Barkus: Book 1 (Children's Books about Dogs, Picture Books for Dog Lovers) by Patricia MacLachlan

Barkus: Book 1 (Children's Books about Dogs, Picture Books for Dog Lovers) Reviews

• 
  Cam (Lana Belova)

  
  I remember outdoor nights and camping in beautiful surroundings when summer was arriving, a fun outlet for positive childish energy - spending a lot of time in nature by listening to bird songs and chasing the lizards, thus becoming familiar with new wonderful creatures and things existing in the world. I was really enjoying the backyard camping with siblings as well, because there’s an even greater sense of unity by sharing a mutual summer, when brainstorming on how to discover something new and such, and then a day ends up amazingly :)
  So, this was a wonderful, cosy book with warm illustrations that left me with a feeling I travelled to my childhood past, thanks to you,
  Darla :)
  Initially, when I read the introduction, I thought this: "So, Barkus is a real name after all, a very unusual one." And then I remembered, we do also have a similar name for dogs here where I live, that derives from the word bark, it's Laika, a name for a she-dog because it ends with a. Barkus really is a wonder of a dog, he serves as an inspiration to young kids, helping them to paint and read!
  
  Not sure what my most favourite chapter was, but I especially loved these moments:
  1. The episode that is depicted on a picture above.
  2. This one : loved how Baby came to have a name :)
  
  
  3. Nicky's father putting up a tent in the backyard :)
  
• 
  Kathryn

  I wasn't keen on this one. I also feel like I might be overly critical here. But, really, I expected more from Patricia MacLachlan, there is nothing special in the storytelling, this sort of story has been done much better elsewhere for this same age group (
  Henry and Mudge - The First Book comes immediately to mind or
  The Blue Hill Meadows). The illustrations are not my cup of tea, either.
  
  However, what really bugged me was what came across rather like a lack of responsible pet ownership. I'm not sure if this was meant to be the case, but it was my impression. The little girl gets her dog because her uncle shows up on their doorstep ready to dash off for some sort of work-travel thing and he can't take the dog with him so he gives it to her... I get that life happens and sometimes it is impossible to keep pets and maybe I misread here but the parents don't seem to have had a clue they would be taking on a dog. It is made out to be really nice and fun that the girl just surprise! gets a dog and, of course, it is better than the poor dog being left at a shelter, but I felt like it was not a very good situation to plunge the girl's family into this position where they had to suddenly care for a dog, nor was it the best situation for the dog when its new people were so unprepared. Later, Barkus gets out and follows the little girl to school where he just happens to be allowed to sit in school all day and become the class pet--so unrealistic! Finally, Barkus brings home a kitten one day... it's sweet how the family takes care of it but it turns out a lady in the neighborhood had lost the kitten and was happy that it had found a good home as she still needed to find homes for four other kittens. I do feel like this is supposed to be a celebration of pets and certainly conveys the joy that pets can bring to our lives -- but I just didn't feel that enough responsibility was shown by the human "owners" and that unfortunately feeds into children's notions that getting a pet can just be super spontaneous and easy and, while certainly that can be the case sometimes, it often doesn't work out well when the humans are unprepared for the responsibilities involved (not just time and effort but also financial). So, those concerns, along with the lackluster storytelling, makes it hard for me to award more than two stars here. Do note I am in the minority for not enjoying this, though; many of you may love it.
• 
  Melki

  The arrival of Barkus brings many wonderful changes to one little girl's household.
  
  A good one for both kids, and dog lovers who may see a little of their own pooch in big ole Barkus.
• 
  La Coccinelle

  Barkus kind of missed the mark for me. I get that it's supposed to be easy to read, but this sort of thing has been done way better by other authors (I kept thinking of the Bink & Gollie series as I was reading this). Barkus seems way too simple in comparison, and almost condescending in the overly simple storyline and word choices.
  
  The illustrations are cute and colourful, but not that special. Overall, this seems like a forgettable sort of book, and I'm not sure who it will appeal to. If a child has graduated from picture books and is looking for something a little more sophisticated, they won't find it here; in fact, this seemed to be aimed at a younger audience than many picture books I've read.
• 
  Heidi

  In this delightful ode to the relationship between a girl and her dog, the author has created a wonderful book for sharing with a group or reading one-on-one. The five short stories in the book highlight the fun that Nicky and Barkus have together. The first story introduces Nicky and Barkus to each other. Story two introduces Barkus to Nicky's class at school. Story three revolves around Barkus's birthday. Story four sees Barkus adopt a kitten and story five has Nicky and Barkus enjoying their first outdoor campout. The bright illustrations are very eye-catching and appealing.
• 
  Stephanie Tournas

