Book Review: Emerson Barks (dog, girl, cat, barking, friends)

Emerson Barks, by Liza Woodruff (Henry Holt & Company, 2016, 32 pages, $16.99, ages 4-8, grades 1 to 2) Available at the Howard County Public Library

Yes, Emerson the Dog Barks

He barks. And barks. And barks. He loves to bark when he gets excited, when he sees friends – just about any time. And little Emerson has a great big bark.

But how much barking is too much?

One day little Emerson finds out: his barking scares off Kissy the cat who runs away so everyone yells at Emerson, from his girl to the postman to the lady next door who lives with Kissy. So Emerson tucks his tail and keeps his barks inside himself. But then his tummy hurts from all the barks kept inside. How long can he keep his barks inside?

What do You Think?

Does Kissy come home? Who finds her? Does Emerson? How? Can a dog learn not to bark so much?

A cute but very short story, Emerson Barks has delightful drawings. Author and illustrator Liza Woodruff depicts the dog’s body language just right – from the wagging tail (vibrating, actually) when he sees a friend, to the tucked tail when he is in trouble, to surprise, to love, to waiting for a bone, to having his tummy rubbed. Plus the simple colored line drawings of the people are also just right.

This is the first book Woodruff has written but the 20th (or more) she has illustrated. We think this is the best! What do you think?