The Dog Who Lost His Bark

In this story of friendship and belonging, a mistreated dog and a persistent boy forge a relationship based on kindness and patience. A nameless puppy lives in constant fear of punishment after being adopted from "the loud man" with the "sour smell" by a family whose child calls him "STUPIDDOG." Abandoned in a junkyard, the hound lands in a shelter; there, he meets Patrick, a boy who feels an instant connection with him. Patrick insists on bringing the dog home to his grandfather's house, where he's staying with his mother while his musician father is away on a worryingly long tour. Associating barking with "big trouble," the pup, now named Oz, is silent, but Patrick is determined to gain the his trust and free his voice. Colfer (the Artemis Fowl series) makes use of capital letters to incorporate Oz's point of view, and Lynch (Patrick and the President) contributes detailed black-and-white pencil drawings that convey the novel's emotional core through body language and facial expressions. Ultimately a story about connection and trust, this offering also communicates a clear and impactful message, at times through cruel and upsetting moments, about animal treatment and the responsibility of pet ownership. Ages 7-10. (Sept.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 2-4--Early traumas--being sold by an abusive man and then adopted and abandoned by a cruel family--have taught Dog to be wary of humans. To Dog, to bark is to risk punishment, starvation, and abandonment. When Patrick, a young boy heading toward impending parental separation, adopts Dog and names him Oz, he promises to do whatever it takes to help Oz find his bark again. Through the power of music and love, Oz does indeed find his voice. But can Oz do the same for his beloved Patrick when the boy learns the truth about his dad's absence? Alternating between dog and boy perspectives and always written in third person, this heartwarming story unfolds in short vignettes augmented by soft pencil illustrations. Oz's voice is easily distinguished by the use of all capitals to designate important people, actions, and things, such as the "LOUD MAN" and "OUTSIDE." Although this writing device is overused, it serves to communicate Oz's thoughts and feelings. Patrick's parents' separation is revealed gradually, allowing readers to empathize with his reaction when he learns the truth. The authentic portrayal of parents as flawed, yet loving, rings true. Frequent illustrations, ranging from spot art to full-page spreads, create a realistic, modern, yet nostalgic setting using shading and precise linework. Despite Oz's traumatic puppy years, the ending is appropriately happy for the target age range. VERDICT A cozy chapter book to read aloud to animal lovers, this story will find a place in most public and school libraries.--Amy Seto Forrester, Denver Public Library

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Lynch's realistic pencil illustrations greatly amplify the story, their sensitively rendered human and dog expressions echoing the varying tones of the text...This quietly emotional tale is an ultimately triumphant one.
—Kirkus Reviews

Ultimately a story about connection and trust, this offering also communicates a clear and impactful message, at times through cruel and upsetting moments, about animal treatment and the responsibility of pet ownership.
—Publishers Weekly

Lynch's softly shaded pencil drawings capture the characters' emotions and the story's tone beautifully. Best known for the Artemis Fowl series, Colfer offers a simply written, realistic tale with plenty of human interest. Dog-lovers will find the jacket illustration irresistible.
—Booklist

Coaxed by a gentle and patient Patrick, Oz not only finds his bark again but also a loving friendship, but when an upheaval in Patrick's life leaves the boy deflated and lost, will Oz be able to buoy his human pal through a trying time? The answer is, of course, yes, as any fan of pet/guardian stories knows, and while the classic rescue story is entirely predictable, it is on point in its earnestness, tugging heartstrings at just the right beats and giving readers an unabashedly rosy ending...Fans of Martin's A Dog's Life (BCCB 11/05) will find another canine to love here.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books