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Barking Mad
Sit, stay, and prepare to laugh your tail off!Dive into the wacky world of Fingers and his family in this side-splitting middle-grade adventure that will have you howling with laughter!
When Finn’s beloved Granddad starts acting more dog than human, things get seriously weird. Licking the postman? Growling at strangers? Chasing security guards up trees? Something’s definitely not right!
But that’s just the beginning of this tail-wagging tale. When Fingers and his sister Sally stumble upon a strange contraption in Granddad’s workshop, they unleash a whirlwind of mix-ups and mayhem. Suddenly, Granddad’s not the only one acting strange – even the family dog, DaVinci, seems a little too... human.
With time running out and sanity slipping away, can Fingers and Sally untangle this mess before everyone ends up in the doghouse?
Why Readers Love Barking Mad:
• Engaging A unique and funny tale that captures the imagination.
• Relatable Kids and families will love the dynamic between Fingers, Sally, and their quirky Granddad.
• Perfect for Reluctant Short chapters and fun illustrations make it an ideal read for boys and girls who are hesitant to pick up a book.
Awards and
• Winner of two NZ book awards
• Over 15,000 copies sold
Packed with laugh-out-loud moments, crazy escapades, and a heartwarming message about family bonds, this book is sure to become a favourite for readers aged 8-12 (and dog lovers of all ages)!
Don’t miss out on this woof-tastic adventure – grab your copy today and join the fun!P.S. No postmen were harmed in the making of this book (though they may have been chased and licked).
More by this
Dive into the imaginative world of Tom E. Moffatt, an award-winning author of funny children’s books that blend humour, Sci-Fi, and adventure. His middle-grade fiction, including the popular Barking Mad series, is filled with action-packed plots, sibling rivalry, and mind-swapping escapades that both boys and girls will love. These family-friendly stories are perfect for reluctant readers, offering wholesome fun and engaging themes that will keep kids turning the pages from start to finish. If you like the humorous fiction of authors like David Walliams, Andy Griffiths and Roald Dahl, you will LOVE Tom E. Moffatt’s exciting page-turners.
When Finn’s beloved Granddad starts acting more dog than human, things get seriously weird. Licking the postman? Growling at strangers? Chasing security guards up trees? Something’s definitely not right!
But that’s just the beginning of this tail-wagging tale. When Fingers and his sister Sally stumble upon a strange contraption in Granddad’s workshop, they unleash a whirlwind of mix-ups and mayhem. Suddenly, Granddad’s not the only one acting strange – even the family dog, DaVinci, seems a little too... human.
With time running out and sanity slipping away, can Fingers and Sally untangle this mess before everyone ends up in the doghouse?
Why Readers Love Barking Mad:
• Engaging A unique and funny tale that captures the imagination.
• Relatable Kids and families will love the dynamic between Fingers, Sally, and their quirky Granddad.
• Perfect for Reluctant Short chapters and fun illustrations make it an ideal read for boys and girls who are hesitant to pick up a book.
Awards and
• Winner of two NZ book awards
• Over 15,000 copies sold
Packed with laugh-out-loud moments, crazy escapades, and a heartwarming message about family bonds, this book is sure to become a favourite for readers aged 8-12 (and dog lovers of all ages)!
Don’t miss out on this woof-tastic adventure – grab your copy today and join the fun!P.S. No postmen were harmed in the making of this book (though they may have been chased and licked).
More by this
Dive into the imaginative world of Tom E. Moffatt, an award-winning author of funny children’s books that blend humour, Sci-Fi, and adventure. His middle-grade fiction, including the popular Barking Mad series, is filled with action-packed plots, sibling rivalry, and mind-swapping escapades that both boys and girls will love. These family-friendly stories are perfect for reluctant readers, offering wholesome fun and engaging themes that will keep kids turning the pages from start to finish. If you like the humorous fiction of authors like David Walliams, Andy Griffiths and Roald Dahl, you will LOVE Tom E. Moffatt’s exciting page-turners.
- GenresAnimals
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2024
About the author
Tom E. Moffatt
19 books19 followersTom E. Moffatt writes humorous stories and jokes for kids, but if you spotted him walking around town you wouldn’t know it. To the untrained eye, he looks like a normal 40-something father of three young girls. You know … with a glittery school bag slung over his shoulder and nail polish on his fingers.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 19, 2024
An entertaining tale
“Barking Mad” is an entertaining children's book. It's the first book in an adventure series penned by Tom E. Moffatt.
