“Barkbelly” by Cat Weatherill :: Barkbelly

I think this time, I’ll keep the comments for afterward…

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Barkbelly is a boy who is, at first glance, just like you and me. He has two hands, five fingers on each, two sturdy legs, eyes on his face. But when you look a little closer, get to know him a little, the difference is evident.

Barkbelly is made of wood.

His past is vague, but here is what we know: A few weeks ago, a wooden egg was uncovered by a tractor. An old man by the name of Farmer Gable took it home and left on his window sill, a strangely shaped piece of wood, quickly forgotten. But then, one day, the egg hatched, and Barkbelly was born.

Barkbelly’s new adopted parents watched as he grew to the size of a ten year old in weeks.

But now, the only three week old in school doesn’t fit in very well. Some boys try to include him in a game, but everything goes awry. A freak accident resulting in brutal death. With all eyes on Barkbelly, he turns, and he runs.

But can he always run from his past? Is that all there is for him now? Or can he overcome the tremendous urge to run away, turn around, and face his fears?

***

An interesting book, not spectacular, but alright over all. I liked it, but I found myself reading to finish, and not for the content itself. The idea of a wooden boy was interesting, and the author painted nice pictures with her words, but it was just mediocre.

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3.5 of 5 stars

9+