Fergus Barnaby Goes on Vacation - Hardcover

"The illustrations are skillfully rendered in a splashy, textured watercolor style, with lots of interesting details. The free-spirited illustrations, the detailed urban setting, and Fergus' close connections with his friends are sure to make this a hit with every child looking forward to a trip."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Fergus Barnaby the little bear lives on the first floor of a four-storied apartment building. As he packs to go on a family vacation, his dad reminds him to check his suitcase for items he may have forgotten. He travels up and down all four floors to retrieve his belongings from his friends giraffe, hippo, and monkey and repeats where he got each item. This repetition will help little ones read the story on their own. The humorous ending will remind readers to always think of their own moms. The soft-focus, cartoon watercolors are expressive and fun. VERDICT: This picture book has the texture of a brick building on the outside, and inside, is reminiscent of life in a friendly apartment building full of family and friends. A fun choice to read-aloud or read alone."
--School Library Journal

"Bold illustrations bring to life an enchanting picture book story for children ages 2 to 5 about friendship and life in the city. "Fergus Barnaby Goes on Vacation" is fully and unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library children's picture book collections."
--The Midwest Book Review

"Young readers will be especially drawn to the bold, bright, and colorful illustrations. Even the cover, showing the Barnaby family's building, is textured, which is a fun and tactile addition to the book. The illustrations also lay out the inside of the building, which will help readers in their visualizing and spatial awareness. In all, children will find these fun and quirky pictures attractive. This book is also a great way for parents and teachers to teach the skill of sequencing events, as each time Fergus returns to his first-floor house, he passes by his friends and the story repeats the previous events. This also helps in children's reading comprehension. Although the plot itself is quite simple, it has the underlying theme of the importance of community. Fergus is a kind friend, lending his toys to his neighbors, who in turn happily return his things while telling him how they eagerly await his return. It really is a sweet story that children are sure to enjoy. This book would make a great addition to any home, classroom, or school library."
--Catholic Library World

Family, friendship, sharing, vacations, and apartment living are just some of the things that are celebrated in this charming children's book!

Fergus Barnaby is so excited! Mom, Dad, and Fergus are about to go away on vacation for a few days of fun in the sun. But first... Dad tells him to pack everything he needs, and now Fergus has a problem. Fred has his bucket and shovel, Emily Rose has his swimming goggles, and Teddy has his kite. Fergus lives on the first floor, but his friends—and the toys he let them borrow—are all upstairs. So many stairs, so little time! Will Fergus and Daddy remember to pack everything they need to bring? (Hint: this story ends with a surprise and a big laugh!) Lots of bold illustrations and an enchanting story about friendship and life in the city will make Fergus Barnaby one of your child's favorites.