Barkis (children's book) facts for kids
| Author | Clare Turlay Newberry |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Smithmark Publishers |
|
Publication date
|
1938 |
| Pages | unpaged |
| Awards | Caldecott Honor |
Barkis is a charming picture book from 1938, written and illustrated by Clare Turlay Newberry. It tells the story of a playful dog named Barkis and his adventures with a family cat. This book is special because it received a Caldecott Honor in 1939 for its amazing illustrations.
What is Barkis About?
The story of Barkis centers around a cute little cocker spaniel puppy. His name is Barkis, and he is full of energy. Barkis joins a new family, but there's one problem: the family already has a cat.
The cat, named Josephine, is not very happy about the new puppy. She prefers peace and quiet. The book shows the funny ways Barkis tries to make friends with Josephine. It's a classic tale of two pets learning to get along.
Clare Turlay Newberry's drawings bring the characters to life. You can see the puppy's playful spirit and the cat's grumpy expressions. The book is known for its realistic and detailed animal pictures.
Who Was Clare Turlay Newberry?
Clare Turlay Newberry (1903–1970) was an American author and illustrator. She was famous for her children's books, especially those about cats and dogs. She loved animals very much.
Newberry often drew her own pets as models for her books. This helped her capture their true personalities. Her illustrations are known for being soft and detailed. They often show the textures of fur and the gentle movements of animals.
Some of her other popular books include Mittens and April Kittens. She had a unique way of showing the cuteness and mischief of young animals. Her books are still loved by many readers today.
Why is Barkis a Caldecott Honor Book?
The Caldecott Medal is a very important award for children's books. It is given each year to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. A Caldecott Honor means the book was one of the top runners-up.
Barkis received this honor in 1939 because of Clare Turlay Newberry's beautiful artwork. Her illustrations are a big part of why the book is so special. They show the animals in a very realistic and heartwarming way.
The judges recognized her talent for drawing animals with such detail and emotion. Her pictures help tell the story just as much as the words do. This makes Barkis a wonderful example of a well-illustrated picture book.
