Bark, George: An Award-Winning Picture Book About a Dog Who Can't Bark

by Jules Feiffer

"Bark, George," says George's mother, and George goes: "Meow," which definitely isn't right, because George is a dog.

And so is his mother, who repeats, "Bark, George." And George goes, "Quack, quack."

What's going on with George? Find out in this hilarious new picture book from Jules Feiffer.

Genres: Picture Books, Storytime, Childrens, Animals, Dogs, Humor, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published June 3, 1999

About the author

Jules Feiffer was an American cartoonist, playwright, screenwriter, and author whose work left a significant imprint on American satire and cultural commentary. Emerging from the postwar era of newspaper comics, he first gained recognition through his long-running comic strip published in The Village Voice, where his loose, expressive line drawings and psychologically sharp dialogue captured the anxieties, contradictions, and social performances of contemporary life. Feiffer used humor to critique politics, relationships, and everyday neuroses, developing a voice that felt conversational, self-aware, and deeply engaged with the shifting cultural moods of the United States. His graphic style, which often emphasized gesture and tone over detailed renderings, was equally distinctive, and helped expand the visual vocabulary of editorial and literary cartooning. Beyond his cartoons, Feiffer became an accomplished writer for stage and screen; his play Little Murders offered a darkly comic exploration of violence and alienation in urban America, while his screenplay for Mike Nichols’s film Carnal Knowledge drew widespread attention for its unflinching examination of intimacy and desire. Feiffer also wrote children’s books, including the popular The Phantom Tollbooth, for which he provided the illustrations that helped establish the book’s imaginative visual identity. He demonstrated an enduring commitment to making art accessible, engaging with students and general audiences alike through teaching and public appearances, and continued producing work across multiple genres throughout his life. His comics and writings were often autobiographical in spirit, even when fictionalized, providing commentary on his experiences growing up in New York and moving through decades of cultural change. Feiffer received numerous honors for his contributions to American arts, including major awards recognizing his innovation in cartooning, his influence on graphic storytelling, and his impact on theater and film. His later work included longer-form graphic novels and personal memoirs, reflecting on childhood, family, and the evolution of his artistic voice. Feiffer remained an active and inquisitive creator well into his later years, consistently exploring new creative forms and responding to contemporary political and social issues. His legacy is seen in the work of generations of cartoonists and writers who drew inspiration from his willingness to bring emotional depth, social critique, and literary ambition to comics and satire. Feiffer’s work stands as a testament to the power of humor to illuminate the complexities of human behavior and the cultural forces that shape everyday life.

Reviews

[Beth]

First and second graders love this book. It is too cute. They think they know how it ends and get a surprise.

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A now classic told and illustrated by the classic Jules Feiffer, with great illustrations and a funny take on the somewhat familiar story of an animal or animals who for some reason do not make the sounds they are supposed to make. This one is for younguns, obviously but if you like Feiffer as I do, it is better than a lot of kid stuff because it has a little edge to it. A couple surprises in it.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book! I loved it! So cleverly comical. You and your kiddo will enjoy this - so I'm definitely putting this on the-must-read-list!

Ages: 3 - 7

**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!

Visit my website!

[Scottsdale Public Library]

This is one of my favorite picture books to recommend for anyone looking for something fun to read to their little one. The illustrations are hilarious as you see George's mother see what her pup has been up to. This is a classic not to be missed! – Wendy M.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a reason (actually many reasons) that George is not barking. You'll laugh when you find out why. Very cute book, with funny, cartoonish illustrations by the author.

[Amy Seto · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Bark, George,” says George’s mother. Unfortunately, George makes everyone sound but a proper doggy “Arf.” He meows, moos, and oinks, but he just can’t seem to bark. So his mother takes him to the vet. When George meows instead of barking, the vet reaches inside George’s mouth and pulls out a live cat! Finally, after pulling out a duck, a pig, and a cow, George is able to bark. Walking home, his mother proudly says, “Bark, George.” George says: “Hello.”

The text is concise and full of dialogue, which makes this a quick and fun read aloud book. Kids will enjoy the funny ending and the repeated refrain, “Bark, George.” And although it may seem gross that George has animals living inside his stomach, most kids will find this element hilarious rather than off-putting. The illustrations use loose line work and bright backgrounds to create exaggerated and expressive characters.

Full Review at Picture-Book-a-Day: http://picturebookaday.blogspot.com/2...

[Prince William Public Libraries · Rating 5 out of 5]

George is a dog. George's mother wants him to bark. George makes other animals noises instead, so his mother brings him to the vet. Hilarity ensues.

Bark, George is my favorite book to read aloud. It's simple, interactive, repetitive, and funny. The text is concise, the colors are bold, and the illustrations are large, clear, and expressive. It's a brilliant conceit that builds to a perfect punchline. I never tire of reading it at story times, on school visits, or at home to my children.

- John D.

Click here to find the book at the Prince William County Public Library System.

Click here to find the audiobook at the Prince William County Public Library System.

[Erica Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The picture book Bark George has always been one of my favorites since I was a small child. This book is about a mother dog who is trying to teach her puppy, George, to make the sound of a dog "arf." To her surprise George lets out other sounds of different animals such as a duck, pig, cat, cow, etc. I would use this book in a classroom setting where children are starting to associate familiar sounds with what type of animal they come from. This picture book keeps the illustrations very simple with a solid background on each page, and keeping the mother dog, George, and the doctor placed consistently throughout the book. Most small children would enjoy this book because they can find humor in the different sounds the dog makes before he can actually "arf." Most children are aware of the sounds dogs make, and when George is constantly letting out another sound other than a dog bark, children will find it silly or funny. This book would fit nicely in a curriculum with pets or animals unit in a classroom setting.

