July 4, 2017 • Page 8 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Traveling Exhibit Set For Hartington The Bookworm ... For Kids ‘Barkus’ Stands As An Entertaining Summer Read “Barkus” by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by Marc Boutavant; © 2017, Chronicle Kids. 56 pages ——— BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER Remember when your best friend stepped into your life? Was it this year or last when she approached you on the playground? Did you see her in the neighborhood, or at somebody’s birthday party? Or maybe it happened like it did for Nicky: in “Barkus” by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by Marc Boutavant, her BFF walked in on a leash. Uncle Everton was Nicky’s favorite uncle. He was always full of surprises so when he told her that he had a present for her, Nicky knew it would be something good. It was — and it was something BIG, too. Her surprise was a huge, brown, furry, swishy-tailed dog named Barkus. Uncle Everton said Barkus was the “Smartest dog in the whole world.” Barkus could sit and whirl and shake hands. He hardly barked, and he never bit anybody. Nicky loved Barkus immediately. Barkus loved Nicky, too, but he was a bit of “a sneak.” One day, he followed her to school and, because he was smart enough to sit quietly and help with lessons, Mrs. Gregolian said he could stay. On another day, Uncle Everton sent a package. When Nicky opened it, she got another big surprise: the package held a present for Barkus because it was his birthday! So what can you give a smart dog who has everything? How about lots of snow to play in, a “no school” day, and a few toys? How about a birthday party, with lots of noise? Having a big furry dog was great, but Nicky still grew bored sometimes. Even Barkus needed “something new and exciting” so when he came home one day, carrying a tiny object carefully in his mouth, Nicky knew he’d found something that would make their summer even better. It would mean less room in their tent, when camping. It would mean different kinds of snacks at snack-time. It would mean a whole new part to the Nicky-and-Barkus story because Barkus found a baby! A small, furry baby, but not the kind of baby you might think a big, furry dog would love … HARTINGTON, Neb. — Longtime South Dakota residents Brian Joel Damon and Paula Bosco Damon of McCook Lake, are pleased to announce “Intrepid Coalescing,” a traveling art You’ve told your child that she must read at least one book this sum- and poetry exhibit in the Wirth Gallery at the Hartington Public Library, mer. She can’t slide through vacation 106 S. Broadway Ave. without books, period. So why not A collaboration of Brian’s mixed make that one book enjoyable, by giv- media artwork and Paula’s prose poetry, the show opens July 1 and ing her “Barkus” to read? runs through Aug. 26. For animal-loving boys and girls Since November 2016, the who are just starting to tackle chapter couple’s works have traveled to galbooks, author Patricia MacLachlan leries at the Beresford Public Library, and illustrator Marc Boutavant present University of South Dakota, North them with a slight challenge that kids Sioux City Community Library and Le Mars Art Center. can really sink their teeth into. The Presenting a wide body of art title character is a big, goofy mutt and poetry, “Intrepid Coalescing” is with brains, and adventures that are a courageous attempt to marry the mischievous but not malicious. Nicky Damon’s distinctively diverse peris Barkus’ perfect companion and the spectives on their journey together, narrator of this tale. She’s responsible, spanning nearly 50 years. While not a literal chronology of happy, kind, eager for fun and the sort their union, the show bravely and of kid anyone would want for a friend. tenderly articulates the couple’s This book contains no drama. understory. With profound subtlety There’s no edginess to it, and no of poetry as an overlay to multimelessons to be learned here. It’s pure dia, the synergies of art making and storytelling bring about a thoughtentertainment, and 7-to-10-year-olds will love it for that — and if that’s what provoking and passionate reckoning. In September, the traveling you want for your child this summer, exhibit concludes in Sioux Falls, “Barkus” is a step up. finishing 11 months on the road. When Brian recently retired from Scag Liberty Z NEW Scag Tiger Cat NEW 24 H.P Kohler, . 52” Deck Special Buy! 27 H.P Briggs, . 61” Velocity Deck Special Buy! 4,200 7,300 Freedom Z Pro $ $ HAY TARP SALE! NEW For Big Squares Want your business to be seen? Get your display ad here! a 40-year career as a psychotherapist, he returned to college for an art degree and began painting in 2013. Since then, his artwork has been selected for more than 20 juried regional exhibits, including Sioux Falls; Norfolk, Nebraska; and Sioux City, Le Mars and Orange City, Iowa. A prolific writer, Paula’s work has garnered many top writing honors, including numerous First Place Awards in national and state writing competitions. After a long career in marketing communications, she retired in 2014. Today, the author is a marketing communications consultant and syndicated newspaper columnist. Her poems have been published by the South Dakota State Poetry Society, Scurfpea Publishing, Sioux Falls, and Fine Lines Literary Journal, Omaha, Nebraska. She is the author of two books: “Look. Don’t Look,” a compilation of flash non-fiction; and “Passing Notes,” her first collection of poetry. To contact the artists, email brianjoeldamon@gmail.com or boscodamon.paula@gmail.com. The Wirth Gallery is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesday and Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays; and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. 27 H.P Briggs, 61” Deck . 14’x54’, 25’x54’, 33’x54’ Special Buy! 5,995 $ All Tie Downs Included of Tyndall on Hwy. 50 Corner of Hwys. 50 and 5 miles West www.schuurmansfarmsupply.com 37 Ph. 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