly.

[Kelly Furniss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book perfectly sums up the effect nature can have on us. How when we are at our lowest the connection we make can make life seem that much brighter and that was certainly the case for Tony Putman, Bob and the other robins he made friends with.
Such a heart warming cozy read and perfect for winter.
I loved every minute of this book & have now followed his social media to see updates on any other birds Tony might meet. My thanks go to the publishers, author & NetGalley in providing a audio copy of this book in return for a honest review.

[Marco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming book in which an extraordinary friendship between a gardener and a robin is during the pandemic the key for a growing public interest and care about nature.

[Carlyn (The Bookworm Mum) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t put into words why this book was just so brilliant. The only way I can describe it is cosy non-fiction? So well written.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

After losing my own dad last year, i completely resonated with this book! I came reliant on daily visits to our own garden from our own “dad” the robin! This book has taught me so much and the saddest realisation, is, that nothing is forever! This book has stunning photography, it’s written extremely well and leaves a huge impact! I would recommend this book over and over again, just have some tissues to hand!

[Ruth Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful, gentle book. A joy to read.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most beautiful heartwarming book

[Catherine Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

[Luke Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tony gets it.

[Paula Bull-Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delight of a book detailing the friendship between a gardener and a robin. Tony’s story encapsulates the simplicity of nature- a perfectly cosy winter read.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book about an man's relationship with a robin, Bob. The author does a great job pointing out the importance of nature in our lives.

[Jayne Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a wonderful and beautiful book with amazing photos. A truly heartwarming book showing the beauty of birds and the natural world. Robins are such gorgeous characters of the birdworld, and this book displays this so well.

[Daisy Peachey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really lovely read about a friendship between a man and a Robin. There are certain chapters I felt were a little bit repetitive but it wouldn't stop me recommending it if you are looking for something lighthearted.

[lindseyReads🩶 · Rating 5 out of 5]

How wonderful this book is. To be on a journey with Tony Pitman and Bob. Getting into nature and understanding the lives and feelings of birds and animals, without needing to go outside.

But talking of outside, you want to go out and try and see a little Robin and try to see if a little Robin will become friends with you. If not, a little Robin will put a huge smile on your face.

There is loss, love and friendship in this book, and some lovely pieces to remember a loved one by and a few parts where the heartstrings will be pulled.

As a big lover of Robins, this has been a joy to read! ❤️

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story about a gardener's love of the outdoors and the creatures he interacts with while at work. He tells of long-term relationships with English robins and especially one he named Bob that stayed around for several years.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warm, cosy, heart-warming, delightful

For those who read my reviews regularly, Bob the Robin: A Love Letter to Britain’s Favourite Bird by Tony Putman is a deviation from my usual science fiction diet. But as someone who was a photographer in a life long passed, and has their own daily chats with robins (and a few more avians), I couldn’t resist Tony Putman's book.

I know Christmas 2024 has passed, but for anyone who wants to keep the season of cheer and goodwill going, read this novel ... and then keep it close.
The story and the photos are warm and cosy and heart-warming. Tony’s voice, delightful.

I started following the author on Facebook ('Putman and Robin', for anyone who is interested in receiving a daily dose of smile on your face).

A big wow for Bob the Robin: A love letter to Britain’s favourite bird by Tony Putman, and five stars.

[J M Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful read about a man's friendship with a robin. Quite beautiful.

[A L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful account of the author's love of the natural world. His passion for the land, the animals and birds is evident throughout. Growing up with parents who cared about animals instilled that love. His connection with the robins, particularly Bob, is utterly charming. Tony's study of Bob's life with the changing seasons and the gardening year is so informative.
I loved the quote - 'when a robin appears, a loved one is near'.
A gorgeous book. It would make an ideal gift for both young and old, especially at this time of year. Highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love watching birds when I go for a walk. I adore animals—cats, dogs, and others. I’ve been following Tony for a long time and decided to get this book to enjoy the story firsthand. While reading it, I had to stop several times to cry because I’m sentimental, and even seemingly insignificant moments in the book touched me deeply. I recommend this book; it’s worth reading!

[Hans Woody · Rating 5 out of 5]

A memoir with such a simple narrative yet full of heart, I can’t recall how many times this book made me cry but at the same time, it healed my soul. What a great combinations of love, loss and hope.

I want to give every star in the sky to this book, such a remarkable debut work.

[Catherine K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have followed Putnam and Robin on Instagram for a while and I was excited to read his book. This is a lovely, gentle book about a gardeners love for robins and the beautiful relationships he forms with them. Heart warming.

[Pauline Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob the Robin is an excellent book, so charming and thoughtful. This first time author learnt how to photograph birds and shared the photos and films with people during the Covid lockdown bringing joy to many.

[Alison J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous charming book taking you through the ups and downs of befriending wildlife and showing the compassion that more people need to have for animals and humans alike. Highly recommend

[Susan Elford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a little bird!

Just so touching, lovely to read - and the photos are truly beautiful. This is a gentle, heartwarming book to treasure.

[bhagyareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful!

[Foggygirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this book and read it within the week, loved it a very heartwarming read.

[Soph · Rating 5 out of 5]

So lovely

[Beachcomber · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A lovely account of a man who while working as a gardener, befriended several robins, and how they can be little characters. It’s a light and gentle read, though a little heavy on the ! …

[Teresa Firkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply delightful ♥️