Tribune tale inspires book on busker and Bob

The story of a Big Issue selling busker and his friendship with Bob the cat is being published as a book next month after their story was spotted in the Islington Tribune.

Publisher Hodder & Stoughton say the book, A Streetcat Named Bob, came about after literary agent Mary Pacnos read an article in the Tribune about busker James Bowen and Bob who have become a local landmark outside The Angel tube station in London.

Bowen found stray Bob limping after apparently being attack­ed by another animal, possibly a fox, and nursed him back to health.

They are now inseparable and travel on buses and the Tube and walk everywhere together.

Emma Knight, publicity director of Hodder & Stoughton, emailed the Tribune to say: “I wanted to let you know we are publishing in March the heart-warming story of James Bowen and his ginger cat Bob. I’m not sure if you are aware but the book agent, Mary Pacnos, first read about their incredible story from your piece in the Tribune.”

Pic: Islington Tribune