Barkus

Barkus
Patricia MacLachlan
Marc Boutavant, Illustrator
Chronicle, 2017 45 pages
Grades 2-3
Animal

Five chapters trace the adventures of lovable dog, Barkus, and Nicky, his cheerful owner. Nicky's favorite uncle bows in one day with a present: A big dog with good manners, brains and disposition. The two new friends go to school together, where Barkus helps the children learn to read, celebrate a special birthday, acquire a new friend, and enjoy a sleepover in a tent in the backyard. The second in the series, Barkus: Dog Dreams, was released this summer and continues the fun with this dynamic duo and their friends and family.

Newly independent readers will flock to Barkus, a new series by Newbery winning author MacLachlan. It is hard to say whether this is an easy reading series or early chapter book. With a guided reading level of "L" it could really go either way. I put it in fiction for newly independent readers who insist on reading chapter books, but may not be ready for The Magic Tree House. Perfect for fans of Mercy Watson, this series features full color pictures on every page, large text, and a controlled vocabulary.  Each chapter is a separate adventure with a simple storyline. Barkus is truly a dream dog and is a little too perfect to be real, but that just adds to his charm and readers will fall in puppy love. Nicky is rather androgynous, welcoming both boy and girl readers. These books are so short and packaged so appealingly that they will be an easy sell to even the most stubborn of emerging readers. Sure to be a fan favorite!