Only One Woof

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

This is the British veterinarian's second book for children and surely destined to join all his stories on bestseller lists. Herriot's understated narrative stars Gyp and Sweep, sheepdog brothers with an extraordinary love for each other. Their owners, Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins, sell Sweep to a farmer but keep Gyp becauseas they tell the authorhe has never once barked. A year later, the Wilkinses take Gyp to a sheepdog trial where Sweep is performing admirably. Gyp watches intently and, as his brother guides the last of his flock into the pen, the soundless dog barks a single woof, before running to join Sweep in lusty play as in their puppy days. And that, Herriot declares, was the only time Gyp felt it necessary to give voice. Although Barrett's humans are stiff and unexpressive, his full-color paintings of animals and of the unspoiled, serene English countryside are simply wonderful. 175,000 first printing; $50,000 ad/promo; first serial rights to Redbook; BOMC selection. (All ages)

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3 The Yorkshire vet tells the story of two sheepdog puppies, Gyp and Sweep, born on Mr. Wilkin's farm. Sweep is taken by another family and turns out to be an excellent sheepdog. His brother remains at Mr. Wilkins and never barks. At the sheepdog trials Gyp sees Sweep and he ``woofs'' in recognitionthe only time in his life that Gyp ever barks. The pretty, softly colored realistic illustrations nicely convey the feeling of the English countryside and the character of the dogs. This low-key story is similar in format and mood to Herriot's Moses the Kitten (St. Martin's Pr, 1984) and will appeal more to adult Herriot fans than young listeners. More daring dog adventures can be found in Angus Lost (Doubleday, 1941) by Flack, Goggles (Macmillan, 1971) by Keats or the ``Harry'' series (Harper) by Zion.Lorraine Douglas, Winnipeg Pub . Lib . , Manitoba, Can .