Author/Illustrator: Roger Duvoisin
Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books, 2016; originally in 1961
Age: 3-8
Themes: forests, forest animals, hunting
Opening: Mr. Bobbin lived in a little house by the edge of the forest. he loved to sit on the bench by his door and smoke his pipe while he watched the hills, the sky, and the wild animals.
Summary: (from my library’s catalog) A man who lives at the edge of the forest buys himself all the proper hunting equipment, and is very happy walking through the forest and aiming his gun, but never shooting.
Why I like this book: One more beautifully illustrated classic for April, but and this one is new to me. I identify with our protagonist: I also like to sit on the bench by my front door and watch my surroundings, although the only truly ‘wild’ animal I ever see is my one-year old neighbor, Jane. She roars, AND eats picture books! The writing is perfectly paced to savor this sweet story, any time of year.
Resources/Activities: discuss what your child(ren) can see from their front door, where they might otherwise like to go to view nature; go on a hike or nature walk; make a list of wild animals that are natural to your areas.
For more Perfect Picture Book picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.
julie rowan-zoch 
Carrying guns and smoking pipes – things that make you say “a re-released classic” at once! Duvoisin makes great critter ears, don’t you think?
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Yep, would not sell today! And nice of you to notice the ears!
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I love this book and this book creator. The last spread you posted looks just like my yard some days! Thanks.
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Sweet! Lucky you!
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Mine too, but the bear seems to come alone. Add an opossum, bobcat, and a ton more birds & you have my yard! 🙂
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Wow!
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Thanks for sharing this classic; it’s new to me, too. Mr. Bobbin reminds me of my father. I’ll have to check this out!
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Aww!
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Love the illustrations and love, really love that the man was content to watch the animals and not shoot them. People watching can be so much fun. Love this selection. You never seem to miss, Julie.
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I prefer to watch people instead of shooting them too! Sorry – couldn’t resist!
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Fun book, thanks for sharing it Julie.
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Jane sounds a hoot. That last spread is so lovely I would like it on my wall.
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I’m glad the main character prefers to watch the wild animals. He sounds like my kind of person. I’ll have to see if my library has this book.
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What a classic! I love how it is somewhat of a period piece (with the hunting) but the man didn’t use his weapons to hunt, but to observe nature. Beautiful illustrations!
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Interesting that a picture book with pipe & guns has been re-issued, but so happy to see in the illustrations that Mr. Bobbin hunted friends, not hides.
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Beautiful story and I too love to watch people and animals although we only get to see cats, dogs and birds. Loved the theme and illustrations. Great choice Julie.
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