Bob the street cat is an internationally known sensation. He befriended a street musician named James Bowen and taught the man how to live a better life. Bowen wrote about that and gave us all insight into Bob’s wisdom and compassion. Their adventures together have spanned many years and many books, which continue to help us all live more connected, better lives.

For those who haven’t yet gotten to experience Bob through his books, or for those who have and want to share the wonder of Bob in an easy-to-read book of short stories and encouraging philosophy, here is The Little Book of Bob, a short gift book filled with all the life-affirming lessons of this amazing cat.

There is a chapter that celebrates all the best parts of friendship, from having someone to share your good fortune with to finding someone you can be yourself with. Bob teaches us what we need to be happy—to be noticed, to have both boundaries and space, to have a routine, and to have something to believe in, to name just a few.

The lessons Bob teaches through his everyday actions remind us to believe in ourselves, open our eyes and see the wonder around us, take chances, be grateful, pick your battles, and enjoy the journey. And when life gets tough, Bob reminds us not to be ruled by fear, not to judge a book by its cover, expect nothing, and stand your ground.

He also reminds us how important it is to be good to ourselves, to live at our own speed, savor meals, stretch it out, say thank you, let love in, and have fun. Each day with Bob is a new lesson in love, acceptance, joy, peace, relationships, and thankfulness. Bob may be a small cat who once had to scramble for each meal, but the lessons he can teach us are universal, heart-warming, and potentially life-changing.

The Little Book of Bob is a reminder of everything that is best about life, from the moments we share to the quietude of being alone. Bob may be a cat, but he knows how to live a better life than a lot of humans, and if we slow down and listen to what he has to say, he could make our lives richer too.

Galleys for The Little Book of Bob were provided by St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley, with many thanks.