What do you think?
Rate this book
Barkus #2
Barkus Dog Dreams
Barkus is back! With new tricks. New friends. And lots more fun.
Praise for
"Fans will be begging for more."- The Horn Book Magazine
"The charm is infectious."-- The New York Times
"Will appeal to fans of the Henry and Mudge series as well as to the younger picture-book audience."-Kirkus Reviews
The lovable Barkus and his lucky young owner romp through the pages of this delightful series from Newbery Medal–winning author Patricia MacLachlan. The simple text told in short chapters is just right for children ready to take their first steps toward reading on their own.
Praise for
"Fans will be begging for more."- The Horn Book Magazine
"The charm is infectious."-- The New York Times
"Will appeal to fans of the Henry and Mudge series as well as to the younger picture-book audience."-Kirkus Reviews
The lovable Barkus and his lucky young owner romp through the pages of this delightful series from Newbery Medal–winning author Patricia MacLachlan. The simple text told in short chapters is just right for children ready to take their first steps toward reading on their own.
52 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2018
4 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Patricia MacLachlan
130 books811 followersPatricia 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 12, 2023
Sunlight throughout the chapters, and getting cozy in a friendly atmosphere - this little book was a great way to see lots of different, brightening the mood, events in such a short period of time! My favourite one might be a day in a green Park - yet another trip down a memory lane with this chapter :)
Sharing a piece of yourself by sharing each other's favourite toys was one of my favourite moment in here as well and I really loved the ending, which is
P.S.
December 31, 2021
"I liked the whole story l. Give it all the stars." -Conley, age 6
December 31, 2021
"This one was a little scary." -Cadee, age 9
June 3, 2020
(Note: I did not get the chance to read the first book in this series, but that wasn't a problem. Each book can be read as a stand-alone.)
Barkus might appear to be an ordinary dog, but he packs more than a few surprises and brings delight where ever his paws pass by.
Five chapters appear in this book, and each one brings along a new, surprising adventure for Barkus and his best friend, a cat named Baby. Told from the owner's point of view—a young girl—it's impossible to predict what Barkus will be up to next. But one thing is guaranteed, the end result is not what the reader might expect it to be.
Barkus comes across as an ordinary, loving dog. Even his very close friendship with a cat, which might raise an eyebrow or two, isn't completely out of the ordinary. After all, cats and dogs can get along in real life. The adventures also start out as usual events, ones which could happen to anyone—Barkus visits the vet, the neighbor gets a dog, and there's a festival at the park. Even when the adventure gets underway, it's nothing really far-fetched. Fun and entertaining, but seemingly based solidly in reality. Then, the surprise twists hit, subtle and yet making it clear that Barkus is anything but a normal dog.
The text fits nicely to those readers, who are learning how to reader slightly larger stories on their own. While most of the words are very easy to identify, a few more difficult ones are sprinkled in to help expand the vocabulary but not enough to frustrate the reader. The illustrations support the story and the plot, while adding personality to Barkus and his friends along with a charming dash of humor. It makes for a gentle and fun read, while allowing those reader skills to grow and improve.
I received a complimentary copy and found Barkus to be a wonderful dog!
Barkus might appear to be an ordinary dog, but he packs more than a few surprises and brings delight where ever his paws pass by.
Five chapters appear in this book, and each one brings along a new, surprising adventure for Barkus and his best friend, a cat named Baby. Told from the owner's point of view—a young girl—it's impossible to predict what Barkus will be up to next. But one thing is guaranteed, the end result is not what the reader might expect it to be.
Barkus comes across as an ordinary, loving dog. Even his very close friendship with a cat, which might raise an eyebrow or two, isn't completely out of the ordinary. After all, cats and dogs can get along in real life. The adventures also start out as usual events, ones which could happen to anyone—Barkus visits the vet, the neighbor gets a dog, and there's a festival at the park. Even when the adventure gets underway, it's nothing really far-fetched. Fun and entertaining, but seemingly based solidly in reality. Then, the surprise twists hit, subtle and yet making it clear that Barkus is anything but a normal dog.
The text fits nicely to those readers, who are learning how to reader slightly larger stories on their own. While most of the words are very easy to identify, a few more difficult ones are sprinkled in to help expand the vocabulary but not enough to frustrate the reader. The illustrations support the story and the plot, while adding personality to Barkus and his friends along with a charming dash of humor. It makes for a gentle and fun read, while allowing those reader skills to grow and improve.
I received a complimentary copy and found Barkus to be a wonderful dog!
March 5, 2023
Barkus and Baby are back with five new stories for early readers. The illustrations are once again so colorful and engaging. The stories in this one have more depth than the first book. Barkus needs to take pills for an ear infection and especially loves the peanut butter that goes along with the pill -- maybe too much. (Our dog is a big fan of peanut butter as well. 🐶) When the town has a big birthday shindig, Barkus and the other dogs in town help celebrate. Love the variety of breeds represented! When the farmer down the road loses her herd of animals, Barkus and Baby jump in to help round them up. Why is there an extra chicken? When Millie moves in next door, the dogs have fun sharing toys. (That really happens to us, too.) The final story shows how they cope with a storm with the two dogs and Baby sleeping like, well, babies. They know they are safe with their humans. Delightful!
