Barkis
Story and Pictures by Clare Turlay Newberry
Bio from: http://www.childrensliteraturenetwork.com/birthbios/brthpage/04apr/4-10newberry.html
Clare Turlay Newberry was born on April 10, 1903, in Enterprise, Oregon. She studied art at the University of Oregon, the California School of Fine Arts, and at La Grand Chaumiere in Paris, France. She focused on portrait painting but, in 1931, she wrote and illustrated her first book for children, Herbert the Lion. Ms. Newberry died in 1970 in San Diego, California.
Book Summary
A young boy, James just turns 9 years old. The party is over, the gifts opened and then Uncle Jimmy shows up with a large box.
“In the bottom of the box, peering anxiously up at him, sat a small, solemn, brown puppy. His short tail began to way when he saw James, but his dark eyes remained anxious and pleading.”
Thus begins the story of James and his new gift named Barkis!
Illustrations: LOVE these!!!!! They are soft and realistic! They are gentle and magical! The illustrations are gently placed on the oversized pages of the book. Barkis the Cocker Spanial is the main character along with a cat named Edward. After doing some research I have discovered that Ms. Newberry was very well known for her art work with cats. She adored animals, cats the most. The gently touch of water color adds the soft touch, making me just want to scoop up Barkis and Edward and squeeze them!
Art Medium: She primarily worked in watercolor and Conte crayon on velour pastel paper. Her children and pets were her inspiration for her animal books, many of which are in print today. April’s Kittens, Marshmallow, and T-Bone were all Caldecott Honor books. She was praised by critics for "instilling in children a compassion and sense of responsibility for animals."
Another reason to visit the University of Oregon: More art to look at! This is the second illustrator to have original art work kept at this location, Wanda Gag was the other. I loved her art work as well.
Guide to Clare Turlay Newberry Papers
1910-1969
Creator: | Newberry, Clare Turlay, 1903- |
Title: | Clare Turlay Newberry Papers |
Dates: | 1910-1969 ( inclusive ) |
Quantity: | .25 linear feet (1 container) |
Collection Number: | Ax 681 |
Summary: | Collection comprises literary manuscripts and book illustrations by American artist Clare Newberry, including 242 original drawings, sketches and illustrations; three book dummies; and scrapbooks from childhood and early school days. |
Repository: | University of Oregon Libraries Special Collections & University Archives 1299 University of Oregon Eugene, OR 97403-1299 USA URL: http://libweb.uoregon.edu/speccoll/index.html |
Final Thoughts:
1. Would this be a book I would pick up again? YES
2. Would I recommend it to others to search out and take a look at? YES
3. Would I spend my hard earned money on the book? I did! Well Worth it! Darling story and pictures! I will lend it if you are interested.
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