Barnaby the Bedbug Detective

February 15, 2013
Barnaby is a rescue dog who is adopted and trained as a bedbug-searching detection dog in this informative story on a current, widespread woe. At the animal shelter, the appealing terrier is passed over for adoption by several families due to his rambunctious personality, but a pleasant woman named Martha selects Barnaby as her companion and potential detection dog. She sends Barnaby to a professional school for bedbug dog detectives, where he is trained, along with Martha as his handler, in how to sniff out the unwelcome pests. After graduation, they take on freelance jobs searching for bedbugs in a movie theater, a hotel and other locations. In their next job, they assist a family with three children in their home, where Barnaby finds bedbugs in the daughter's bedroom. Information about bedbugs and how they are located and removed is skillfully woven into the text, which is narrated by Barnaby. Additional facts about bedbugs are included in the endpapers and backmatter, though a depiction of the actual size of bedbugs is lacking. Cheery illustrations painted in acrylics help to create believable, engaging characters and a positive atmosphere. Overall, a reassuring introduction to a potentially scary subject, and just the thing for a family that needs "something on bedbugs." (afterword, bibliography) (Informational picture book. 4-8)

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March 1, 2013

K-Gr 2-Stier visits a timely subject in this informational picture book. Barnaby is an exuberant shelter dog, finally adopted by Martha, who thinks he'd make a perfect bedbug sniffer. They both attend training, and the pup proves to be an apt pupil. After graduating, they visit a hotel, cinema, college dorm, and various other places before going to a family's home. While there, Barnaby finds bedbugs, making the little girl upset. He is distraught at making her unhappy until her brother tells him that he is a hero. Anthropomorphism aside, there is plenty of useful information here, including endpapers with bedbug facts, and tips for preventing infestation, and how to find evidence of bedbugs. The friendly illustrations dispel some of the misconceptions about bedbugs (they are not attracted to dirty homes).-B. Allison Gray, Goleta Public Library, CA

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2013
Shelter dog Barnaby dreams of being a hero. When Martha adopts him and trains him in bedbug-detecting, Barnaby finally gets his opportunity to help people. Although the text maintains an upbeat tone, it clumsily weaves in information on bedbugs that may leave readers feeling squeamish. The illustrations add much-needed levity to the itchy subject matter. Bedbug facts are appended. Reading list, websites.

(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)