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BARRY, BOYHOUND by Andy Spearman

BARRY, BOYHOUND

by Andy Spearman

Pub Date: Sept. 13th, 2005
ISBN: 0-375-83264-5
Publisher: Random House

The day Barry becomes a boyhound is filled with adventure. Still boy outside but all dog within, he eats disgusting things, swims with a poodle, befriends a dead frog, is attacked by squirrels, captures a sneaker, chases the cat and dismembers a puppet, before Something Truly Awful happens. Being a dog has its disadvantages, after all, but all ends well. Intertwined with the nearly believable events of Barry’s dog life are conversations between two fleas on his head. Perhaps these fleas are the cause of his transformation, but they are unaware, intent on their own dreams. Along with the entertaining story come footnotes, pronunciation guides, numerous possibly relevant illustrations (a close-up of a flea, a sample treasure map, a photo of Beijing rooftops, George Washington Carver, to name but a few), tables, appendices, a timeline and an ample index to everything that is mentioned in the book. For boys (or even girls) who appreciate wacky humor and interesting facts, this is a perfect package. (Fiction. 8-12)