Bark, George (Book)

Feiffer, J. (1999). Bark, George. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN: 0-06-205186-5

Interest Level: Ages 5 and under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Dogs, Animal Sounds, Humor,

Plot: A mother dog becomes distressed because instead of barking like a dog should, her puppy is making other animal sounds.  In order to solve George's problem, George's mother takes him to the vet.  After asking George to bark and getting other animal sounds, the vet reaches deep inside George and pulls out different animals.  After pulling out a cat, a duck, a pig and a cow, George finally is able to bark.  The mother dog is so happy she kisses everyone and takes George out to show off his new bark.  But instead of barking George says "Hello." 

Personal Thoughts: Children will enjoy making the different animal sounds.  The fact that the vet pulls out a variety of animals from deep down inside George is pretty funny, especially when you start considering how they got in there in the first place.  Children might be worried or might just find it hilarious when George says "Hello" at the end of the book and we must presume that he swallowed a person.  I really like the animated version of this book which is narrated by John Lithgow.  The animation for the cartoon is minimal and doesn't take away from feeling of the original illustrations.   A Must Read picture book!  Great for dog or animal sound themed storytimes.

Awards/Recognition:
ALA Notable Children's Books (2000)
Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Young Readers Category (1999)
Buckeye Children's Book Award (Ohio): Grades K-2 (2001)
Flicker Tale Children's Book Award (North Dakota): Picture Books (2002)
Florida Reading Association Children's Book Award (2003)
Georgia Children's Book Award: Picture Storybook Award (2002)
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona): Picture Book (2002)
Great Lakes Great Books Award (Michigan): Grades K-1 (2002)
Keystone to Reading Book Award (Pennsylvania): Primary category (2001)
Parents' Choice Awards - Picture Books (1999)
School Library Journal Best Books (1999)

Author's Website: Jules Feiffer Website

Other Books by the Author: Phantom Tollbooth (1961); The Daddy Mountain (2004);