Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Abused puppy learns to trust in perfect boy-and-dog tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Born in a puppy mill to a loving mom who can only protect him with good advice, then sold to an abusive family who eventually dump him with the garbage, THE DOG WHO LOST HIS BARK is shut down and determined to never trust another human. Then Patrick, who's wanted a dog all his life, goes to the shelter and decides he's the one. Dubbed Oz because he has an Australia-shaped spot, and because Patrick's fiddler father is on a seemingly endless tour there, the puppy is determined not to be fooled by human tricks again. But Patrick is patient (even when Oz poops in his shoes). When Oz starts howling along to Patrick's violin from Beethoven to Star Wars, it's a breakthrough. But there's still a lot of stuff ahead for these two.
Is It Any Good?
Eoin Colfer spins a perfect boy-dog tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats (and grabbing the occasional Kleenex) as an abused puppy learns to trust his new, loving family. The boy Patrick, his mom, and granddad are all dealing with their own worries, but determined to help The Dog Who Lost His Bark find his courage again.
Th story is often emotionally harrowing, particularly describing the all-too-relatable abuse and abandonment of a young puppy who's trying to do the right thing, or a kid wondering why his father seems to be avoiding coming home. Ever. The power of love turns out to be strong, even when bad things happen and people do stupid things.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories that focus on dogs and the kids who love them, like The Dog Who Lost His Bark. What other stories have you read about kids and dogs? How does this one compare?
Music plays a big role in this story, as most of the humans are musicians. Do you play an instrument? Do you like it, or is it just something you have to do?
Puppy Oz's fortunes take a turn for the better when he lands at an animal rescue. Are there animal rescues near where you live? Do you think you might want to visit or volunteer with the animals?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : P. J. Lynch
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Animals , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Candlewick
- Publication date : September 10, 2019
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 7 - 12
- Number of pages : 144
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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