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The Dog Who Lost His Bark
A Parents Best Children’s Book of 2019
A warm, uplifting story about a boy, his dog, and the healing power of music marks a first-time collaboration between two former Irish Children’s Laureates, Eoin Colfer and P.J. Lynch.
Patrick has been desperate for a dog of his own for as long as he can remember, and this summer, with his father away, he longs for a canine friend more than ever. Meanwhile, in his short doggy life, Oz has suffered at the hands of bad people. Somewhere out there, he believes, is an awesome boy — his boy. And maybe, when they find each other, Oz will learn to bark again. Illustrated in light charcoal by two-time Kate Greenaway Medalist P.J. Lynch, this heartwarming story by Eoin Colfer, internationally best-selling author of the Artemis Fowl series, is certain to enchant.
A warm, uplifting story about a boy, his dog, and the healing power of music marks a first-time collaboration between two former Irish Children’s Laureates, Eoin Colfer and P.J. Lynch.
Patrick has been desperate for a dog of his own for as long as he can remember, and this summer, with his father away, he longs for a canine friend more than ever. Meanwhile, in his short doggy life, Oz has suffered at the hands of bad people. Somewhere out there, he believes, is an awesome boy — his boy. And maybe, when they find each other, Oz will learn to bark again. Illustrated in light charcoal by two-time Kate Greenaway Medalist P.J. Lynch, this heartwarming story by Eoin Colfer, internationally best-selling author of the Artemis Fowl series, is certain to enchant.
135 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2018
45 people are currently reading
473 people want to read
About the author
Eoin Colfer
167 books11.8k followersEoin Colfer (pronounced Owen) was born in Wexford on the South-East coast of Ireland in 1965, where he and his four brothers were brought up by his father and mother, who were both educators.
He received his degree from Dublin University and began teaching primary school in Wexford. He has lived and worked all over the world, including Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Italy. After the publication of the Artemis Fowl novels, Eoin retired from teaching and now writes full time. He lives in Ireland with his wife and two children.
He received his degree from Dublin University and began teaching primary school in Wexford. He has lived and worked all over the world, including Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Italy. After the publication of the Artemis Fowl novels, Eoin retired from teaching and now writes full time. He lives in Ireland with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
August 27, 2019
This is a poignant story of a little dog and a young boy who both become firm friends and both learn to trust one another and battle their loneliness together.
Oz, the little puppy has not had an easy life up to now, in fact, the people he has known have all been horrible. From the man who bred him and his siblings to the lady and her husband who bought him as a Christmas Present for their horrid son. When they couldn’t control him the man took him far away and dumped him. It was at this horrid house that he learned not to bark as barking meant he got no food.
That is until Patrick took him home from the animal shelter. Patrick was staying with his Grandfather for the summer with his mum. He didn’t understand why they were staying for the whole summer holiday’s or why his dad was no longer with them. His mum told him he had to work in Australia and she didn’t know when he would return.
Oz was sad and scared and Patrick was lonely and confused. With lots of love and attention from both of them, they soon become firm friends.
The Dog Who Lost His Bark is such an emotional book. I’ll never understand how anyone can treat an animal (or person) with such hatred as some people do. The book is filled with wonderful black and white illustrations by P.J. Lynch that are just beautiful to look at, they will also make you feel sad when you see the hurt in Oz’s eyes.
The book is a quick read but it is oh so heartwarming and touching, especially when you see how these two – a little boy and his bog bond together and need one another. I read it in just thirty minutes as I didn’t want to put it down.
Oz, the little puppy has not had an easy life up to now, in fact, the people he has known have all been horrible. From the man who bred him and his siblings to the lady and her husband who bought him as a Christmas Present for their horrid son. When they couldn’t control him the man took him far away and dumped him. It was at this horrid house that he learned not to bark as barking meant he got no food.
That is until Patrick took him home from the animal shelter. Patrick was staying with his Grandfather for the summer with his mum. He didn’t understand why they were staying for the whole summer holiday’s or why his dad was no longer with them. His mum told him he had to work in Australia and she didn’t know when he would return.
Oz was sad and scared and Patrick was lonely and confused. With lots of love and attention from both of them, they soon become firm friends.
The Dog Who Lost His Bark is such an emotional book. I’ll never understand how anyone can treat an animal (or person) with such hatred as some people do. The book is filled with wonderful black and white illustrations by P.J. Lynch that are just beautiful to look at, they will also make you feel sad when you see the hurt in Oz’s eyes.
The book is a quick read but it is oh so heartwarming and touching, especially when you see how these two – a little boy and his bog bond together and need one another. I read it in just thirty minutes as I didn’t want to put it down.
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October 17, 2018Proper review to come, but in the meantime...
As a dog owner, I was completely invested in this story, despite the writing and themes making it a little difficult to work out who the target market was. This little dog totally won me over.
But it was about the time that the dog started being able to whine or howl songs back to Patrick after the boy played them on his violin that credulity began to stretch... and then the story just kept pushing this musical-prodigy-dog angle.
Eventually this settled down and we got back into the dealing with real-world issues, and feelings, and all that stuff... But then the dog started PLAYING THE FREAKING VIOLIN (in a way) by running his paws over the strings.
The story has quite a few good messages to take away, and maybe the "magical musical dog" thing was a way to keep the story interesting? But it was plenty interesting enough without that, and if anything this might bring forth additional problems when kids in the real world discover that their dogs can't sing the Darth Vader theme back to them... don't you think?
But oh, the illustrations? The illustrations make this book worth it. I just wish the narrative didn't go to such a forced and unnatural place.
As a dog owner, I was completely invested in this story, despite the writing and themes making it a little difficult to work out who the target market was. This little dog totally won me over.
But it was about the time that the dog started being able to whine or howl songs back to Patrick after the boy played them on his violin that credulity began to stretch... and then the story just kept pushing this musical-prodigy-dog angle.
