Bark, George

Bark, George
written and illustrated by Jules Feiffer. 1999. New York: HarperCollins.

Author/Illustrator Website: http://www.julesfeiffer.com/

Media: pen and ink

Awards and Honors: 2000 ALA Notable Children's Book, 2000 Notable Children's Books(ALA), and 2000 Charlotte Zolotow Award Honor Book. 2001 Buckeye Children's Book Award

Audience: Preschoolers

Personal Reaction:
When little George tries to bark, all kinds of meows and moos and oinks come out of him- to the great consternation of George’s mother, of course. George’s mom decides to take him to the vet, who pulls on a latex glove and fishes out of George a cat, a duck, a pig and a cow. It would seem that the vet has saved the day and George has been cured, but a twist at the end shows us that George has yet another problem. Jules Feiffer’s bold illustrations are the highlight of this hilarious book. The expressive faces of George, his mom and the other animals display a huge range of emotions from dismay, shock, and frustration, to determination, gratitude and elation. Adults will likely empathize with the plight of George’s mom. This book is a hit with kids and parents and is sure to elicit laughs.