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Bashful Bob and Doleful Dorinda
Bob never knew he was a human boy, after being abandoned outside a beauty parlor and then raised by a bunch of dogs. He barked at businessmen and burrowed under bushes. Fortunately for Bob, dimple-faced Dorinda, a distressed damsel down on her luck, found him and taught him how to be a real boy. When a bureaucratic blunder puts the town in jeopardy, only Bashful Bob and Doleful Dorinda can save everyone from a dreadful disaster.
Combined with Dušan Petricic's whimsical illustrations, Margaret Atwood's cleverly written, alliterative picture book will challenge and delight readers of all ages.
Combined with Dušan Petricic's whimsical illustrations, Margaret Atwood's cleverly written, alliterative picture book will challenge and delight readers of all ages.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2004
1 person is currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Atwood
669 books90.1k followersMargaret Atwood was born in 1939 in Ottawa and grew up in northern Ontario, Quebec, and Toronto. She received her undergraduate degree from Victoria College at the University of Toronto and her master's degree from Radcliffe College.
Throughout her writing career, Margaret Atwood has received numerous awards and honourary degrees. She is the author of more than thirty-five volumes of poetry, children’s literature, fiction, and non-fiction and is perhaps best known for her novels, which include The Edible Woman (1970), The Handmaid's Tale (1983), The Robber Bride (1994), Alias Grace (1996), and The Blind Assassin, which won the prestigious Booker Prize in 2000. Atwood's dystopic novel, Oryx and Crake, was published in 2003. The Tent (mini-fictions) and Moral Disorder (short stories) both appeared in 2006. Her most recent volume of poetry, The Door, was published in 2007. Her non-fiction book, Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth in the Massey series, appeared in 2008, and her most recent novel, The Year of the Flood, in the autumn of 2009. Ms. Atwood's work has been published in more than forty languages, including Farsi, Japanese, Turkish, Finnish, Korean, Icelandic and Estonian. In 2004 she co-invented the Long Pen TM.
Margaret Atwood currently lives in Toronto with writer Graeme Gibson.
Associations: Margaret Atwood was President of the Writers' Union of Canada from May 1981 to May 1982, and was President of International P.E.N., Canadian Centre (English Speaking) from 1984-1986. She and Graeme Gibson are the Joint Honourary Presidents of the Rare Bird Society within BirdLife International. Ms. Atwood is also a current Vice-President of PEN International.
Throughout her writing career, Margaret Atwood has received numerous awards and honourary degrees. She is the author of more than thirty-five volumes of poetry, children’s literature, fiction, and non-fiction and is perhaps best known for her novels, which include The Edible Woman (1970), The Handmaid's Tale (1983), The Robber Bride (1994), Alias Grace (1996), and The Blind Assassin, which won the prestigious Booker Prize in 2000. Atwood's dystopic novel, Oryx and Crake, was published in 2003. The Tent (mini-fictions) and Moral Disorder (short stories) both appeared in 2006. Her most recent volume of poetry, The Door, was published in 2007. Her non-fiction book, Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth in the Massey series, appeared in 2008, and her most recent novel, The Year of the Flood, in the autumn of 2009. Ms. Atwood's work has been published in more than forty languages, including Farsi, Japanese, Turkish, Finnish, Korean, Icelandic and Estonian. In 2004 she co-invented the Long Pen TM.
Margaret Atwood currently lives in Toronto with writer Graeme Gibson.
Associations: Margaret Atwood was President of the Writers' Union of Canada from May 1981 to May 1982, and was President of International P.E.N., Canadian Centre (English Speaking) from 1984-1986. She and Graeme Gibson are the Joint Honourary Presidents of the Rare Bird Society within BirdLife International. Ms. Atwood is also a current Vice-President of PEN International.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 19, 2018
3* art
2*story
At 6. maybe Squirt is just not old enough to really appreciate the fun of the consonant-play going on in this story. We'll have to try again in a couple years.
2*story
At 6. maybe Squirt is just not old enough to really appreciate the fun of the consonant-play going on in this story. We'll have to try again in a couple years.
December 8, 2012
"b,b,b,b,b...d,d,d,d,d...bd,bd,bd,bd"!
February 18, 2018
A book for word lovers. Atwood flexes her alliteration muscles Bs for Bob Ds for Dorinda and a dance of the two when the characters unite. The writing is lyrical and even funny at times.
However, the storyline is pretty horrendous. (*SPOILERS*) As a baby, Bob is forgotten about and abandoned by his mother and raised by three dogs who live in an abandoned lot. Dorinda's parents disappear and she's forced to live Cinderella-style. Dorinda has fortitude and somehow does not give into despair. She finds Bob, a young boy who thinks he's actually a dog, and she teaches him to speak and read. One day a bison escapes and is wrangled by the children. They are celebrated and featured in the paper, which causes them to be found by their parents. Dorinda's disheveled parents just escaped an unnamed disaster while Bob's parents just realized that they'd forgotten about their baby at the beauty parlor several years before. They reunite like nothing ever happened, like it's almost amusing, silly forgetful parents, shameful mean relatives to treat little Dorinda so poorly. They buy a two family house to share. And then they all live happily ever after.
Dismal.
This is also a book for illustration lovers. Dusan Petricic does something really special with the color and style. Five stars for the illustration.
However, the storyline is pretty horrendous. (*SPOILERS*) As a baby, Bob is forgotten about and abandoned by his mother and raised by three dogs who live in an abandoned lot. Dorinda's parents disappear and she's forced to live Cinderella-style. Dorinda has fortitude and somehow does not give into despair. She finds Bob, a young boy who thinks he's actually a dog, and she teaches him to speak and read. One day a bison escapes and is wrangled by the children. They are celebrated and featured in the paper, which causes them to be found by their parents. Dorinda's disheveled parents just escaped an unnamed disaster while Bob's parents just realized that they'd forgotten about their baby at the beauty parlor several years before. They reunite like nothing ever happened, like it's almost amusing, silly forgetful parents, shameful mean relatives to treat little Dorinda so poorly. They buy a two family house to share. And then they all live happily ever after.
Dismal.
This is also a book for illustration lovers. Dusan Petricic does something really special with the color and style. Five stars for the illustration.
July 20, 2023
Goodreaders, did you know that the great author Margaret Atwood has written picture books too? I've just opened one of these up. You know which one...
At the back of the book, back flap, I learn that yes, this is THE Margaret Atwood, author of more than 40 books of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. "Bashful Bob and Doleful Dorinda" is her sixth children's book.
As you'll learn early on, should you read this wonderful book, Bashful Bob was raised by dogs:
He did not believe he was a boy
and barked when bothered.
He was bewildered by blithering barbers, blathering butchers,
bun-bearing bakers, and belligerent bus drivers,
and he would bound behind bushes
or burrow under benches
when they blundered by.
He would bite busy businessmen in their briefcases.
FAST-FORWARD TO THE HAPPY ENDING...
It was well earned, this Goodreader believes. Altogether the sound of this book is extraordinarily memorable. And that's just one of its special excellences.
FIVE STARS of polyphonic applause to author Margaret Atwood and awesome artist
Dušan Petričić.
At the back of the book, back flap, I learn that yes, this is THE Margaret Atwood, author of more than 40 books of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. "Bashful Bob and Doleful Dorinda" is her sixth children's book.
As you'll learn early on, should you read this wonderful book, Bashful Bob was raised by dogs:
He did not believe he was a boy
and barked when bothered.
He was bewildered by blithering barbers, blathering butchers,
bun-bearing bakers, and belligerent bus drivers,
and he would bound behind bushes
or burrow under benches
when they blundered by.
He would bite busy businessmen in their briefcases.
FAST-FORWARD TO THE HAPPY ENDING...
