A New Barker in The House (Barker Twins) - Hardcover

DePaola, Tomie

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0399238654 ISBN 13: 9780399238659

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile, 2002

Synopsis

The Barker twins, Morgie and Moffie, meet their adopted brother, Marcos, in this wonderful sequel to Meet the Barkers. But Marcos isn't a baby-he's three years old, and he only speaks Spanish. As Marcos plays dollies with Moffie and dinosaurs with Morgie, he's a little bewildered until he gets the twins to understand what he likes to play. As Marcos learns some English, the twins quickly learn some Spanish words and phrases. Soon enough it's clear that with a new Barker in the house, the Barkers are a very happy familia!

About this title

Review:

The Barker twins have a new hermano--brother, that is! Moffie and Morgie, the adorable Welsh terrier pups introduced in Tomie dePaola's Meet the Barkers, are thrilled when their parents announce that they are adopting a 3-year-old boy. But Marcos only speaks Spanish, and he is a little overwhelmed by his new siblings' exuberance. "No Juego!" he finally says. No play. It takes a little adjusting, but soon the Barkers are one big happy familia.

This upbeat, sensitive story about an exciting but challenging situation will warm the hearts of every reader, especially those in adoptive families. Little Marcos is cute as can be, and it's easy to sense his ambivalence about his boisterous, friendly new brother and sister. Readers will cheer when he takes a stand for himself. Everyone in the family quickly learns that they each must learn from the other if they want to create household harmony. Several Spanish words and their translations are sprinkled throughout. (Ages 4 to 7) --Emilie Coulter

From Booklist:

PreS.-Gr. 2. The Barkers are back in a tale of international adoption. When Mama and Papa tell Morgie and Moffie that they are adopting threeyearold Marcos, they explain that the twins can teach him English, as Marcos speaks only Spanish. When he arrives, they overwhelm him with favorite things until Marcos asserts himself and selects his own food, toys, and activities. Accompanied by his favorite conejito (little bunny), Marcos then joins the twins on the playground, teaching them Spanish as they teach him English. With Spanish words woven into the narrative, the bicultural intent of the story is obvious but never didactic. Brimming with dePaola's characteristic charm and clarity, fullpage art and panel illustrations move the tale along visually. In addition to being an upbeat portrayal of international adoption, this is also a subtle lesson in diplomacy for any age. Linda Perkins
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About this edition

• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0399238654
• ISBN 13: 9780399238659
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: DePaola Tomie