[Joey Hines · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably my favorite storytime book. I could read it in a boring monotone, and kids would still love it. It's a masterful combination of elements: adorable illustrations, easily recognizable animal sounds, a genuinely funny story, and a tone that is both irreverent and unobjectionable. Just awesome.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book. Loved George's mom's facial expressions!

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my go to books for story time. Kids love this book, and I always have them act the book out with me. If you ever need a smile, read it. Over and over and over.......

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my dog’s favorite book. She cries when it’s done because she wants me to keep talking. So I have to read it again ... every time. She’s a 6 lb chihuahua.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very silly in all the ways my kiddo loved.

[Carson Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't met a book with a dog in it that I haven't liked yet. "Bark, George" is no exception! This is an adorable book about a puppy named George who cannot seem to bark for his mother. No matter how many times she tries to get him to bark, George always says the sound of another animal from "meow" to "moo." The mom's facial expression in the illustrations are priceless and I think show true frustration that would come from any parent, human or animal. Eventually the mother takes him to the vet and the vet begins to pull out all of the animals that George has been making sounds from. Finally, George can bark! The mother is so proud she wants to show him off to everyone and he ends up saying "hello!"

This book would be good for lower elementary grades from as low as Pre-K up to 2nd or possibly 3rd grade. "Bark, George" would be a good book to use for teaching predictions. Since George continually makes animal noises that do not fit him, you could ask students predict why he is not barking and what noises he might make next. Also, since the end is unexpected and it doesn't explicitly explain why George says "hello" you could ask students to think critically about why George is not barking again and saying hello instead.

This is a WOW book for me because it is full of fun surprises. When you start out you have no idea what could possibly be wrong with George. Then at the end, I had a good laugh myself when George said "hello." Any book that can keep children and adults both on their toes makes for a great book! I love being able to enjoy books along with my students.

[Relyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading and loving this book for years. I can't believe I never put it on here. This is the best, best, best read aloud book ever written. Seriously! I have been known to read it aloud to adults - at Thanksgiving, at book club, etc. Wonderful book and it never fails to please.

Bark, George is one of my all time favorite children's books. I read it each year during meet your teacher. It never fails to get the kids pumped up about reading and read aloud. This year I drug it back out as an author example for a series of writing mini-lessons on repeating lines.

Classroom Connections
Good writers use repeating lines because they are fun for the reader and they help the reader to predict coming action.


August 25, 2016
I've been an elementary school librarian for a little over a week. This is the book I choose for my first read aloud. I read this book aloud 23 times in one week, reading to every grade level from K to 4 all week long. This book is a universal hit. I have not met a single child or adult who doesn't love it. Bark, George really is a perfect book. I wish I had a video of all the Kindergartners laughing and exclaiming at the very last line of the book - pure joy to watch.

August 15, 2017
I read this book again to all the students in library. All the students who were here last year clapped and cheered that I was reading it again. This is a wonderful book!

[Ed]

Judging by the sample page here: http://www.julesfeiffer.com/nubark.html
I am literally on the edge of my seat wondering if George, despite his mother's patient educational tactics, will ever say what Dogs are meant to say. What is George's motivation...is he a slow learner, confused, petulant? I guess I'll have to read it to find out. Where did he learn to Quack? I should just read it rather than manufacturing these speculations.

[midnightfaerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mildly entertaining for our family, my 5 yr old tells me the idea was a fun one, but dogs get boring and there was nothing special about this one. Perhaps we read it too soon after reading the book called "There was an old woman who swallowed a fly"? Either way, my preschoolers seemed to enjoy it more. At the very least it kept them engaged and following along, which is always a difficult thing to do with 2 yr olds.

[Octavia Cade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I've had a small run of not-great picture books lately (I'm reading my way through the New York Library's list of 100 Great Children's Books, and there's been some difference of opinion) but this is hilarious. George's mother, in particular, is fantastic - each time I turned the page and saw her expression when faced with another indication that her precious pup was a greedy idiot I laughed my arse off. Delightful.

[Sophonie Joseph-Canel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so funny, and relate able. Poor George just cant get it right. Mama wants him to bark, but he just cant do it. This book is a great example of our special needs children that simply has a mind of their own and will do as they please. I absolutely love this book. In the end there was nothing wrong with George, except he wasn't barking!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found something off-putting about the illustrations, but it was not enough to stop my enjoyment of this story. The story itself is absolutely hilarious (with a fun surprise ending) and is sure to be a hit with story time groups and young readers.

[Marlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

George's mother is trying to teach him how a puppy barks. Something is wrong and George must take a trip to the vet to see if they can fix it. Funny story.

[Jenncw]

This is a cute book. Watch the mother dog in the illustrations. Her body language is very funny.

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very simple pictures & kind of a slow start but it gets funnier & funnier! The kids burst out at the end & had to read it to their dad when he got home 💝

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!

[Jamison Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my very favorites. Ambiguous ending, it can leave you really thinking for days. This is an original!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never read this book and decided to listen to it read by John Lithgow. It gave me a good chuckle.

[Mela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best plot twist in history

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book received Great Start as part of Baby/Toddler Time at our local library

This is one of my favorite books to read to kids! I love to make it an interactive story with my 2-year-old granddaughter!

George's mother wants him to bark but every time he tries, his bark is a different animal sound. He meows, quacks, moos; but he doesn't bark. When George's mother takes him to the vet, the doctor discovers lots of animals living inside of George. Once they are all removed, George can finally bark! On the way home from the vet, George and his mother are surprised when George tries to bark at all the people on the sidewalk!

This is such a fun book for toddlers-1st graders! It's terrific for parents, grandparents and other caregivers to share with the little in their lives!

[Pauline]

Le livre de mon enfance
(Comment retournez à cette époque pitié ?)

[Wanda Festi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterpiece