Dickens & Rumi

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Owd Bob

Alfred Ollivant; Adrian Bradbury · 1898

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Owd Bob by Alfred Ollivant; Adrian Bradbury. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Violence; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Kindness & empathy.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character2/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Violence2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Deaths of livestock occur; some emotional weight regarding animal loss.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Mention of injuries to sheep and livestock, but not described in graphic detail.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional period-appropriate vernacular, nothing profane.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

General cultural references to the period's religious environment.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal and secondary to the primary narrative about the dogs.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

The presence of the 'Black Killer' creates some tension.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Mentions of pub culture common in the setting.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes intense scenes of sheepdog trials and some animal-on-animal fighting.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The dogs show consistent courage in their work.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Inspires appreciation for animal intelligence and rural traditions.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into 19th-century rural English life and sheep farming.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Kindness is a central trait of the main character dog.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong focus on loyalty, integrity, and the consequences of malice versus kindness.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist dog exemplifies extreme loyalty and hard work.

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Owd Bob would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Owd Bob, and what caused that change?
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