September 25, 2018
Anyone who has spent much time with a dog or cat will enjoy this second title featuring the loveable Barkus. His family loves him, and does the best they can to take care of him. In these five easy-to-read stories, Barkus tricks his family about his medicine, sings at the town festival, rounds up some missing animals, makes a new dog friend, and snoozes during a fierce storm. The text and images are clearly the work of two individuals who know--and love--dogs. Oh, that Barkus, what will he get into next? While the stories aren't packed with adventure, they portray what the life of a dog such as Barkus might be like. Youngsters will clamor for more about this big friendly family companion.
October 8, 2018
This is the second book in the Barkus series. It contains five short chapters that will captivate the new reader with stories about Nicky (the redhead), Barcus the brown dog), and Baby, the cat). They visit the vet, attend a party, rescue some farm animals, and make friends with Millie, the neighbor's dog.
Each chapter has a small lesson such as helping, and friendship, but nothing didactic or distracting.
My Thoughts
My Concerns: Nothing
What I Liked Most: The fun stories will cause the new reader to fall in love with this small cast of characters.
Each chapter has a small lesson such as helping, and friendship, but nothing didactic or distracting.
My Thoughts
My Concerns: Nothing
What I Liked Most: The fun stories will cause the new reader to fall in love with this small cast of characters.
February 26, 2021
"First" chapter books are hard to find, which is why I am ranking this book with four stars.
BARKUS: Dog Dreams - which can be enjoyed by PreK through grade 4 - has five short chapters with colorful illustrations on most pages. The predictable storyline follows a young girl named Nicky and her every day adventures with her dog, Barkus.
* This is the 2nd book in the series. The 1st book is titled "Barkus." Hoping for more books in this series!
BARKUS: Dog Dreams - which can be enjoyed by PreK through grade 4 - has five short chapters with colorful illustrations on most pages. The predictable storyline follows a young girl named Nicky and her every day adventures with her dog, Barkus.
* This is the 2nd book in the series. The 1st book is titled "Barkus." Hoping for more books in this series!
November 5, 2024
You can never have too many options for early chapter books for kids! This is another sweet option. The chapters are about Barkus but they are also experiences that the child reading the book would have, too. The first chapter is about going to the doctor. The second chapter is about a community party. The third chapter is about getting lost (and found). The fourth chapter is about trading items. The final chapter is about weathering a storm.
(copyright 2018)
(copyright 2018)
August 4, 2018
The second book in MacLachlan's beginning chapter book series about Barkus, a brown dog, and his family. In this one, Barkus must take medicine to clear up an ear infection, performs at the town's birthday picnic, rounds up all the farm animals with help from Nicky the cat, meets a new friend Millie, and weathers a storm.
Fun and charming.
Recommended for grades 2-4.
Fun and charming.
Recommended for grades 2-4.
July 23, 2021
Barkus the dog and Baby the cat return in this second book in the series. Barkus is a loveable dog who gets sick and tricks his owners to think he's taking his medicine. He and Baby round up a whole farm of animals, make a new doggie friend, and then dream through a big storm.
My four year old thinks Barkus is adorable and funny! We liked this series as a read-aloud!
My four year old thinks Barkus is adorable and funny! We liked this series as a read-aloud!
August 20, 2018
This would be a good book for a child moving on from easy readers. I think the subject matter is good (a dog), and the stories are short and sweet. It would also make a good book to read at bedtime.
September 1, 2018
Sweet stories. I just wish the format was different. It's not a typical picture book size, nor that of an early reader or chapter book. It is one of those odd sizes that doesn't fit naturally in any of those areas in my library. Quandary, but I love the stories nevertheless!
May 11, 2022
This charming book is written in the style of beginning/early readers for (maybe) second-grade students. It is divided into 5 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.
August 22, 2018
So cute! Sweet and charming in the way of Charlie & Mouse, but featuring both cat and dog characters for fans of four-legged friends.
October 17, 2018
Nice, early chapter book. Heavily illustrated. Pretty straightforward.
January 2, 2019
I just love the pictures! Very gentle stories.
July 3, 2019
7/2/19 Read with Julia.
October 20, 2020
Good beginner chapter book read aloud. My 5 year old enjoyed it.
November 12, 2020
Cute sequential chapter book in a series for emerging readers. My girls (8, 6) enjoyed it.
May 25, 2022
This is one of those books where there doesn't seem to be much conflict and the characters don't learn anything. It still has some entertainment involved though.
August 9, 2022
I read this to my younger sons. I didn't care for as much as the first one, but they were engaged, so we'll probably also read the next one in the series.
January 11, 2025
Another easy to read book about the adventures of Barkus and Baby.
March 22, 2025
Amato, letto e riletto.
November 10, 2019
Link to Teaching Guide: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1...
Read
August 20, 2018The first story in this book has a bad ending, and does not teach children the importance of medicine when one is sick. The dog, Barkus, is sick with an ear infection. The vet prescribes a pill for Barkus to take, and tells the family to wrap it in food Barkus will like, so he will swallow the pill. Throughout the next week, they give Barkus the pill wrapped around bread, turkey, ham, cheese, and peanut butter. Roughly a week later, the pills are discovered discarded behind the couch. They take Barkus back to the vet, and he appears to be healthy. The vet has no explanation, except to say it appears he got healthy without taking his medication. He did however, gain weight, due to the extra snacks he had that should have accompanied the pills.
This teaches children they can fake taking medicine while they are sick, and they can still feel better in mere days. Not only is that completely inaccurate, it's a horrible lesson to teach children.
This teaches children they can fake taking medicine while they are sick, and they can still feel better in mere days. Not only is that completely inaccurate, it's a horrible lesson to teach children.
Read
March 16, 2019Several short stories about Barkus in this one. They're fun.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews