Barkis

Excited at the prospect of turning nine, James enjoys everything about his birthday, from the gifts he is given to the cake his mother bakes for him. But the highlight of the day comes when his Uncle Jimmy arrives with a cocker spaniel puppy named Barkis. Immediately won over by this soft-furred little being, with his pleading eyes and eager tail, James resists the idea of sharing the puppy with his sister Nell Jean. After all, she has never shared her striped kitten Edward with him! But when Barkis wanders off and a crisis ensues, James and Nell Jean both learn an important lesson about sharing, and about the love animals bring to our lives.

Originally published in 1938, and chosen as a Caldecott Honor Book in 1939 - Clare Turlay show more Newberry would go on to win three additional Caldecott Honors, for Marshmallow, April's Kittens and T Bone, The Baby Sitter - this lovely book spins an engaging tale, but it is the artwork (appropriately enough) that is the true star. Soft charcoal drawings - full page illustrations are paired with pages of text - capture the winsome appeal of both Barkis and Edward. I particularly liked the scene in which Edward is grooming Barkis - so adorable! - and the scene in which he is grooming himself. Some of the content here felt a little dated - the way the family interacts, some of the language used (Barkis is a "swell" puppy) - but not so much that it detracts from the appeal of story and art. Recommended to young animal lovers, as well as to children who are having a little difficulty sharing, or who are experiencing some sibling rivalry. show less

Most modern children will think it's too young for them (if they're 'just turned 9) or too long (if they're getting picturebooks read to them). But I would have loved it when I was little. Nothing much happens, but a little slice of life is captured perfectly, and the sentimental drawings are adorable.

I'm not sure that my kids need the suggestion of a pet for a birthday present. In any event this early Caldecott honoree mostly shows how far picture books have come both in illustration and narrative from the 1930's. Pictures are reminiscent of a figure drawing manual and the story is a little disconcerting.

This book would melt your heart. It's about a little boy getting a puppy for his birthday. However the puppy gets loose and ends up getting really wet from the rain. James the little boy let him out and he got wet from the rain. His sister saves the little dog and the boy is thankful to his sister. This is a story that would be read to the class. I would use it to teach in Springtime to emphasize that animals get wet and cold like people and that we should take special care of animals. This book would be best for 2nd and 3rd graders.

Summary: On James' ninth birthday his uncle gives him a cocker spaniel puppy named Barkis. James does not want to share his new puppy with his older sister, Nell Jean, as she has never shared her kitten with him. James and Nell Jean argue about the puppy and Nell Jean decides she wants nothing to do with either James or Barkis. The next day Barkis escapes the house and Nell Jean notices, but does nothing to stop him. Barkis falls into cold water and Nell Jean rescues him. While James, Nell Jean and their mother try to get Barkis warm, Nell Jean struggles with her guilt. That night James offers to share Barkis with Nell Jean, and she confesses that she did not try to stop the puppy from leaving the house. James still offers to share his show more puppy, and Nell Jean offers to share her kitten.

Personal Reaction: I thought this story was great for teaching children to share and care for animals. James and Nell Jean fought over Barkis like a toy until they realized he might get very sick. They were able to forgive each other and compromise about the ownership of the pets.

Classroom Extension Ideas:
1. The students could create artwork of puppies or kittens they like.
2. Get the students involved in a community outreach project, to collect items for dogs and cats at the local animal shelter. show less

Primary/Intermediate
This is a good example of realistic fiction because a story about a brother and sister fighting over a new puppy is timeless. It is something that is easy for a lot of people to relate to. The characters are very realistic.
Media: watercolor