Bobby & Morph
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Bobby & Morph are fictional anthropomorphic dogs created by English author R. E. Fisher and are illustrated by the Bedfordshire-based artist Bryony James. Both characters are based on two rescue dogs that Fisher grew up with.
The first collection of stories about the characters was self-published with the help of 2QT Publishing[1] (2019), with first editions being made only available as a hardback[2]. The collection consist of separate stories that each focus on a different moral where kind actions are highlighted. Themes explored include being polite, being comfortable in your own skin and sharing. Fisher also includes various poems within the writings. All 10 stories were illustrated by Bryony James and are set against the backdrop of a fictitious woodland, which was inspired by Cranham Brickfields in Upminster, Essex —situated around half a mile (1.1 km) from where the Fisher's family home was located.
History[edit]
Origin[edit]
Fisher based the main characters after rescue animals that he grew up with as a child. Bobby was a mongrel rescued from the streets of Hull and Morph was a Saffordshire Bull Terrier. Both dogs were adopted by Fisher's mother.
The original stories were drafted by Fisher on the train whilst commuting in London after struggling to choose a book for a friend's son's fifth birthday. Fisher spoke with friends and family before deciding to write a series of individual stories that would reflect the basic standards and morals that his mother taught him.
When I set out to write the stories, they really were just a way to beat the boredom of a job I really didn't like at the time. Yet as they developed, I ended up wanting to create something that helped encourage the values that my mum - and all parents I should imagine - would want to instill within their children. I was lucky enough to be read to as a child and wanted to create the warm, fuzzy feeling that comes with that.
The rest of Fisher's characters – that include Button, Sonny and Bertie – were also family rescue dogs he grew up with and were incorporated into stories.
The setting for the stories[edit]
The Bobby & Morph stories are set in a small fictitious town within a rural setting. The gentle pace of the stories help paint a picture of gentle, village life that is stereotypically found in many countryside locations around England. Many locations and characters in the stories can be associated with real places near to where Fisher grew up. For example, the fictional "Blueberry Woods" was in reality Cranham Brickfields and Mrs. Roseberry was a name inspired by the road Fisher grew up in.
First publications[edit]
Bobby & Morph first made their character débuts in 2019, with R. E. Fisher visiting local schools and conducting live readings. The characters then appeared in the December issue of local newspaper The Bulletin, in a Christmas story commissioned and published by local councillors.
Appearance[edit]
The original drawing of Bobby & Morph done by Bryony James was a modern and "clean-lined" black and white version, produced after a written brief from Fisher. It was only when Fisher showcased pictures and videos of the 'real' characters - along with first draft versions of the stories - that the images began to take shape. Described as "the answer to my illustrative prayers", Fisher said James sent a drawing of Bobby & Morph sitting and looking directly at you that Fisher "was as if they could be your best friends".
Characters[edit]
In the stories, Morph comes across as slightly naive and slow-witted, whilst Bobby is a little more street-wise and intelligent. Both are friendly, thoughtful, social and inquisitive. Morph can be blissfully and innocently unaware of his surroundings, struggling to understand why or how there are times when others don't treat each other nicely. In one of the stories "Bobby & Morph Find Their Happy Place and Meet Sonny" Morph is told to go away due to the way he looks.
Bobby is usually credited for solving issues through common sense. These ideas include convincing the Mayor that his scarf contained magic so that he was more polite to people, and getting Button to appreciate the importance of bedtime by keeping her up.
The duo are also a talented poets and the stories are frequently punctuated by poetry that reflect, compliment or explain the situation they are in.
Both Bobby & Morph are very fond of food, particularly tea and biscuits such as bourbon biscuits.
Sequels and adaptations[edit]
The stories are rumoured to have had a treatment applied to them for an animated series.
Fisher has expressed his desire to write further stories that would help tackle more sensitive subjects and explain key events of the 20th century.
Charity work[edit]
Underdog International[edit]
R. E. Fisher has declared that a percentage of profits from all book sales would go towards fundraising efforts for Underdog International, a UK based charity that enable children to benefit from animal-assisted therapy and help dogs find loving families.[3]
References[edit]
- ↑ "R E Fisher". www.2qt.co.uk. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
- ↑ "Bobby & Morph | Children's stories". Retrieved 2023-10-31.
- ↑ "Our Vision". Underdog International. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
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