04/17/2017
Forget about every dog having its day: floppy-eared Barkus owns the entire calendar in this upbeat collection of five stories that bridges picture book and chapter book terrain. Barkus is the “smartest dog in the whole world,” according to globetrotting Uncle Everton, who gives Barkus to his niece Nicky. “Does he bark?” asks Nicky’s father. “Only when he wants to,” replies Uncle Everton. But smarts alone don’t explain Barkus’s charisma. He follows Nicky to school and, instead of getting the boot, becomes the class dog (“Maybe he will help us all learn to read,” says the teacher, after Barkus barks approvingly at the word “dog”). After Barkus decides he doesn’t want a “quiet little party” for his birthday, the neighborhood dogs show up and raise the roof, and when Barkus finds a kitten, he gets to both keep and name it. Boutavant (Edmond, the Moonlit Party) contributes cheery, brightly colored cartooning with a 1960s-minimalist aesthetic, but what’s truly beguiling is MacLachlan’s (The Poet’s Dog) benevolent worldview, which suggests that anything’s possible if you are clever, reasonably well behaved, and fun to be around. Ages 6–9. Author’s agent: Rubin Pfeffer, Rubin Pfeffer Content. (June)
"My new obsession: BARKUS! A perfect beginning chapter book to help independent readers to build confidence—with fun short, interconnected stories detailing the ebullient adventures of a girl and her dog. Boutavant imbues Barkus with a distinct (and precisely canine) personality—a raised ear here, a blissful leap there—and matches the cheerful stories with bright, sunny colors. Guaranteed to leave readers with a smile and longing for Book 2! And possibly, probably wanting a Barkus of their own."—Hannah DeCamp, Avid Bookshop
"Will appeal to fans of the Henry and Mudge series as well as to the younger picture-book audience."-Kirkus Reviews
"The charm is infectious."—The New York Times
"Fans will be begging for more."-The Horn Book Magazine
"A top pick for chapter book collections."-School Library Journal, starred review
"My new obsession: BARKUS! A perfect beginning chapter book to help independent readers to build confidence—with fun short, interconnected stories detailing the ebullient adventures of a girl and her dog. Boutavant imbues Barkus with a distinct (and precisely canine) personality—a raised ear here, a blissful leap there—and matches the cheerful stories with bright, sunny colors. Guaranteed to leave readers with a smile and longing for Book 2! And possibly, probably wanting a Barkus of their own."—Hannah DeCamp, Avid Bookshop
"Fans will be begging for more."-The Horn Book Magazine
"Will delight, in particular, child readers who are fond of animals."—Julie Danielson, Kirkus Reviews
"Stories that will make everyone want a dog like Barkus."—Imagination Soup
"A top pick for chapter book collections."-School Library Journal, starred review
"Will delight, in particular, child readers who are fond of animals."—Julie Danielson, Kirkus Reviews
"An upbeat collection of five stories that bridges picture book and chapter book terrain."- Publishers Weekly
"Will appeal to fans of the Henry and Mudge series as well as to the younger picture-book audience."-Kirkus Reviews
"Stories that will make everyone want a dog like Barkus."—Imagination Soup
"An upbeat collection of five stories that bridges picture book and chapter book terrain."- Publishers Weekly
"The charm is infectious."—The New York Times
★ 02/01/2017
Gr 1–3—MacLachlan has taken her love of animal stories and created an engaging early chapter book for young readers. This is the tale of a family caring for Barkus, a big brown dog given to them by a favorite uncle. Each chapter finds Barkus and Nicky, his young owner, embarking on silly adventures, from a raucous dog birthday party to an overnight campout. Kids will immediately take to Barkus, an affectionate, gentle family pet with a distinct personality, while the bright, animated illustrations bring the characters to life. The narrative is ideal for emergent readers wanting the challenge of a first chapter book, as well as reluctant older readers looking for a fun selection as they strengthen their skills. MacLachlan has published numerous books with animal characters of late, and this is a refreshing take on the beloved family pet tale. Librarians will appreciate a strong chapter book option for early readers, who too often have to settle for half-hearted storytelling in exchange for skill practice. Further adventures are promised with a second title due in 2018. VERDICT Charming characters and enjoyable storytelling will hold the attention of kids as they build their reading skills. A top pick for chapter book collections.—Casey O'Leary, Mooresville Public Library, IN
2017-03-06
A child grows to love a new canine companion in this initial offering in a new series of early chapter books by Newbery Medalist MacLachlan.Protagonist Nicky narrates the story, which is divided into five brief chapters with short sentences set in large type. Nicky's new pet, Barkus, is a large, brown dog who seems friendly, smart, and well-behaved. In short, episodic chapters, Barkus joins Nicky at school, celebrates his birthday with some canine pals, and finds a pet kitten as his special companion. In the final chapter, Nicky, Barkus, and the kitten spend the night in a backyard tent, with Nicky conquering a longstanding fear of the dark. Nicky tells the dog and kitten a bedtime story, which effectively summarizes the entire book in an amusing way. Nicky and Nicky's parents are white, the teacher has tan skin, and Nicky's classmates are a multiethnic group. Cheery illustrations with a perky, 1960s vibe feature polka-dot patterns on the cover and endpapers and depict characters with buggy, cartoon-style eyes. Illustrations on almost every page include a variety of format sizes from small vignettes to full pages, alternating between white and brightly colored backgrounds. Nicky, Barkus, and Baby the kitten will appeal to fans of the Henry and Mudge series as well as to the younger picture-book audience. (Early reader. 4-7)