  An early chapter book with relatable, diverse characters and an adorable dog. Nicky's uncle gives her a dog named Barkus. In short chapters, Barkus's adventures with Nicky unfold: Barkus follows Nicky to school and becomes the class pet; Barkus has a party; he finds a pet of his own; and while camping in the back yard Nicky tells Barkus the story of his life. Easy text with familiar school and family themes and fun colorful cartoons make this an appealing read for kids new to chapters.
• 
  Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy)

  Odd size for a early reader and also a bit more for 2nd grade readers.
• 
  VillaPark Public Library

  When her Uncle Everton asks her to care for his dog while he is on vacation, Nicky finds herself the new owner of a lively dog named Barkus. Barkus is a particularly communicative dog who readily lets others know his wishes. All who interact with Barkus, including Nicky’s parents and teacher, find him to be a very charming and dynamic dog, and he soon becomes a welcome addition to Nicky’s family and classroom. The relationship with Nicky and Barkus matures as Nicky becomes particularly attuned to Barkus’s moods and wishes. The story takes a new twist when Barkus, after looking noticeably bored one day, surprises everyone by bringing home a kitten. The reader will enjoy watching the special relationship grow between Barkus and the kitten, which he names Baby.
  
  This early chapter book offers the emergent reader a heartwarming story about how an engaging and companionable dog creates special relationships and becomes a valued and distinct member of a family.
  
  Check this book out at the Villa Park Public Library!:
  
  https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/client/en_US/vpd/search/detailnonmodal/ent:$002f$002fSD_ILS$002f0$002fSD_ILS:1615910/ada?qu=barkus&lm=VPD
• 
  Faith Tydings

  I like this as an early reader but I'm not convinced that an early reader would pick this up based on the front cover - it seems a little young. The art is cute and the story is cute but may work better as a read-along with a parent for younger kids.
• 
  Nay Keppler

  I triple-dog-dare you to read this book about a girl and her pup (and a surprise kitten!) without smiling all the way through!
• 
  Conley

  "Barkus is a very nice dog. In the story he was a great pet so we should get one like Barkus." -Conley, age 6
• 
  Cadee

  "Uncle Everton brought Nicky a dog. She loves the dog, I was someone to give me a dog!" - Cadee, age 9
• 
  Brindi Michele

  read books 1-3, only book one was audio.
• 
  Mehsi

  Five delightful short stories about a little girl and her dog Barkus. I loved it!
  
  
  So I also wrote a review in Dutch, but thought I would also add the review, in English, to my blog here! This book was just too cute and I need to share it with all the people! So they know about Barkus (or wonderfully translated Woefus in Dutch).
  
  I saw this book at Library #1 and knew I had to take it home. I am really in the mood for books about dogs (one day I will have one) and I love cute books about friendships between dogs and humans.
  
  Meet Nicky, a sweet girl who is very excited to get a dog… and she sees her wish come true when her Uncle has to leave for travel and his dog cannot come with him. I had such a big bellylaugh at how he tried to pitch/sell his dog to him family. Like, OMG, look all the things he can! He can sit! He can roll! He is totally not a bother and you will love him!
  
  And after that story we get 4 more stories that had me laughing, awwing, and totally enjoying it. Barkus and Nicky are just cutest together and I love how fast they bonded and became friends! These two have tons of fun days! There is a birthday (and what does Barkus really want?), he follows her to school and enjoys a day there (and I had a laugh at the little girl in Nicky’s class who was hiding behind her chair while also having an expression of wanting to hug Barkus), and there is a new friend (a very cute one).
  
  The illustrations by Marc Boutavant were terrific, he has a really nice style of drawing that fits very well with the text. He makes it even more fun! I loved his use of colours.
  
  All in all, I need more Barkus books! I loved this so much and I just don’t have enough with one book! Recommended.
  
  Review first posted at
  https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
• 
  Barbara Ann

  This early chapter book chronicles how Barkus became an integral part of Nicky's family. Uncle Everton shows up at her dog with his dog named Barkus who is well-trained and intelligent. Nicky's uncle will be traveling and can't take Barkus with him. Barkus follows Nicky to school where he is immediately adopted as the class dog. When Barkus' birthday rolls around, he invites the neighborhood dogs to crash his birthday party. One day Barkus is bored so he adopts a neighborhood kitten to become a part of his family. Nicky, Barkus and his kitten have a tent camp out in their backyard. Each of them comforts each other; no one is afraid of the dark.
  
  Large font accompanied by simple illustrations and lots of dialogue assist young readers in maintaining interest. By using four different stories and reweaving them at the end, children learn how to recap and summarize events. Family and pets are two themes that appeal to young readers. Highly recommended especially for children in the six to eight-year-old range.
  
  
• 
  Teresa Bateman

  I received an ARC of this book, which will come out in June of 2017 and promises to be the first of a series. Nicky's uncle has given her an unusual present--a very large dog named Barkus. This changes everything. Four short chapters have warm and loving adventures to tell as Barkus settles into his new life, and Nicky finds the joys of pet ownership, like doggy parties. When Barkus adopts a kitten everything now seems complete. This simple yet heart-warming book will be a hit with dog-lovers who are just learning to enjoy chapter books.
• 
  Kate

  An early chapter book for beginning readers which would also make for a good read aloud for preschoolers and kindergartners. The story has warmth and humor, and it's hard not to fall for Barkus and his owner. It's an engaging book. Heavily illustrated but with plenty of text so as not to look too young. Colorful but still with plenty of white space to discern the words on the page without difficulty. The front cover shows Barkus wearing his dog tag which says "Book 1" and I think kids will be happy to know that.
  
  Lastly, love the dedication to the real Barkus, the author's neighbor dog.
• 
  Ames Public Library Youth Services

  Uncle Everton is going away to travel the world and needs someone to take care of his dog, Barkus. When Nicky is given the chance to take care of the "smartest dog in the world," she is thrilled to take it! She and Barkus develop a friendship in which Nicky lovingly takes care of Barkus and any of his friends.
  
  This is a sweet early chapter book for beginning readers. The modern, colorful illustrations by Marc Boutavant reflect the story's cheerful sensibility and MacLachlan's text will appeal to the youngest of dog lovers. JP
• 
  Barbara

  Barkus by Patricia MacLachlan is the first book in a series for new readers. This early chapter book will delight dog lovers with it's colorful illustrations and an endearing pooch named Barkus. When Barkus comes to live with Nicky and her family life just gets a little more exciting each day. Barkus is sneaky, loving, frolicky, curious and an all around great new member of the family. It will be fun to see what high jinks he gets up to in the next book. For ages 5 - 8.
• 
  Evan Childress

  Oh, Barkus! I can't wait to read more of these because they are the perfect early chapter book for readers not quite ready for the real deal. I will definitely be recommending this to my patrons! The illustrations are adorable, and it doesn't hurt that the main character is a redhead and there's a kitten named Baby.
  Totally naming my next dog Barkus.
• 
  Chris Hays

  This is a great book which can help students transition into the chapter books which might be otherwise too challenging. Though is longer than the typical beginning reader, the text is not significantly harder or more challenging to read. This is great for those students who are just starting to read.
• 
  Angela

  Uncle Everton brings Nicky a suprise, a new dog named Barkus! Nicky and Barkus go on several adventures as he joins this new family.
  
  This is a short chapter book that could be read as separate stories to young children. Barkus is a fun book with a lot of action. I loved the retro illustrations!
• 
  Donna Mork

  A wordy story, several chapters. Uncle brings the girl a dog. His name is Barkus. He's very smart and goes to school with her. He becomes the class pet. Then he has a birthday party with all his dog friends. Then he finds a kitten to adopt. They end up camping out together in the back yard and aren't afraid of the dark.
• 
  Stephanie Bange

  This is the start of a wonderful book series to use as a beginning chapter book. With the simple text of a beginning reader and organized into five short "chapters", this is a delightful story of how Nicky was matched with her dog, Barkus. Mark Boutavant's digital artwork is fun, lively and contemporary.
  
  A sure-fire winner for emergent readers! For Pre to 3rd grades.
• 
  Diana

  Barkus is a cute, accessible early chapter book about a kid and their dog, a classic pair of best friends. The book is notable in that it's main human character is gender neutral. No pronouns are used to describe them and a gender neutral name is used. This, along with the well-paired illustrations, makes the book a mirror for any young, exuberant reader.
• 
  Tina Hoggatt

  Is this a picture book or an early reader? Both, I think. Episodic tale of how Barkus, a big, brown dog came to stay, got to school, adopt a kitten, and make life better all around. The book closes with a meta ode to goodnight stories. how I love the illustrations by Marc Boutevant. As much as I love the text by Patricia McClachlan.
• 
  Stephanie Sheaffer

  "First" chapter books are hard to find, which is why I am ranking this book with four stars.
  
  BARKUS - which can be enjoyed by PreK through grade 3 or 4 - has five short chapters with colorful illustrations on most pages. The predictable storyline follows a young girl named Nicky and her every day adventures with her dog, Barkus.
• 
  Brittany

  -Such a cute story about a little girl that gets a dog from her uncle. Of course, she and the dog become best friends and they do everything together. Then one day, the dog brings home a baby cat. Now they are all besties. Cute story for the animal-loving child.