The story revolves around a close-knit family with their lovely dog who enjoy being together and behaving in an eccentric way; it’s a happy family, full of beans. Together, they embark on different adventures that teach them about life, friendship, fun and love.
It’s a captivating and tender tale with great drawings that children will love. Along these pages, the characters show readers the importance of the unity of the family. If there is no unity, everything crumbles down. I highly recommend this book for parents and teachers. It's great.
“Barking Mad” is an entertaining children's book. It's the first book in an adventure series penned by Tom E. Moffatt.
The story revolves around a close-knit family with their lovely dog who enjoy being together and behaving in an eccentric way; it’s a happy family, full of beans. Together, they embark on different adventures that teach them about life, friendship, fun and love.
It’s a captivating and tender tale with great drawings that children will love. Along these pages, the characters show readers the importance of the unity of the family. If there is no unity, everything crumbles down. I highly recommend this book for parents and teachers. It's great.
September 18, 2024
I loved it! It was amazing. It was so beautiful. I was hooked from the beginning. I was hanging onto every word.
September 14, 2024
This book is a hilarious, family-friendly, cozy mystery. Grandpa is a Tim Allen type inventor. In other words, his inventions usually always backfire. His grandchildren accidentally cause his latest invention to operate, switching their bodies like in Disney Freaky Friday. I laughed all the way thru this novel.
It's a good book for my grandsons to read.
Thank you, Tom E. Moffatt
It's a good book for my grandsons to read.
Thank you, Tom E. Moffatt
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2017
My 8 year old son really really enjoyed this book. Thanks Tom E Moffatt for creating such an interesting story line
November 27, 2017
A hilarious tale of body-swapping that even the most reluctant of readers will love. Loads of page-turning fun.
May 1, 2017
Grandad is barking mad! Literally! He has licked the postman and is running around on his knees barking like a dog!
Finn (nicknamed Fingers because he is always dropping things) thinks Grandad is the coolest person he knows. Why does he think he is a dog? Finn and his older sister Sally soon discover what's happened. One of Grandad's inventions is the cause and all they have to do is find out how to use it and get it to Grandad in hospital.
But he's been acting like a dog there too, and the hospital staff can't cope. Grandad is going to be transferred to a higher security hospital for disturbed patients - which means Finn and Sally will never be able to break him out. They have to solve the problem, and fast!
A muddle of mix-ups and mind-swaps follow as they deal with a growling grandpa, a zealous hospital security guard and Finn's butter fingers. Just when you think everything is going to be okay, another mix-up muddles things.
Winner of the 2015 NZ Tom Fitzgibbon Award, this is a family funny, fantastic read. Make sure you keep track of the mind-swaps or you'll be muddled indeed.
Finn (nicknamed Fingers because he is always dropping things) thinks Grandad is the coolest person he knows. Why does he think he is a dog? Finn and his older sister Sally soon discover what's happened. One of Grandad's inventions is the cause and all they have to do is find out how to use it and get it to Grandad in hospital.
But he's been acting like a dog there too, and the hospital staff can't cope. Grandad is going to be transferred to a higher security hospital for disturbed patients - which means Finn and Sally will never be able to break him out. They have to solve the problem, and fast!
A muddle of mix-ups and mind-swaps follow as they deal with a growling grandpa, a zealous hospital security guard and Finn's butter fingers. Just when you think everything is going to be okay, another mix-up muddles things.
Winner of the 2015 NZ Tom Fitzgibbon Award, this is a family funny, fantastic read. Make sure you keep track of the mind-swaps or you'll be muddled indeed.
September 13, 2016
This is the winner of Storylines' 2015 Tom Fitzgibbon Award for a junior novel by a previously unpublished New Zealand author. Writing humorous stories for young children isn't easy, and I'm so glad to see another writer entering the New Zealand market for this difficult genre. It begins with Finn’s grandfather apparently going crazy. He keeps on barking and he even licked the postman. Finn’s family are distraught. But the clue lies in the fact that Granddad is a home inventor. He's invented a machine that swaps brains - and he's managed to swap brains with his dog! Readers of around 8 to 11, especially boys, will chuckle their way through this madcap story, aided by black pen cartoon illustrations by Paul Beavis. I gave a copy to my 8-year-old grandson: he instantly began reading and two minutes later was chuckling at the idea of a human behaving like a dog. Heartily recommended.