Eventually this settled down and we got back into the dealing with real-world issues, and feelings, and all that stuff... But then the dog started PLAYING THE FREAKING VIOLIN (in a way) by running his paws over the strings.
The story has quite a few good messages to take away, and maybe the "magical musical dog" thing was a way to keep the story interesting? But it was plenty interesting enough without that, and if anything this might bring forth additional problems when kids in the real world discover that their dogs can't sing the Darth Vader theme back to them... don't you think?
But oh, the illustrations? The illustrations make this book worth it. I just wish the narrative didn't go to such a forced and unnatural place.
July 11, 2019
The Dog Who Lost His Bark is a story of animal abuse and how a young boy overcomes his own problems to help his new adopted dog learn to trust humans and get his bark back.
The book is hard to read in the beginning chapters due to the abuse but as you read on it gets easier to read. The book is geared for ages 7-10 but I'm not sure if it will be suited to that age group due to the subject matter. The book was very well written and the illustrations added warmth to the story.
The book is hard to read in the beginning chapters due to the abuse but as you read on it gets easier to read. The book is geared for ages 7-10 but I'm not sure if it will be suited to that age group due to the subject matter. The book was very well written and the illustrations added warmth to the story.
December 18, 2022
A heartwarming story with lovely illustrations.
January 18, 2021
This is a winner in all aspects.
This is a very good book to introduce the growing kids to a different set of emotions that they might not have read about or felt. This single book can enrich a kid with so many emotions and help them identify to cope up with them.
This book can help a grown-up too in the same manner.
Enriching. A classic.
This is a very good book to introduce the growing kids to a different set of emotions that they might not have read about or felt. This single book can enrich a kid with so many emotions and help them identify to cope up with them.
This book can help a grown-up too in the same manner.
Enriching. A classic.
July 29, 2019
"Don't worry, she said, Someday your boy or girl will come. A human who is right for you. And that human will take you to the wonderful outside. That is the best thing for a dog".
This short novel has beautiful hand-drawn illustrations of a puppy being sold to a new home and ugly human characters who abuse him. It's also about Patrick, a little boy who really DOES want a dog for all the right reasons and who is the perfect fit for this one.
The illustrations convey the story almost as well as the narrative does; they are detailed, emotive and confronting (which might not be ideal for every smaller reader). The story itself is of course also confronting - a puppy discarded and abused but later valued and appreciated is equal parts abhorrent and hopeful. I do think there are some important messages for young readers to take from this book, not least of all the impact abusing an animal has on the animal. We see the puppy become frightened of barking, frightened of all humans as opposed to just the nasty ones, and this is a long and slow process to remedy.
I loved the idea that a human and their pet can have a unique bond only for them. It isn't so hard to believe that a particular dog, for instance, might be perfectly suited to a particular human. No more than humans having preferences for other humans anyway! I thought this was portrayed really intelligently and was a sweet point for younger readers to take away.
A heartwarming read for any animal lover, even despite the horrendous people at the beginning!
ARC provided free from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
This short novel has beautiful hand-drawn illustrations of a puppy being sold to a new home and ugly human characters who abuse him. It's also about Patrick, a little boy who really DOES want a dog for all the right reasons and who is the perfect fit for this one.
The illustrations convey the story almost as well as the narrative does; they are detailed, emotive and confronting (which might not be ideal for every smaller reader). The story itself is of course also confronting - a puppy discarded and abused but later valued and appreciated is equal parts abhorrent and hopeful. I do think there are some important messages for young readers to take from this book, not least of all the impact abusing an animal has on the animal. We see the puppy become frightened of barking, frightened of all humans as opposed to just the nasty ones, and this is a long and slow process to remedy.
I loved the idea that a human and their pet can have a unique bond only for them. It isn't so hard to believe that a particular dog, for instance, might be perfectly suited to a particular human. No more than humans having preferences for other humans anyway! I thought this was portrayed really intelligently and was a sweet point for younger readers to take away.
A heartwarming read for any animal lover, even despite the horrendous people at the beginning!
ARC provided free from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2019
Abused and mistreated by humans as a young puppy, Dog retreats into himself, refusing to bark, or to engage with the people around him. Missing his musician father, who is away in Australia, Patrick is excited to be allowed to bring a puppy home from the animal shelter. This brief novella from author Eoin Colfer and illustrator P.J. Lynch, who have both served as Ireland's Laureate na nÓg (Children's Laureate), alternates between the perspective of Dog (renamed Oz), who must learn to trust again, and Patrick, who must come to terms with the changes taking place in his family. Eventually, Oz does indeed , and helps Patrick to accept the fact that his parents are ...
As a lover of animal fiction, one who has enjoyed both Colfer and Lynch's work, in many other books, I went into The Dog Who Lost His Bark expecting to absolutely love it. Unfortunately, although I did find it engaging, even poignant at times, I just wasn't as moved or engrossed as I expected to be. The artwork is simply beautiful (one need only look at that adorable puppy on the cover, to know that that would be the case), and the story idea is sound, but somehow the writing just didn't quite hold together. I found the typographical choices here - in Oz's chapters, certain words are all in capital letters - rather odd and off-putting, and although I suspect it was done to add emotional depth, somehow the effect was the opposite, distracting me from the story, rather than involving me in it. The use of music here - Oz reveals an unexpected talent in this area - also felt rather contrived to me, and although I was excited to see mention of pieces like Planxty Irwin, given my love for traditional Irish tunes, I found this aspect of the story unconvincing and (again) distracting. This ended up being a book that I wanted to like, more than I did, but tastes vary, so I'd still recommend picking it up and giving it a try, if you have a beginning chapter-book readers who enjoys animal stories, or is a fan of either Colfer or Lynch.
As a lover of animal fiction, one who has enjoyed both Colfer and Lynch's work, in many other books, I went into The Dog Who Lost His Bark expecting to absolutely love it. Unfortunately, although I did find it engaging, even poignant at times, I just wasn't as moved or engrossed as I expected to be. The artwork is simply beautiful (one need only look at that adorable puppy on the cover, to know that that would be the case), and the story idea is sound, but somehow the writing just didn't quite hold together. I found the typographical choices here - in Oz's chapters, certain words are all in capital letters - rather odd and off-putting, and although I suspect it was done to add emotional depth, somehow the effect was the opposite, distracting me from the story, rather than involving me in it. The use of music here - Oz reveals an unexpected talent in this area - also felt rather contrived to me, and although I was excited to see mention of pieces like Planxty Irwin, given my love for traditional Irish tunes, I found this aspect of the story unconvincing and (again) distracting. This ended up being a book that I wanted to like, more than I did, but tastes vary, so I'd still recommend picking it up and giving it a try, if you have a beginning chapter-book readers who enjoys animal stories, or is a fan of either Colfer or Lynch.
February 1, 2022
I hate animal abuse, but this was a wonderfully honest, heartbreaking, heartwarming story about building trust and healing from grief after a lot of suffering.
September 10, 2019
I couldn’t bear to read the first two chapters of this book - it took two tries to get through them, and I almost considered not picking it up again because the abuse against this poor puppy by such hideous people was too hard to read, but I also couldn’t bear leaving the puppy in that situation - I had to see him get out of it (I also would have liked to see that abusive family destroyed, but you can’t have everything).
I cried when Patrick found him at the shelter, and when he was determined to bring him home despite all the odds and reasons not to - as an owner of a rescue dog myself with his own share of past trauma, I understood that determination 100% and loved reading about the rescue and the time and effort invested in his healing (it was such a refreshing change to read about a bond between a boy and a rescue “multigrain” with a heartbreaking history vs a perfect puppy with a blank slate, the more typical doggy hero of these kinds of books - and the patience and kindness required to help traumatized dogs (always possible, no matter what!), which I thought was a very fresh, worthy angle to bring into a book for young readers)!
I lost the thread of the story a little bit with the dog “singing” exact melodies back to the boy after the music initially brings him out of the crate (though that part was wonderful!) - while him singing these songs without prompt later on was very cute, it felt a bit farfetched, like it belonged in a different story, not this one of a boy and a dog rescuing each other from their own sadness and heartbreak. I also felt a bit betrayed by the boy bringing the dog BACK to the shelter, even though it was easy to see how his reasoning concerning having to choose his dad over his dog made sense in his head, but STILL. That part really, really hurt. All that being said though, I loved this book for Oz most of all - that puppy deserves the whole world and more - and the illustrations throughout were absolute perfection. I didn’t expect this little book to make me feel so much, but it packed an emotional punch bigger than any thousand page book I’ve read recently, and despite the fact that I feel as if it broke my heart more than it warmed it, you can always tell when you’re reading something important, and that was no exception.
I cried when Patrick found him at the shelter, and when he was determined to bring him home despite all the odds and reasons not to - as an owner of a rescue dog myself with his own share of past trauma, I understood that determination 100% and loved reading about the rescue and the time and effort invested in his healing (it was such a refreshing change to read about a bond between a boy and a rescue “multigrain” with a heartbreaking history vs a perfect puppy with a blank slate, the more typical doggy hero of these kinds of books - and the patience and kindness required to help traumatized dogs (always possible, no matter what!), which I thought was a very fresh, worthy angle to bring into a book for young readers)!
I lost the thread of the story a little bit with the dog “singing” exact melodies back to the boy after the music initially brings him out of the crate (though that part was wonderful!) - while him singing these songs without prompt later on was very cute, it felt a bit farfetched, like it belonged in a different story, not this one of a boy and a dog rescuing each other from their own sadness and heartbreak. I also felt a bit betrayed by the boy bringing the dog BACK to the shelter, even though it was easy to see how his reasoning concerning having to choose his dad over his dog made sense in his head, but STILL. That part really, really hurt. All that being said though, I loved this book for Oz most of all - that puppy deserves the whole world and more - and the illustrations throughout were absolute perfection. I didn’t expect this little book to make me feel so much, but it packed an emotional punch bigger than any thousand page book I’ve read recently, and despite the fact that I feel as if it broke my heart more than it warmed it, you can always tell when you’re reading something important, and that was no exception.
August 4, 2019
Als ich das erste Mal im Internet auf „Der Hund, der sein Bellen verlor“ gestoßen bin, wusste ich sofort, dass ich das Buch unbedingt lesen muss. Von Eoin Colfer habe ich schon so einige Bücher gelesen (zum Beispiel seine bekannte Artemis Fowl-Reihe) und allesamt haben sie mir unheimlich gut gefallen. Dies alleine war aber natürlich nicht der Grund, warum das Buch auf meine Want-to-read-Liste wanderte. Der Klappentext klang einfach so herzallerliebst und wunderschön und in das niedliche Cover habe ich mich auf den ersten Blick verliebt. Das Buch musste ich einfach bei mir einziehen lassen.
Der Vater ist mal wieder auf Tournee unterwegs, daher fahren Patrick und seine Mutter diesen Sommer alleine zum Großvater. Als ihm die Mutter während der Fahrt eröffnet, dass Patrick endlich einen Hund bekommen darf, ist er überglücklich. Einen Hund hatte sich Patrick schon immer gewünscht! Allerdings wird er auch sofort misstrauisch. Sein Vater ist doch gegen Hundehaare allergisch. Was soll mit dem Hund geschehen, wenn Dad wieder aus Australien zurück ist?
Im Tierheim entscheidet sich Patrick sofort für einen kleinen Mischlingswelpen. Er wirkt so traurig und einsam, Patrick spürt einfach, dass dieser junge Hund ein Seelenverwandter sein könnte. Von Rick, dem Tierheimbesitzer, erfährt er, dass der Welpe schon viele schlechte Erfahrungen mit Menschen machen musste und total traumatisiert ist. Er hat so viel Angst, dass er sogar aufgehört hat zu bellen.
Patrick gibt dem kleinen Hund den Namen Oz und versucht das Vertrauen von ihm zu gewinnen. Mit viel Geduld und Behutsamkeit gelingt es ihm schließlich auch, allerdings wird die Freundschaft der beiden auf eine harte Probe gestellt werden, als Patrick erfährt, dass sich seine Eltern getrennt haben. Nun ist es an Oz, seinem Jungen sein Bellen zurückzubringen.
Ach Leute, was für ein wundervolles Buch! Meine Erwartungen wurden hier mehr als erfüllt, ich bin ganz verliebt in diese warmherzige und zu Tränen rührende Geschichte. In meinen Augen ist dieses zauberhafte Buch so ein richtiges Schätzchen, bei welchem ich sehr hoffe, dass es die Aufmerksamkeit bekommen wird, die es verdient!
Ich hatte eigentlich nur vorgehabt, abends kurz vorm Schlafengehen ein bisschen in das Buch reinzulesen, war dann aber von den ersten Seiten an so gebannt von der Handlung, dass ich gar nicht mehr aufhören konnte mit dem Lesen. Ehe ich es mich versah, hatte ich das Buch zur Hälfte durch und hätte ich es, weil es schon so spät war, dem Schlaf zuliebe nicht doch schließlich beiseite gelegt, hätte ich es garantiert in einem Rutsch durchgelesen.
Die Geschichte, die hier erzählt wird, ist traurig und wunderschön zugleich. Ich persönlich war hier beim Lesen stellenweise schon ein bisschen am überlegen, ob das Buch wirklich für Kinder ab 8 Jahren geeignet ist. Manche Szenen treffen einen sehr und lassen einen zutiefst mitleiden. Wir erfahren, wie es dazu kam, dass der kleine Oz zu so einem verängstigten Welpen wurde und sogar sein Bellen verloren hat. Einfach nur schlimm, wie grausam manche Menschen zu Tieren sind. Ich hatte beim Lesen fast schon Tränen in den Augen, da ich so mit dem armen Oz mitgelitten habe. Dadurch, dass wir diese Kapitel aus seiner Sicht erfahren, bekommen wir als Leser hautnah mit, wie sehr Oz unter den Misshandlungen seiner früheren Besitzer leidet. Wie es Eoin Colfer gelungen ist, aus der Perspektive eines Hundes zu schreiben, ist einfach nur grandios! Oz Angst vor Waschmaschinen, die für ihn „viereckige Ungeheuer mit blinkenden Augen und runden Mäulern“ sind oder seine Furcht vor dem lauten Brüllen von uns Menschen – alles wird so einfühlsam und absolut authentisch und kindgerecht beschrieben.
Auch in Patricks Kapiteln gibt es so einiges, was einen traurig stimmt. Patricks Vater ist Musiker und oft auf Tourneen unterwegs und auch zu Beginn dieser Geschichte ist er mal wieder mit seiner Band auf Reisen. Anstatt also mit seinem Sohn und seiner Frau zum Großvater zu fahren, befindet er sich in Australien. Das ausweichende Verhalten der Mutter und die SMS-Nachrichten des Vaters machen uns Lesern sehr schnell deutlich, dass in der Familie etwas ganz und gar nicht stimmt. Auch Patrick spürt, dass da etwas ist. Ich habe schon sehr früh geahnt, dass sich Patricks Eltern getrennt haben, sie es ihrem Sohn nur noch nicht erzählt haben. Erst später im Buch erfährt es schließlich auch Patrick und ist verständlicherweise todunglücklich.
Ihr merkt, das Buch ist kein Gute-Laune-Buch. Selbst das Ende ist kein so richtiges Happy End.
Wenn ihr jetzt aber befürchtet, dass hier einer bedrückenden Szene der nächsten folgt, kann ich euch diese Sorge nehmen. Neben den traurigen Momenten gibt es auch viele, die einen glücklich machen, einen ein Lächeln aufs Gesicht zaubern und einen so richtig das Herz erwärmen.
Ganz besonders begeistert bin ich von der einfühlsamen Art und Weise wie Eoin Colfer die langsame Annäherung von Patrick und Oz beschreibt. Hach, so, so schön, sag ich euch!
Patrick ist so ein lieber und außergewöhnlicher Junge. Wie er langsam Vertrauen zu dem schreckhaften Oz aufbaut, ist so eindrucksvoll und berührend.
Und, Oz, ja, der ist wirklich etwas ganz Besonderes. Zu viel möchte ich ja nun nicht von der Handlung verraten, aber so viel: Oz ist ein sehr musikalischer und extrem kluger Welpe. Ich glaube, so einen Hund wie Oz wünscht sich wohl jeder, der Hunde liebt. Oz ist einfach großartig, ich habe diesen kleinen Racker so sehr in mein Herz geschlossen!
Wovon ich euch, neben der emotionalen Geschichte, auch ohne Ende etwas vorschwärmen könnte, sind die zauberhaft schönen Illustrationen von P. J. Lynch. Die Bilder sind einfach nur ein Traum! Ich bewundere solche Menschen wirklich sehr, die so toll zeichnen können. Zu meiner großen Freude kommen wir hier in den Genuss von sehr vielen Illustrationen. Ich konnte mich an den Zeichnungen gar nicht sattsehen und musste das Buch nach dem Durchlesen immer wieder noch mal in die Hand nehmen und durchblättern, um mir die wundervollen Bilder erneut anzusehen.
Für mich ist „Der Hund, der sein Bellen verlor“ ein neues Herzensbuch, das einen Ehrenplatz in meinen Regal erhalten wird. Ich kann es jedem wirklich nur ans Herz legen. Ob Jung oder Alt, ob zum Vor- oder zum Selberlesen – ich bin mir sehr sicher, dass es den meisten so ergehen wird wie mir und sie sich von den ersten Seiten an in diese bewegende Geschichte verlieben werden.
Fazit: Traurig-schön und wunderbar warmherzig! Ein zutiefst berührendes und ganz besonderes Buch! Ich bin total verliebt in „Der Hund, der sein Bellen verlor“. Die emotionale und zu Herzen gehende Geschichte, die traumhaft schönen Illustrationen, die einzigartige Erzählweise, die liebenswerten Charaktere – hach, ich könnte hier wirklich ewig von dem Buch etwas vorschwärmen. Bei mir ist es hier einfach ganz große Liebe. Ich kann diese außergewöhnliche Geschichte über Freundschaft, Familie, Tierliebe, Geduld, Hoffnung und Vertrauen absolut empfehlen und vergebe nur zu gerne volle 5 von 5 Sternen!
Der Vater ist mal wieder auf Tournee unterwegs, daher fahren Patrick und seine Mutter diesen Sommer alleine zum Großvater. Als ihm die Mutter während der Fahrt eröffnet, dass Patrick endlich einen Hund bekommen darf, ist er überglücklich. Einen Hund hatte sich Patrick schon immer gewünscht! Allerdings wird er auch sofort misstrauisch. Sein Vater ist doch gegen Hundehaare allergisch. Was soll mit dem Hund geschehen, wenn Dad wieder aus Australien zurück ist?
Im Tierheim entscheidet sich Patrick sofort für einen kleinen Mischlingswelpen. Er wirkt so traurig und einsam, Patrick spürt einfach, dass dieser junge Hund ein Seelenverwandter sein könnte. Von Rick, dem Tierheimbesitzer, erfährt er, dass der Welpe schon viele schlechte Erfahrungen mit Menschen machen musste und total traumatisiert ist. Er hat so viel Angst, dass er sogar aufgehört hat zu bellen.
Patrick gibt dem kleinen Hund den Namen Oz und versucht das Vertrauen von ihm zu gewinnen. Mit viel Geduld und Behutsamkeit gelingt es ihm schließlich auch, allerdings wird die Freundschaft der beiden auf eine harte Probe gestellt werden, als Patrick erfährt, dass sich seine Eltern getrennt haben. Nun ist es an Oz, seinem Jungen sein Bellen zurückzubringen.
Ach Leute, was für ein wundervolles Buch! Meine Erwartungen wurden hier mehr als erfüllt, ich bin ganz verliebt in diese warmherzige und zu Tränen rührende Geschichte. In meinen Augen ist dieses zauberhafte Buch so ein richtiges Schätzchen, bei welchem ich sehr hoffe, dass es die Aufmerksamkeit bekommen wird, die es verdient!
Ich hatte eigentlich nur vorgehabt, abends kurz vorm Schlafengehen ein bisschen in das Buch reinzulesen, war dann aber von den ersten Seiten an so gebannt von der Handlung, dass ich gar nicht mehr aufhören konnte mit dem Lesen. Ehe ich es mich versah, hatte ich das Buch zur Hälfte durch und hätte ich es, weil es schon so spät war, dem Schlaf zuliebe nicht doch schließlich beiseite gelegt, hätte ich es garantiert in einem Rutsch durchgelesen.
Die Geschichte, die hier erzählt wird, ist traurig und wunderschön zugleich. Ich persönlich war hier beim Lesen stellenweise schon ein bisschen am überlegen, ob das Buch wirklich für Kinder ab 8 Jahren geeignet ist. Manche Szenen treffen einen sehr und lassen einen zutiefst mitleiden. Wir erfahren, wie es dazu kam, dass der kleine Oz zu so einem verängstigten Welpen wurde und sogar sein Bellen verloren hat. Einfach nur schlimm, wie grausam manche Menschen zu Tieren sind. Ich hatte beim Lesen fast schon Tränen in den Augen, da ich so mit dem armen Oz mitgelitten habe. Dadurch, dass wir diese Kapitel aus seiner Sicht erfahren, bekommen wir als Leser hautnah mit, wie sehr Oz unter den Misshandlungen seiner früheren Besitzer leidet. Wie es Eoin Colfer gelungen ist, aus der Perspektive eines Hundes zu schreiben, ist einfach nur grandios! Oz Angst vor Waschmaschinen, die für ihn „viereckige Ungeheuer mit blinkenden Augen und runden Mäulern“ sind oder seine Furcht vor dem lauten Brüllen von uns Menschen – alles wird so einfühlsam und absolut authentisch und kindgerecht beschrieben.
Auch in Patricks Kapiteln gibt es so einiges, was einen traurig stimmt. Patricks Vater ist Musiker und oft auf Tourneen unterwegs und auch zu Beginn dieser Geschichte ist er mal wieder mit seiner Band auf Reisen. Anstatt also mit seinem Sohn und seiner Frau zum Großvater zu fahren, befindet er sich in Australien. Das ausweichende Verhalten der Mutter und die SMS-Nachrichten des Vaters machen uns Lesern sehr schnell deutlich, dass in der Familie etwas ganz und gar nicht stimmt. Auch Patrick spürt, dass da etwas ist. Ich habe schon sehr früh geahnt, dass sich Patricks Eltern getrennt haben, sie es ihrem Sohn nur noch nicht erzählt haben. Erst später im Buch erfährt es schließlich auch Patrick und ist verständlicherweise todunglücklich.
Ihr merkt, das Buch ist kein Gute-Laune-Buch. Selbst das Ende ist kein so richtiges Happy End.
Wenn ihr jetzt aber befürchtet, dass hier einer bedrückenden Szene der nächsten folgt, kann ich euch diese Sorge nehmen. Neben den traurigen Momenten gibt es auch viele, die einen glücklich machen, einen ein Lächeln aufs Gesicht zaubern und einen so richtig das Herz erwärmen.
Ganz besonders begeistert bin ich von der einfühlsamen Art und Weise wie Eoin Colfer die langsame Annäherung von Patrick und Oz beschreibt. Hach, so, so schön, sag ich euch!
Patrick ist so ein lieber und außergewöhnlicher Junge. Wie er langsam Vertrauen zu dem schreckhaften Oz aufbaut, ist so eindrucksvoll und berührend.
Und, Oz, ja, der ist wirklich etwas ganz Besonderes. Zu viel möchte ich ja nun nicht von der Handlung verraten, aber so viel: Oz ist ein sehr musikalischer und extrem kluger Welpe. Ich glaube, so einen Hund wie Oz wünscht sich wohl jeder, der Hunde liebt. Oz ist einfach großartig, ich habe diesen kleinen Racker so sehr in mein Herz geschlossen!
Wovon ich euch, neben der emotionalen Geschichte, auch ohne Ende etwas vorschwärmen könnte, sind die zauberhaft schönen Illustrationen von P. J. Lynch. Die Bilder sind einfach nur ein Traum! Ich bewundere solche Menschen wirklich sehr, die so toll zeichnen können. Zu meiner großen Freude kommen wir hier in den Genuss von sehr vielen Illustrationen. Ich konnte mich an den Zeichnungen gar nicht sattsehen und musste das Buch nach dem Durchlesen immer wieder noch mal in die Hand nehmen und durchblättern, um mir die wundervollen Bilder erneut anzusehen.
Für mich ist „Der Hund, der sein Bellen verlor“ ein neues Herzensbuch, das einen Ehrenplatz in meinen Regal erhalten wird. Ich kann es jedem wirklich nur ans Herz legen. Ob Jung oder Alt, ob zum Vor- oder zum Selberlesen – ich bin mir sehr sicher, dass es den meisten so ergehen wird wie mir und sie sich von den ersten Seiten an in diese bewegende Geschichte verlieben werden.
Fazit: Traurig-schön und wunderbar warmherzig! Ein zutiefst berührendes und ganz besonderes Buch! Ich bin total verliebt in „Der Hund, der sein Bellen verlor“. Die emotionale und zu Herzen gehende Geschichte, die traumhaft schönen Illustrationen, die einzigartige Erzählweise, die liebenswerten Charaktere – hach, ich könnte hier wirklich ewig von dem Buch etwas vorschwärmen. Bei mir ist es hier einfach ganz große Liebe. Ich kann diese außergewöhnliche Geschichte über Freundschaft, Familie, Tierliebe, Geduld, Hoffnung und Vertrauen absolut empfehlen und vergebe nur zu gerne volle 5 von 5 Sternen!
August 7, 2020
I’ll be honest: I picked up The Dog Who Lost His Bark because P. J. Lynch illustrated it, and I love Lynch’s art. It’s a cute and charming chapter book for a child. Told in third person, alternating POV between a puppy and his boy Patrick (and rarely, Patrick’s mother), the story touches on themes of animal abuse, family, trust, and love. Oz (the puppy) is totally endearing, and Patrick is as kind and caring a boy as you will ever come across.
The Dog Who Lost His Bark would be a lovely book to read aloud to youngsters, provided they are old enough to deal with the traumas Oz experiences in his early life. It might be especially good for a family about to adopt a pet, and for children experiencing divorce. As an adult I found Oz’s habit of putting important words in all caps a little annoying to read, and the book’s messages a trifle heavy-handed, but I would have loved the story in my early elementary-school years.
The book is illustrated throughout with pencil sketches, beautifully rendered (as I would expect from P. J. Lynch.) I missed the beauty and warmth of his color illustrations, though; the only one is on the cover.
Recommended for: early chapter book readers; reading aloud
Review originally published on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.
The Dog Who Lost His Bark would be a lovely book to read aloud to youngsters, provided they are old enough to deal with the traumas Oz experiences in his early life. It might be especially good for a family about to adopt a pet, and for children experiencing divorce. As an adult I found Oz’s habit of putting important words in all caps a little annoying to read, and the book’s messages a trifle heavy-handed, but I would have loved the story in my early elementary-school years.
The book is illustrated throughout with pencil sketches, beautifully rendered (as I would expect from P. J. Lynch.) I missed the beauty and warmth of his color illustrations, though; the only one is on the cover.
Recommended for: early chapter book readers; reading aloud
Review originally published on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.
March 8, 2021
What an absolutely beautiful but yet heartbreaking book. I highly recommend being with your child when they read this if your not reading it to them. It covers subjects such as animal abuse and family issues in a child friendly type of way but some chapters are from Oz the dogs perspective and OMG they are absolutely heartbreaking to read. The illustrations are absolutely amazing. I read this to my 8 year old and the only time he was concerned was asking if what happened to his parents would happen to us. He was also very sad for Oz. Highly likely this book to everyone.
December 31, 2020
The illustrations are lovely and absolutely adorable, but feel a bit more classic or elegant than the text. Great recommendation for all dog lovers or children experiencing the emotions and confusion of divorce/separation.
July 1, 2019
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
I have been a fan of Eoin Colfer since 2001 when the first Artemis Fowl book, Artemis Fowl, was published. I had to jump at the chance to read his latest book, The Dog Who Lost His Bark.
The Dog Who Lost His Bark is a moving and uplifting story about a boy, a dog, and music's ability to heal and connect people. I used to work with first-grade students and they would thoroughly enjoy this story. As with any book you read to children, read this to yourself before you read it to them. Make sure you will want to reread it over and over to them because this is one they are going to request again and again.
The illustrator is P J Lynch. The Dog Who Lost His Bark is listed as his only work but his website, http://www.pjlynchgallery.com, states he "has won many awards including the Mother Goose Award, the Christopher Medal three times, and the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal on two occasions. PJ has recently been announced as the fourth Laureate na nÓg, Ireland’s laureate for children’s literature."
BTW, according to Goodreads, Eoin is pronounced Owen. Apparently, I have been saying it incorrectly for years.
This review was published on Goodreads on 7/1/19. This review will be published on Philomathinphila.com on its release date, 9/10/19.
I have been a fan of Eoin Colfer since 2001 when the first Artemis Fowl book, Artemis Fowl, was published. I had to jump at the chance to read his latest book, The Dog Who Lost His Bark.
The Dog Who Lost His Bark is a moving and uplifting story about a boy, a dog, and music's ability to heal and connect people. I used to work with first-grade students and they would thoroughly enjoy this story. As with any book you read to children, read this to yourself before you read it to them. Make sure you will want to reread it over and over to them because this is one they are going to request again and again.
The illustrator is P J Lynch. The Dog Who Lost His Bark is listed as his only work but his website, http://www.pjlynchgallery.com, states he "has won many awards including the Mother Goose Award, the Christopher Medal three times, and the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal on two occasions. PJ has recently been announced as the fourth Laureate na nÓg, Ireland’s laureate for children’s literature."
BTW, according to Goodreads, Eoin is pronounced Owen. Apparently, I have been saying it incorrectly for years.
This review was published on Goodreads on 7/1/19. This review will be published on Philomathinphila.com on its release date, 9/10/19.
September 2, 2019
There is a lesson that can be taught from pets, or many lessons really. This is a story about a dog who has been mistreated and has to go through a bit of a journey to “find his bark”. But this is more than a story about that dogs journey to find his boy, it’s about proper care, treatment, time and commitment that pets require, family, separated/divorced parents, starting over, trust, perseverance and friendship. The boy goes through a stage of “losing his bark” and his mom and the dog together try to bring him back. It would be good for a child who wants a dog. I’m not completely sure how I feel about the parent separation bit and the father who is unwilling to tell his son the truth. It is most definitely a reality, but I’m not sure yet exactly what kind of role it plays in this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2019
The perfect book for all dog lovers. Also a good story for kids dealing with parental divorce. I love Oz’s use of capitals when he thinks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2024
AMAZING 😁
August 30, 2019
Rated: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Received an arc from NetGalley for an honest review.
Expected Release: September 10th 2019
This review isn't going to be super long or anything because this is a book I don't really have a lot to say about. That isn't a bad thing at all! Sometimes books just evoke emotions but there isn't much to say about that besides sharing what emotions it made you feel.
The beginning of this book was really sad. It featured animal abuse and the thoughts of the dog that was abused. I love dogs with my whole being, and I currently have a dog that we rescued from the shelter. When we first got him he was super skittish and shy because he was abandoned on the side of a road with his litter mates. They were eventually found with no hair and fleas all over them but they were rescued, thank god. Reading this book made me think about how my dog must have felt when he was abandoned like that. It's hard for me to think about, but it makes me feel better to know that we have given him a home for 8 years now, and that he has become a much happier, healthy and strong doggo.
Anyways, I thought the beginning of this book really evoked emotion and I respect how serious they talked about animal abuse in what is considered a children's book. I think this will make children more interested in rescuing dogs and helping them get their bark back, whatever it is their bark is.
I really liked this book and the connection between Oz & Patrick.
Received an arc from NetGalley for an honest review.
Expected Release: September 10th 2019
This review isn't going to be super long or anything because this is a book I don't really have a lot to say about. That isn't a bad thing at all! Sometimes books just evoke emotions but there isn't much to say about that besides sharing what emotions it made you feel.
The beginning of this book was really sad. It featured animal abuse and the thoughts of the dog that was abused. I love dogs with my whole being, and I currently have a dog that we rescued from the shelter. When we first got him he was super skittish and shy because he was abandoned on the side of a road with his litter mates. They were eventually found with no hair and fleas all over them but they were rescued, thank god. Reading this book made me think about how my dog must have felt when he was abandoned like that. It's hard for me to think about, but it makes me feel better to know that we have given him a home for 8 years now, and that he has become a much happier, healthy and strong doggo.
Anyways, I thought the beginning of this book really evoked emotion and I respect how serious they talked about animal abuse in what is considered a children's book. I think this will make children more interested in rescuing dogs and helping them get their bark back, whatever it is their bark is.
I really liked this book and the connection between Oz & Patrick.
October 23, 2018
When I was little, my mum had to ban me from watching Kimba the White Lion and Lassie as I used to get too upset whenever Kimba or Lassie got lost, scared or in trouble (which seemed to happen every episode!) Even now, I struggle with books or movies that feature animal violence or cruelty in any way (The Lion King makes me blubber every time).
So the first two chapters of The Dog Who Lost His Bark were very tough going for me. P. J. Lynch's sweet black and white illustrations helped me keep going though...a dog this cute and adorable had to be okay in the end surely.
Sensitive souls beware though, the first two chapters are harrowing.
However the pay off is worth the initial angst. Without giving anything away that the cover doesn't already tell you, our cute adorable dog finds a happy home AND finds a way to show his gratitude for being rescued and loved so well, when things go wrong for young Patrick.
Colfer has created a heart warming, gentle story that is perfectly complemented by Lynch's realistic drawings.
I loved it.
So the first two chapters of The Dog Who Lost His Bark were very tough going for me. P. J. Lynch's sweet black and white illustrations helped me keep going though...a dog this cute and adorable had to be okay in the end surely.
Sensitive souls beware though, the first two chapters are harrowing.
However the pay off is worth the initial angst. Without giving anything away that the cover doesn't already tell you, our cute adorable dog finds a happy home AND finds a way to show his gratitude for being rescued and loved so well, when things go wrong for young Patrick.
Colfer has created a heart warming, gentle story that is perfectly complemented by Lynch's realistic drawings.
I loved it.
December 31, 2018
Moving dog story for children.
I've loved The Art of Racing in the Rain, Andy Mulligan's Dog, multiple Morpurgo dog stories. They touch a nerve, the vulnerability and unceasing love of a dog for a human.
Colfer brings a sad tale that is ultimately reviving to a young audience, with some quite difficult detail early on (abused and maltreated dog) who gets a chance to recover with a loving owner.
Patrick is missing his dad, away working, but while he's not there, he gets the chance to own the dog his father is allergic to. And he chooses Oz, the puppy who won't bark for fear of what will happen to him.
Can Patrick help Oz find his voice? And can Oz help Patrick through his own family issues?
I loved the narration, an Irish voice making the cultural setting clear, portraying a young, eager but hurt puppy and a pre-pubescent boy with earnestness.
This is a short book, full of emotion, could be upsetting for sensitive readers. I'm considering whether I read it with my nearly 8-year-old, I may wait a little while.
For ages 7-10 ideally.
I've loved The Art of Racing in the Rain, Andy Mulligan's Dog, multiple Morpurgo dog stories. They touch a nerve, the vulnerability and unceasing love of a dog for a human.
Colfer brings a sad tale that is ultimately reviving to a young audience, with some quite difficult detail early on (abused and maltreated dog) who gets a chance to recover with a loving owner.
Patrick is missing his dad, away working, but while he's not there, he gets the chance to own the dog his father is allergic to. And he chooses Oz, the puppy who won't bark for fear of what will happen to him.
Can Patrick help Oz find his voice? And can Oz help Patrick through his own family issues?
I loved the narration, an Irish voice making the cultural setting clear, portraying a young, eager but hurt puppy and a pre-pubescent boy with earnestness.
This is a short book, full of emotion, could be upsetting for sensitive readers. I'm considering whether I read it with my nearly 8-year-old, I may wait a little while.
For ages 7-10 ideally.
October 24, 2019
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book is steeped in emotional and heart-breaking subject material. A story that could be reality in this day and age written in a fictional pretense. When you place a little puppy, mistreated and afraid; and, a small boy, lost and confused, together, you get a story that will twist your heart.
Words like heart-breaking, heart-warming, sad, happy-ending, and touching describe this book perfectly and the illustrations by award winner, P.J. Lynch, hand-drawn and expressive, completely compliment this Chapter Book reader for ages 7 to 10.
When you take an abused puppy and pair it up with a boy who really, really wants a dog for the right reasons, then you have a winning story full of hope, love and trust.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book is steeped in emotional and heart-breaking subject material. A story that could be reality in this day and age written in a fictional pretense. When you place a little puppy, mistreated and afraid; and, a small boy, lost and confused, together, you get a story that will twist your heart.
Words like heart-breaking, heart-warming, sad, happy-ending, and touching describe this book perfectly and the illustrations by award winner, P.J. Lynch, hand-drawn and expressive, completely compliment this Chapter Book reader for ages 7 to 10.
When you take an abused puppy and pair it up with a boy who really, really wants a dog for the right reasons, then you have a winning story full of hope, love and trust.
October 16, 2025
I will admit that I was drawn to this book by it's sweet illustrations - they reminded me of Garth Williams' style in the Little House on the Prairie novels.
I quickly learned that the beautiful drawings were a perfect match for the dog-and-his-boy story they accompanied.
Colfer writes an engaging, relatable, and heart-warming story that weaves the perspectives of its characters in such a way that will delight children, as well as endearing adult readers.
For anyone looking to rescue, especially, this is a lovely primer for presenting the mutual respect that will grow into loving a pet. However, the story of love will be appreciated by anyone.
I quickly learned that the beautiful drawings were a perfect match for the dog-and-his-boy story they accompanied.
Colfer writes an engaging, relatable, and heart-warming story that weaves the perspectives of its characters in such a way that will delight children, as well as endearing adult readers.
For anyone looking to rescue, especially, this is a lovely primer for presenting the mutual respect that will grow into loving a pet. However, the story of love will be appreciated by anyone.
January 5, 2019
'Heartwarming' and 'poignant' are words on the cover to describe this. True, but there's a big old wallop of sadness and upset to contend with as well! Read with my dog-loving 6yo and lots went a bit over her head. Older readers might think it was too young for them based on title/cover? Enjoyable for the holidays when feeling a bit soppy anyway!
February 1, 2022
Best one! I picked up this book from my little brothers collection and was not expecting much from it apart from an easy short read. But I gotta admit there were so many interesting plot points and I really love how the whole book is written from the doggy brain perspective.
You are never too old for any book I realize.
You are never too old for any book I realize.
June 21, 2019
The story is so touching and pleasing. Loved the illustrations. Oz is so cute. The story is a cute and heart warming as the illustrations are. Ideal for children aged 5-7. Can be read as bedtime story to younger children.
August 26, 2019
A heartwarming and touching children’s book about the friendship between a scared puppy and a lonely boy. Deals with mature themes of divorce and animal abuse in a child friendly/simple way. Made me tear up on multiple occasions. I received this as an arc from NetGalley.
September 14, 2020
D'aw, my heart!
This was such a fantastic read about a dog from a not so great home and a boy who's home is being broken teaching each other to heal. A very simple read with a lot of heart.
I really enjoyed this little book!
This was such a fantastic read about a dog from a not so great home and a boy who's home is being broken teaching each other to heal. A very simple read with a lot of heart.
I really enjoyed this little book!
February 24, 2025
This was beautiful, and sweet, and an easy read. It was just lovely. I loved the chapter's and sections told from Oz's point of view. The illustrations were lovely. This was just an utterly satisfying read.
March 15, 2019
Jeg tuder stadig ❤️
October 26, 2019
i loved it and the emotions poor dog
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