It was well earned, this Goodreader believes. Altogether the sound of this book is extraordinarily memorable. And that's just one of its special excellences.
FIVE STARS of polyphonic applause to author Margaret Atwood and awesome artist
Dušan Petričić.
January 31, 2020
This dastardly disjointed discourse on the lives of two children begat by bothersome parents was beautifully illustrated. The narrative is lacking in structured plot and meaningful character development due to an overwhelming attempt to overuse alliteration throughout the development of distraught decisions and meaningless relationships that don't leave the reader caring for the characters' wellbeing. The situational survival strategies employed by the characters are wrathfully unrealistic and fail to fully fill the readers' attention. Though this thoroughly alliterative book might magically make for an enjoyable time with younger readers, I would not encourage older readers who are looking for more of a challenge (or just an interesting picture book).
July 30, 2019
I see a fair bit of low star reviews from people saying this book might not be good for 5-10 year olds. I can't speak on those kids, but I can say that my currently 2.5 yo son (this is 'his' Goodreads) has been read a LOT of books, and is obsessed with this one and Rude Ramsay and the Roaring Radishes.
The first time we read them it was clear the gears were turning, so sometimes I read the words, sometimes I read and explain, and sometimes I just explain in simpler terms. By mixing these strategies together I think he became extremely enthralled by the insane number of new words he could learn.
The first time we read them it was clear the gears were turning, so sometimes I read the words, sometimes I read and explain, and sometimes I just explain in simpler terms. By mixing these strategies together I think he became extremely enthralled by the insane number of new words he could learn.
August 10, 2018
As the title hints, this is a picture-book-length example of over-the-top absurd, silly alliteration. I plan to use it as a fun read-aloud to 2nd graders. There is quite a bit of vocabulary that will challenge 2nd graders (and maybe encourage them to learn some new words).
November 6, 2018
Wonderful and unexpected tongue twisty fun.
December 31, 2019
Cute story, fun to read, pretty artwork.
December 9, 2021
A barrage of delightful words beginning with B and D.
June 5, 2022
Very clever!
January 18, 2023
Very cute book. Adorable illustrations. I especially appreciate the distinct bounty of big words for kiddos to read and learn.
August 2, 2024
These are like a book-length tongue twister, which was super fun to read aloud.
September 2, 2014
This is a great book as it gives the opportunity for children to play with language and have fun with it. This is a great book to be read out loud to the class. Its use of regular alliteration means it’s quite a tongue-twister, which in turn makes it worthy of many laughs when the teacher is reading it out loud!
Here, Margaret Atwood has turned her attentions briefly to children’s fiction to write about two characters, bashful Bob and doleful Dorinda. Bob, who was abandoned as a baby outside a beauty parlour, is raised by three dogs, a boxer, beagle and a borzoi. He barks rather than talks, and is utterly bewildered by the normalities of everyday life.
Dorinda, who has lived with distant relatives since the disappearance of her parents in a disaster, is forced to live in a disreputable dive whilst her relatives live in splendor. She laments that she does not ‘deserve such a dismal deal’ and leaves only to find Bob in a bush. The two become unlikely friends. Dorinda teaches Bob to talk, and after an encounter with a buffalo, inspires Bob to no longer be bashful, but brave. Bob declares to Dorinda that she is no longer doleful, but daring. Both their parents return to them, and they all end up living together in a bungalow where there are ‘dishes of delicacies’ as well as a ‘bounteous backyard’ to enjoy.
This book shows us the power of friendship, and how it is needed so we can learn more things out about ourselves that we never knew, and how we can also help other people.
I would suggest that this book is aimed at Key Stage 2 for ages 9+. This book has some tricky words in it, but this gives scope for the teacher to talk about these words, as well as encouraging the children to independently look up these words in dictionaries, thus helping to expand their vocabulary. This book is engaging, and the illustrations subtly show the relationship between the two characters (yellow for Bob and purple for Dorinda) and how in the end they both show a little of each others colours in them.
