Review - Barkus

Barkus (Barkus #1)
by Patricia MacLachlan
illustrated by Marc Boutavant
Date: 2017
Publisher: Chronicle Books LLC
Reading level: C
Book type: illustrated chapter book
Pages: 51
Format: e-book
Source: library

Meet Barkus. Barkus is loyal. Barkus is generous. Barkus is family.

The exuberant Barkus and his lucky young owner whirl and twirl across the pages of this delightful pre-chapter book series from award-winning author Patricia MacLachlan. The accessible text is ideal for even the newest independent reader, while the warm, humorous story and energetic illustrations will appeal to picture book readers as well as advanced readers.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Barkus kind of missed the mark for me. I get that it's supposed to be easy to read, but this sort of thing has been done way better by other authors (I kept thinking of the Bink & Gollie series as I was reading this). Barkus seems way too simple in comparison, and almost condescending in the overly simple storyline and word choices.

The illustrations are cute and colourful, but not that special. Overall, this seems like a forgettable sort of book, and I'm not sure who it will appeal to. If a child has graduated from picture books and is looking for something a little more sophisticated, they won't find it here; in fact, this seemed to be aimed at a younger audience than many picture books I've read.

Plot: 3/5
Characters: 2/5
Pace: 3/5
Writing & Editing: 3/5
Illustration: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall Rating: 2.63 out of 5 ladybugs