Barkus (Barkus Series #1)

by Patricia MacLachlan, Marc Boutavant (Illustrator)

Overview

Newbery Medal-Winning Author: “A refreshing take on the beloved family pet tale . . . A strong chapter book option for early readers [with] charming characters.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
 
Meet Barkus. Barkus is loyal. Barkus is generous. Barkus is family.
 
The exuberant dog named Barkus and his lucky young owner whirl and twirl across the pages of this first book in the delightful series from award-winning author Patricia MacLachlan. The accessible text is ideal for even the newest independent reader, while the warm, humorous story and energetic illustrations will appeal to picture book readers as well.
 
Praise for the Barkus series
 
“The charm is infectious.” —The New York Times
 
“Will appeal to fans of the Henry and Mudge series as well as to the younger picture-book audience.” —Kirkus Reviews
 
“Fans will be begging for more.”—The Horn Book

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781452143460
Publisher:	Chronicle Books
Publication date:	03/22/2023
Series:	Barkus Series , #1
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	51
File size:	7 MB
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

About the Author

Patricia MacLachlan is the celebrated author of many timeless books for young readers, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal. She lives with her husband and two border terriers in Williamsburg, Massachusetts.

Editorial Reviews

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)

Publishers Weekly

"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

From the Publisher