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Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Mr. Barks A Lot by Fred Derf begins with a man and his wife, Louise, who move from the West Coast to North Carolina for work, soon adopting a Golden Labrador puppy named Fred. Fred quickly becomes house-trained but develops an unexplained fear of newspapers and needs a bit of food monitoring. Fred adapts to the household routine and is quite the barker. To provide companionship, they adopt Nina, a shy Basenji-Chow mix, fearful of men and with a habit of taking things like blankets and jewelry out the dog door. Nina learns to bark from Fred, and they bond, although they occasionally compete for dominance and get into muddy situations. They share walks, vocal reactions to neighborhood activity, and rest, until a third dog named Millie is also adopted.
Mr. Barks A Lot, written by Fred Derf and illustrated by Antoine Curtis, is a heartwarming and socially responsible portrayal of an adopted dog’s life in a busy household. Derf's writing is simple and straightforward, showing us the playful and sometimes chaotic dynamics of pet ownership. The bond between Fred and Nina is particularly touching, and the story has plenty of humor and charm. My youngest reader loved that there were two cats, one of which looked like her own. Curtis’s illustrations perfectly complement the story with a bold, primary color palette that brings the family home and its lively inhabitants to life. The animals are depicted with expressive faces, giving them distinct personalities. The book beautifully balances the ups and downs of pet ownership, from mishaps to tender moments, with a bittersweet ending that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved a pet. Recommended.
