Lily loves Bob because of the time that she spent under its branches having picnics with her family and reading with her Grandpop Bob. Naming the tree Bob, Lily makes a clear connection between that place and her grandfather. Her grandfather was loving and accepted Lily for who she was, telling her that she was beautiful and perfect when she “twirl[ed] in Sarah’s old dress” (50). Lily’s relationship with the tree outside the library symbolizes the relationship she had with her Grandpop; one in which she could be herself and feel safe. 

When Lily decides to fight the city regarding Bob’s removal, the tree takes on another symbolic meaning as a silent victim who needs defending. Lily explains that she functions as the Lorax did, speaking for the trees, because trees are defenseless and “someone needs to be brave for them” (250). Lily knows how it feels to have someone trying to destroy her and feel helpless to their cruelty. Though Lily doesn’t believe she can stop her bullies, she believes she can help Bob. Perhaps part of her strength in later shrugging off Vasquez’s influence comes from her experiences standing up for Bob.