Barnacle Is Bored

Barnacle is stuck on the underside of a pier, wishing he had something to do. Every day is exactly the same. Boring! Barnacle wants something exciting to happen.

Publication date: May 10, 2016
Publisher/imprint: Scholastic Inc.
Age range: 3-5
ISBN: 978-0545865043

reviews

  • This playful book addresses the universal problem of feeling bored while everyone else appears to be having a great time…Barnacle's round eyes and expressive eyebrows create endearing and silly expressions. High-contrast speech bubbles contain one sentence per page. VERDICT A light and accessible read.” -

    School Library Journal

  • "In a mischievous skit of a story, Geisel Award Honoree Fenske (A Pig, a Fox, and a Box) introduces a dyspeptic barnacle for whom the sea grass is always greener–until it isn't. ...From narration that consists entirely of Barnacle's mopey monologue to a dockside environment defined by creamy blue water, a bit of sand, and a couple planks, Fenske keeps it simple, deploying his closing jokes with confident comic timing."

    Publishers Weekly

  • "What better protagonist could there be to illustrate boredom than a sedentary barnacle? ...This tale where 'the seaweed is always greener' is an entertaining antidote to boredom."

    Booklist

  • "Fenske's open, flat-colored, loose-lined, animated cartoon style and simple dialogue-bubble text in a large, bold font are inviting for new readers."

    Kirkus

awards & lists

Each One Read One selection, Clark County School District (NV), 2019

Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award Nominee, Missouri Library Association, 2018

Editor’s Pick, Amazon.com

interviews

Watch.Connect.Read. - Interview with Mr. Schu