Gaia swoops for account of Tony Putman's 'extraordinary' friendship with a robin

Gaia has swooped for Bob the Robin: A Love Letter to Britain’s Favourite Bird by gardener and wildlife photographer Tony Putman. Commissioning editor Jessica Lacey acquired world rights directly from the author for publication on 31st October 2024. 

Bob the Robin tells the story of how Putman came to befriend a robin, subsequently named Bob, and of Britain’s "unwavering affection for these magnificent creatures". Bob the Robin is billed as both "informative" and a "love letter" to these birds. 

Putman first saw Bob while he was working as a gardener in 2019. The author has since documented their "extraordinary" friendship online, sharing hundreds of photos of the titular robin. 

"Tony and Bob completely melted the heart of the nation during the national lockdown," said Lacey.  "Now even more people can discover the remarkable story of their friendship in this beautifully illustrated book. It’s a stunning celebration of robins and the perfect gift for Christmas."

Putman added: "We’re never really alone when we’re outside in nature. I hope Bob the Robin will help people take note of their surroundings and see more of the little lives going on around them. Bob was there for me in my ups and downs, and I was there for him too. Being in a bad place isn’t where you have to stay; bad times will pass as will good times. But if you want something enough, you’ll get there in the end. I hope this book will inspire people to take up their cameras. Photography is an amazing therapy and it could help so many people if used in the right way. Life is brutal, but also wonderful—and the life of the robin highlights this perfectly."