The Dog Who Lost His Bark
Eoin Colfer, Author
P.J. Lynch, Illustrator
Candlewick Press, Fiction, Sep. 10, 2019
Pages: 144
Suitable for Ages: 7-10 years
Themes: Boy, Dog, Rescue shelter, Divorce, Music, Multigenerational family
Opening: “The LOUD MAN called him DOG. Or PUP. Or MONGREL. But mostly DOG.”
Synopsis: Patrick Coin’s dad is a musician and in Australia, while Patrick and his mother are spending their summer vacation at Grandad’s house. Patrick is puzzled by his father’s absence and isn’t satisfied with his mother’s answers. She suggests Patrick get a dog.
Patrick has longed for a dog of his own forever. With his father away, he could use a best friend more than ever. Grandad suggests they visit the local rescue shelter. Patrick chooses a small, sad dog in the last cage. He names him Oz.
In his short doggy life, Oz has suffered at the hands of bad people. Somewhere out there, he believes, is an awesome boy — his boy. And maybe, when they find each other, Oz will learn to bark again.
Why I like this book:
The cover shouts “read me.” Dog’s face is so sad and lonely. Nearly every page is accompanied by P.J. Lynch’s realistic and expressive pencil illustrations that illuminate Eoin Colfer’s heartwarming story and makes it sing.
Readers first meet Dog, who is mistreated and discarded in a dump by previous owners. Dog stops barking because he knows barking means no food and trouble. He’s rescued and taken to a shelter. When Patrick meets Dog, he sees the pup as a “potential soul mate.” Patrick names him Oz. Dog is cautious and afraid, but Patrick is patient and loving.
The story also follows Patrick who has to cope with an absentee father, his parents’ separation and new partners, and some tough choices to make. Foturnately Patrick has a strong bond with his grandfather and a devoted dog who loves him. I enjoy reading stories about multigenerational relationships.
I love how Colfer uses the power of music to heal the mistreated dog, and later, Patrick. When Grandad plays a melody on a tin whistle, Oz whines most of the tune back to him. Patrick pulls out his violin and starts to play a tune and Oz howls it back to him. Oz finds music soothing and the two create a bond of trust, that carries through to the end of the story, when Patrick discovers the truth of his parents’ separation. Oz knows what Patrick needs to heal.
This inspiring story by Eoin Colfer, internationally best-selling author of the Artemis Fowl fantasy series, is certain to enchant many readers, who will undoubtedly relate to Patrick’s sitution.
*Copy provided by the publisher.
Children's Books Heal 
Sounds like a sweet story. And so different from the author’s other series.
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Yes, it is very different. I loved the musical family and how that played out in the story.
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Hadn’t heard of this book, so thank you for bringing it to my attention. I read the first three Artemis Fowl books as they pubbed, but didn’t stick with the series after that. This sounds like it’s for a much younger audience!
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It is perfect for a younger audience. Heartwarming with unusual themes.
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Om my, that cover. I just want to cuddle the puppy. This sounds like a great book. I can think of a few young folks who would like it. (and some big folks too)
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Yes, it is a sweet cover and a really good book for beginning readers.
Check your e-mail — I sent you a message.
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I read and reviewed this book. I loved every part of it, especially the artwork. This author captured a dog’s voice perfectly in my opinion (pun intended, yet comment serious). I highly recommend this book to all.
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Yes, I agree that the artwork was outstanding for young readers. And the author did an exceptional job of capturing the dog’s voice.
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Interesting. I love Colfer’s books. This one sounds… different than his usual style. Will definitely check it out because NOW I’m curious!
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It’s a unique story and I know you’ll love it!
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This sounds like a touching story about the very important issues of animal abuse and rescue. I got tears in my eyes just looking at the cover art . . . Thank you for posting about this gem for MMGM, Patricia.
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Yes, the opening is sad, but the story is hopeful! And it is a GEM!
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Oh, my. I can’t resist the cover! My son, even at the advanced age of 16 would still love to read this book. He loves all things dog, and read all of the Animal Ark books about saving strays and the like. I’d probably need a tissue or two to make it through….
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That cover is a winner — draws you to the story. It’s sad but hopeful! And I like how the author captured the dog’s voice.
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From Artemis Fowl to a cute dog story. This author isn’t sticking to one genre. The cover and story should pull in many readers including myself. Thanks for the preview.
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Think you’d enjoy this story — quick read!
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Lucky Patrick found Oz and figured out how to help him. I mean – no bark!? What a nightmare. The mailman will just run around willy-nilly delivering mail. The maintenance staff will just clean and repair things whenever they please. GAH! Doggies need to bark to be in charge and keep things in order…
Love and licks,
Cupcake
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Cupcake, you need to have your mom read you this story. It’s sad, but healing!
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Oh my gosh, yes. I don’t think I could see that cover and not start to read the book. And I love a doggy POV!
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It’s a compelling story for kids who love dogs. The beginning is a bit sad, but it sets up the story nicely.
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I loved this little book too. That cover just captured me and the story is great. Thanks for reminding me of this one.
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Yes, I waited to share my review on MMGM. It is a heartwarming story!
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This book sounds so wholesome in so many ways?? Oh my gosh. I love how it follows a rescued dog AND incorporates music into it! The title reminds me of when my cat meowed too much and lost his voice lol, which is quite different from the story of this book–but I thought I’d share? Anyway, I feel like this book is important for both animals and humans, and I’m so happy people are writing about things like this. Awesome post!
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Glad you enjoyed this book. That cover is so adorable. I love all of the animal rescue stories being written for kids. This one has a special twist with the musical theme.
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