This particular edition comes with an audio CD of the book, which is great as it gives children the opportunity to practice their listening skills and to see if they can follow the story without looking at pictures and text.
A fun and enjoyable task would be to see if children can make up their own stories using alliteration, and to see how many different words they can come up with that begin with their chosen letter.
Here, Margaret Atwood has turned her attentions briefly to children’s fiction to write about two characters, bashful Bob and doleful Dorinda. Bob, who was abandoned as a baby outside a beauty parlour, is raised by three dogs, a boxer, beagle and a borzoi. He barks rather than talks, and is utterly bewildered by the normalities of everyday life.
Dorinda, who has lived with distant relatives since the disappearance of her parents in a disaster, is forced to live in a disreputable dive whilst her relatives live in splendor. She laments that she does not ‘deserve such a dismal deal’ and leaves only to find Bob in a bush. The two become unlikely friends. Dorinda teaches Bob to talk, and after an encounter with a buffalo, inspires Bob to no longer be bashful, but brave. Bob declares to Dorinda that she is no longer doleful, but daring. Both their parents return to them, and they all end up living together in a bungalow where there are ‘dishes of delicacies’ as well as a ‘bounteous backyard’ to enjoy.
This book shows us the power of friendship, and how it is needed so we can learn more things out about ourselves that we never knew, and how we can also help other people.
I would suggest that this book is aimed at Key Stage 2 for ages 9+. This book has some tricky words in it, but this gives scope for the teacher to talk about these words, as well as encouraging the children to independently look up these words in dictionaries, thus helping to expand their vocabulary. This book is engaging, and the illustrations subtly show the relationship between the two characters (yellow for Bob and purple for Dorinda) and how in the end they both show a little of each others colours in them.
This particular edition comes with an audio CD of the book, which is great as it gives children the opportunity to practice their listening skills and to see if they can follow the story without looking at pictures and text.
A fun and enjoyable task would be to see if children can make up their own stories using alliteration, and to see how many different words they can come up with that begin with their chosen letter.
October 23, 2014
Margaret Atwood plays with alliteration in this children's story about a boy brought up by dogs and a girl sent to stay with her not so nurturing relatives.
Bashful Bob and Doleful Dorinda eventually meet to become two very good friends, who one day take matters into their own hands when a bison escapes from a botanical garden.
There were some absurd moments in the book, but this was very charming. I also liked the playfulness in the use of language in this story, and how it challenges kids with vocabulary words they may not necessarily be familiar with.
The illustrations were colorful and delightfully expressive. There's a Shel Silverstein feel to this book that is both familiar and refreshing. I also felt like there was a very undated and modern feel to this story and in the rendering of the illustrations.
It's a nice touch of humor and lightness that makes for another worthwhile children's book classic.
Bashful Bob and Doleful Dorinda eventually meet to become two very good friends, who one day take matters into their own hands when a bison escapes from a botanical garden.
There were some absurd moments in the book, but this was very charming. I also liked the playfulness in the use of language in this story, and how it challenges kids with vocabulary words they may not necessarily be familiar with.
The illustrations were colorful and delightfully expressive. There's a Shel Silverstein feel to this book that is both familiar and refreshing. I also felt like there was a very undated and modern feel to this story and in the rendering of the illustrations.
It's a nice touch of humor and lightness that makes for another worthwhile children's book classic.
July 22, 2015
In the hopes of writing my own children's books, I'm reading more and more picture books and junior fiction than before. While reading Bashful Bob and Doleful Dorinda -- a beautifully illustrated work -- I was struck by the vocabulary Atwood uses in such a juvenile book. As I read more on junior picture books, and the fact that they are meant to challenge the young reader's vocabulary, not merely entertain with illustrations, I think Atwood's book is the perfect salute to the young reader. The plot is simple, if not sad, and witty and charming. As an adult, I can attest to a great level of humour, and I imagine the challenging vocabulary and accomplished illustrations would allow for the intended audience to follow along happily and with interest. I would recommend this book for any aunt or uncle who is looking to impress their five-year-old niece or nephew, as well as his or her parents.
March 8, 2008
In a tale told with non-stop alliteration, both baby Bob and darling Dorinda are orphaned and grow up in less-than-civilized circumstances: Bob is raised by a pack of dogs, and Dorinda is housed by rich but uncaring relatives. When Dorinda runs away, the two meet, become fast friends, and eventually save the town from a bewildered buffalo. The illustrations are nicely done in pen and ink. All of Bob’s pages are in dark yellows, Dorinda’s are in purple, and the appearance of the buffalo brings lime and pink into the mix. The final spread shows Bob and Dorinda’s new world, where the colors all work in harmony. The alliteration forces words which will cause kids to stumble, and grows a bit tiresome by the final pages, but the tale is lively enough to maintain interest for most children. This would serve as an excellent resource for teaching alliteration.
June 24, 2007
I wonder if this is a case of a powerful literature writer turning to children's writing and really, she ought not be there. Featuring a bashful baby, a doleful girl (complete with dreadful cruel relatives ala David Copperfield), a boxer, a beagle and a borzoi, and last but not least, a bewildered buffalo escaped from the local botanical garden, the story consists of literally cramming as many "b" and "d" words as one can into a story and still make coherent sense. Nevertheless,something in the bababadadada's and a stampeding pink buffalo has my daughter clutching her sides.
December 7, 2013
This one really shows Atwood's eccentric creativity. I didn't care much for Atwood's "Oryx and Crake", but this kid's book was interesting and very creative. I would definitely suggest it for older kids though, as there is vocabulary that many adults probably don't know (or maybe that's the fun of it). Anyway, I was impressed by the creativeness of the writing, namely the use of whole pages full of "b" and "d" words, many of which I don't think got repeated. And the art was very eccentric too, and fit the tone of the story perfectly.
April 2, 2014
This book was confusing. Although the use of alliteration at times can be fun and engaging, it went too far, making the story difficult to read, detracting from the story. At times, they were clutching at words that fit the /b/ or /d/ theme, yet they didn't really add to the text. It is an interesting concept as many students mix up 'b' and 'd' sounds and letters when speaking and reading. Yet the language required to make this work means that it is a challenging text for young readers. I was disappointed by this story and won't try reading it with primary-ages students.
December 24, 2015
Margaret Atwood wrote a children's book (and thank goodness it's better than Toni Morrison's awful attempt, The Big Box) that celebrates alliteration and parentless (but not actually orphaned) children.
I liked it, but my 9-year-old wasn't so impressed.
I liked it, but my 9-year-old wasn't so impressed.
January 15, 2011
Margaret Atwood is one of my favorite adult fiction writers, so I was excited to know she's written a few children's picture books as well. This one was lackluster, the alliteration it's only mildly engaging feature.
February 26, 2014
Margaret Atwood is such a gifted writer. This is the first of her children's books I've read and I loved it. The vocabulary is advanced, the story is charming, and the character development is deep despite it being only 32 pages. It was a delightful read.
December 29, 2014
Brilliant! Delightful. You simply must get your hands on this book and read it aloud to someone you love. And if you have a child who is having the familiar "b" vs "d" struggle, I am certain that this book can be a tool.
November 26, 2007
Read it while procrastinating from having a shower. Ha! Fun play of words and interesting story. Won't make sense to adults but kids might like it.
March 2, 2010
Tongue twister fun. Would be a funny read aloud.
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March 28, 2010This book is full of delightful alliterations. It's fantastic to read aloud.
September 11, 2011
LOVED this one. the kids liked it to. I highly recommend it!
June 26, 2013
Alliteration but words may be too difficult for 5th graders
February 24, 2014
Solid alliteration work plus a happy ending. A tricky yet pleasurable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews