Barkus: The Most Fun: Book 3

by Patricia MacLachlan, Marc Boutavant (Illustrator)

Barkus is back in this third installment of the warm and funny early chapter book series from the Newbery Medal-winning author, Patricia MacLachlan.

The lovable dog Barkus and his lucky young owner romp through the pages of this colorful and heartwarming book that's just right for emerging readers and fans of series like Henry and Mudge and Juana and Lucas.

PERFECT FOR NEW The simple text and engaging pictures are just right for readers ready to take their first steps toward reading on their own.

CRITCALLY ACCLAIMED The New York Times said, "The charm is infectious." and The Horn Book proclaimed, "Fans will be begging for more."

BUDDY BOOKS ARE Friendships are an integral part of every child's life. Barkus and his owner have lots of adventures together, but they also care about each other's feelings and they love one another unconditionally.

AWARD-WINNING Patricia MacLachlan has written dozens of books which have received many awards including the prestigious Newbery Medal. From picture books to chapter books to novels, her characters always linger in the minds of readers long after the books are closed.

INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED Marc Boutavant is a star illustrator in France and has a rising profile throughout the world.

Perfect parents and grandparents, educators, librarians

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Chapter Books

64 pages, Hardcover

Published September 21, 2021

About the author

Patricia MacLachlan was born on the prairie, and always carried a small bag of prairie dirt with her wherever she went to remind her of what she knew first. She was the author of many well-loved novels and picture books, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal; its sequels, Skylark and Caleb's Story; and Three Names, illustrated by Mike Wimmer. She lived in western Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Cam (Lana Belova) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Barkus always knows something".

“Barkus and Friends—the Most Fun!”

Yet another bright early spring day, and reading the final installment was another wonderful thing that took place during this day. It was really symbolic to read about the birth of a new baby Spring when this year new spring already makes its tentative steps :)



Telling the cozy stories before the roaring fire with a hot cocoa to boot, when it's snowing off and on - awesome winter adventures, real ones or imagined, on a snowy day :)

“Winter cold and sparkling white—blowing wind
all through the night.”

So many wonderful illustrations putting a happy smile on my face in here really were 🌞.  I'm so grateful for all the heartfelt moments I experienced while reading these cute little books! Thank you, dear Darla:), once again for bringing this beautiful series to my attention! 💕

[Cadee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The mom doubts that the kitten can go camping because camping is not for cats but Barkus takes Baby anyway. Everything mom says Baby won't like to do, Baby enjoys and does it anyway. The mom kept being wrong." -Cadee, age 9

[Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It was Barkus' birthday! He got treats and he had a party. We need to do that for Mason (our dog)." -Conley, age 6

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For kids that are ready for more than a picture book, but not quite ready for a full chapter book, this Barkus series is the perfect book to bridge that gap. There are still pictures to hold the reader’s attention and the longer story helps with practicing their comprehension skills.

Barkus is the dog in the family and Barkus, Baby the kitten, and their family take us along on a year of adventures. We start with summer and Barkus recognizes some of the items the family is packing into the car. He is a very smart dog and knows what is ahead. They are going camping and Barkus is very excited. Even Baby gets to go along (as a stowaway). Each chapter is like a short story with illustrations so kids don’t feel like they are making too big of a jump leaving picture book reading. This format is great for encouraging kids to keep reading longer than what they may have been used to. After reading the first story, they will want to see what happens with Barkus and his family in the spring, fall, and winter too.

The text is still relatively simple with short sentences that are also a bit repetitive throughout the different chapters. The illustrations go right along with the pages just like in a picture book, so if a child is stuck on a word, the pictures may help.

Barkus is a smart, charming, and friendly dog who likes to be in the center of all the family activities. Kids will love Barkus and Baby and their fun adventures. This is the third in the series by MacLachlan who is well known for her Newberry Medal-winner, SARAH, PLAIN AND TALL. BARKUS was inspired by the imagined adventures of her neighbor’s dog.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barkus is back in book three of this delightful series, which helps kids make the move from picture books to chapter books. The vibrant illustrations by Marc Boutavant bring the adventures of Barkus, Baby the kitten and their family’s adventures come to life. Each chapter brings us another story as they go camping in the summer, visit Grandfather’s farm in the spring, join an animal parade in the fall and take a trip to a mountain cabin in the winter.

Barkus and his little girl share so much love and understanding. I loved her comprehension of every woof and every look, I also loved the family’s creativity when they arrived at the dark, cold cabin. After father builds a fire and mother warms dinner, they have lots of fun with books, puzzles and telling original stories.

This is a book for reading aloud with your young, emerging readers, as well as one for shared reading. It’s also a perfect one for an older sibling to share with a younger brother or sister. They’ll have lots of giggles together and find joy in reading about some familiar experiences. Finally, it’s also a great choice for you to suggest to your young reader when they’ve finished all of the HENRY AND MUDGE series and are asking “what can I read next?”. You’ll want to look for the Barkus books soon!

Thank you to @chroniclekidsbooks for introducing me to this entertaining series for young readers.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four chapters in this one. They cover the four seasons.
Chapter 1, Baby (the kitty) tags along on the camping trip. Chapter 2, a visit to a cow farm in spring brings forth a baby calf named "spring". Delightful! Chapter 3, about a parade of animals that Barkus and Baby join, so cute! Chapter 4, the family is holed up in a cabin in a snowstorm. They have so much fun together and dad tells a story called "The Winter's Tale" which is all about them. Nicky helps with imagining a poem authored by Baby.
(copyright 2021)
*I hope they will consider creating more! I read somewhere that these would be good to recommend to HENRY & MUDGE fans, spot on!

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my absolute favorite of the three Barkus books. We live through a year with the family and go on four fun outings. 1) Spring camping -- even Baby gets to go (thanks to Barkus). 2) A visit to the grandparent's farm -- Barkus take the cows on a field trip to the village library and keeps Dora the cow company while she has a baby in the night. Nicky and Barkus name the calf "Spring." 3) The Ambling of the Calves Parade -- there are floats for GOOD DOGS and SORT OF GOOD DOGS; Barkus and Baby get their picture in the paper with the calves wearing their wreaths of flowers. The caption reads "Barkus and Friends--the Most Fun!" 4) A winter trip to the family cabin. They all get snowed in and tell stories around the fire starring Barkus as a master fire builder and Baby as a poet.

Winter cold
and sparkling white--
blowing wind
all through the night.

How does the story end? The family lives happily ever after. As expected.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This charming book is written in the style of beginning/early readers for (maybe) second-grade students. It is divided into 4 chapters, with each chapter being a separate episode in the life of Barkus. The cartoon illustrations, while not my favorite style, enhanced the stories in the book.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute story about a little girl and her mom and dad and her dog, Barkus, and her cat, Baby. I ran across it by accident and ended up reading this 3rd book of the Barkus series. It’s meant to be read to or by maybe 1st-3rd graders. The illustrations are adorable!

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars for this this installment in the Barkus series

[Ann Haefele · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story/chapter for each season with Barkus (dog), Baby (cat) and their young owner. Young readers will enjoy these short chapters just right for beginning readers.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and wholesome but I’d much rather read Henry and Mudge.

[Mary T · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read these three books aloud to my youngest sons (4 and 3). The 3yo particularly likes Baby the cat. :-)

[Kim Hampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect book for someone who is ready to graduate from picture books to chapter books.

[Lucia Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful!!!!