February 12, 2017
Barking Mad won the Tom Fitzgibbon Award for 2015. It is the first book published by author Tom Moffatt, but will surely not be his last. He has created realistic characters and authentic dialogue in a far-fetched tale of mind-swapping. With humour aplenty, this is a chapter book with a fast moving pace.
Sally and Finn’s parents explain to their children that their much-loved grandfather has gone mad and is about to be taken to a special hospital. The children are fearful – they know Grandad hates hospitals and don't want to believe he is mad.
“Something wasn't right at all! Grandad is definitely a bit wacky, but that's what makes him so great. He's like one of those crazy inventors you see in the movies, but he's not crazy crazy, if you know what I mean.”
When they discover the cause of this supposed madness, they know their parents will not believe them. It is up to them to sort things out and get Grandad home again. But everything they try seems to land them in ridiculous situations, and sometimes into trouble with the authorities.
Humorous black and white illustrations add to the craziness of the circumstances they get themselves into. Typical siblings, there is frequent friction, but for the sake of their grandfather Sally and Finn work through this.
Reviewed by Chris Wright (Bookrapt)
Sally and Finn’s parents explain to their children that their much-loved grandfather has gone mad and is about to be taken to a special hospital. The children are fearful – they know Grandad hates hospitals and don't want to believe he is mad.
“Something wasn't right at all! Grandad is definitely a bit wacky, but that's what makes him so great. He's like one of those crazy inventors you see in the movies, but he's not crazy crazy, if you know what I mean.”
When they discover the cause of this supposed madness, they know their parents will not believe them. It is up to them to sort things out and get Grandad home again. But everything they try seems to land them in ridiculous situations, and sometimes into trouble with the authorities.
Humorous black and white illustrations add to the craziness of the circumstances they get themselves into. Typical siblings, there is frequent friction, but for the sake of their grandfather Sally and Finn work through this.
Reviewed by Chris Wright (Bookrapt)
October 3, 2024
Doggone Funny!
Tom E. Moffatt's "Barking Mad" is a delightfully eccentric tale that will make young readers laugh out loud. This first chapter of the Barking Mad Adventures series follows siblings Fingers and Sally as they negotiate a wonderfully strange predicament when their grandfather exhibits canine behavior. Moffatt's writing shines with its combination of wit and compassion, resulting in a story that is both funny and moving. The brief chapters and Paul Beavis' vivid drawings make this book especially appealing to reluctant readers.
While the idea may appear farfetched, Moffatt bases the novel on relatable sibling dynamics and the universal experience of coping with eccentric family members. The author expertly mixes themes of family connections and problem-solving into the madcap story, delivering subtle life lessons amid the hilarity. "Barking Mad" is a fun read that will leave readers wanting more adventures in this wonderfully strange world. Highly recommended.
Tom E. Moffatt's "Barking Mad" is a delightfully eccentric tale that will make young readers laugh out loud. This first chapter of the Barking Mad Adventures series follows siblings Fingers and Sally as they negotiate a wonderfully strange predicament when their grandfather exhibits canine behavior. Moffatt's writing shines with its combination of wit and compassion, resulting in a story that is both funny and moving. The brief chapters and Paul Beavis' vivid drawings make this book especially appealing to reluctant readers.
While the idea may appear farfetched, Moffatt bases the novel on relatable sibling dynamics and the universal experience of coping with eccentric family members. The author expertly mixes themes of family connections and problem-solving into the madcap story, delivering subtle life lessons amid the hilarity. "Barking Mad" is a fun read that will leave readers wanting more adventures in this wonderfully strange world. Highly recommended.
September 17, 2024
Mofatt’s children’s intermediate book is a treat. It is engaging and fun. It presents a thrilling picture of a dog’s life and adventures. It paints a moving collective portrait of these animals almost all of us have in our houses, and it captures their unique features and pleasures.
Mofatt shows with great lucidity how a proper children’s book should be written. All the characters are entertaining, and they add a lot to the story.
A great resource used by the author was writing this tale using the first-person singular. In this way, the storyline feels close, as if we were part of it. This is a great book to give out as presents for our grandchildren or kids in our family. Loved it!
Mofatt shows with great lucidity how a proper children’s book should be written. All the characters are entertaining, and they add a lot to the story.
A great resource used by the author was writing this tale using the first-person singular. In this way, the storyline feels close, as if we were part of it. This is a great book to give out as presents for our grandchildren or kids in our family. Loved it!
Read
October 6, 2024Barking mad is a story about Finn 'Fingers' and his sister sally who have to race against time on a self-imposed secrete mission. It all begins when they find their grandfather barking like a dog and their dog behaving like a human. Could it be that grandpa and the dog swapped minds? Fingers and sally realize what is happening in the most awkward of ways. Now they must find a way to reverse the problem before grandad gets sent to the looney bin far far away.
This book will be enjoyed by kids 6-10 years.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book will be enjoyed by kids 6-10 years.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 8, 2024
A fun read
"Barking Mad" is such a fun read! The humor is just spot-on and made me laugh out loud. The story is wild and unpredictable, which kept me hooked from start to finish. I loved how quirky the characters are. It’s hilarious to see him act like a dog. I think the book captures the silliness of family life in a charming way. It’s perfect for kids, but even adults will get a kick out of it. The short chapters make it a fast and enjoyable read. This book is definitely a must-read if you love stories with a mix of humor and heart.
"Barking Mad" is such a fun read! The humor is just spot-on and made me laugh out loud. The story is wild and unpredictable, which kept me hooked from start to finish. I loved how quirky the characters are. It’s hilarious to see him act like a dog. I think the book captures the silliness of family life in a charming way. It’s perfect for kids, but even adults will get a kick out of it. The short chapters make it a fast and enjoyable read. This book is definitely a must-read if you love stories with a mix of humor and heart.
September 27, 2024
This book is pure fun! It’s filled with so much humor and craziness that I couldn’t stop laughing. The story has an outrageous premise and it’s exactly as silly as it sounds. It’s the perfect book for young readers who love a good adventure and lots of laughs.
The writing style is simple and fast-paced, making it perfect for kids who might not usually pick up a book. The chapters are short, so it’s easy to read “just one more.”
The writing style is simple and fast-paced, making it perfect for kids who might not usually pick up a book. The chapters are short, so it’s easy to read “just one more.”
January 4, 2025
As a librarian at a small Christian school, I am confident that this book would be a great fit for our library, offering students a fun and entertaining story. I continually search for new, age-appropriate books for children to read. This book would be a welcome addition. It would be so cool to have a signed copy of this one.
I was given an advanced copy of this book for free and I’m leaving my review voluntary
November 7, 2017
This is quite a zany book that my kids (ages 7 & 10) enjoyed reading together. There are lots of bizarre twists and turns that kept us on our toes, in addition to hilarity that really appealed to the kiddos!
FYI - I received this book through a giveaway.
FYI - I received this book through a giveaway.
October 6, 2019
A great, imaginative read enjoyed by myself and my 7 year old son. If you remember the Tom Hanks movie Big or Vice-Versa, it's like that but takes the idea and amps it up to eleven. Very funny. Highly recommended!
August 13, 2018
If you are a fan of the humour of Paul Jennings, Andy Griffiths and David Walliams then you will love the mind-swapping madness from this Kiwi author.
October 18, 2020
My 10 year old recommended it. Was pretty funny. Woof!
Want to Read
November 13, 2025idk
March 7, 2017
I read this with my daughter, and she REALLY enjoyed it. I did too! The plot had some real twists and turns (well, just imagine how wacky a mind-swapping book can get... and it really does!!) and my daughter and I had real funny trying to go over "right, so this person now has this other person's brain"... I found this really funny, really challenging, and really deeply zoned in on the world of the child characters. This isn't like any book I have ever read! It's got a touch of humour, a touch of sic-fi, a really insightful knowledge of what kids like and how they think... read it, share it, and pass it on!
February 12, 2017
A madcap tale of body-swapping. My boys thought this was hilarious.
June 25, 2023
Siblings are forced to team up when Grandpas latest mind swapping invention gets out of control. Committed to a secure hospital with Grandpa’s dog in his body, figuring out how to fix this mess will take plenty of sibling scheming and switching before it’s sorted.
September 18, 2024
You'd be Barking Mad to NOT read this. It's Grrrrrrrreat ... not that I'm biased!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews