Published Books
Once Upon a Goat
by Dan Richards, Illustrated by Eric Barclay Knopf Books for Young Readers / Penguin Random House Once upon a time, a very prim and proper king and queen begged their fairy godmother for a child. They'd prefer a boy, with glowing skin, bright eyes, and two roses for lips . . . but any kid will do. When they find themselves gifted with a baby goat (also known as a kid) instead, they can't imagine how he'll fit into their lives. But of course, it isn't long before he's part of the royal family. Praise for Once Upon a Goat “A fresh, amusing, kindhearted picture book." --Booklist, starred review "With its gentle morals of acceptance, not judging by appearances, and being open to outcomes different than expectations, this is a lovely family read-aloud." --Kirkus Awards Junior Library Guild Selection, 2019 IndieNext Selection, 2019 |
Sheep Dog and Sheep Sheep
by Eric Barclay Harper Collins Sheep is an expert at protecting sheep—or so she thinks until one happy afternoon when she bumps into a very hairy someone on the farm. “Who are you?” she asks. “I’m the sheep dog!” the someone says. “I watch the sheep.” Holy begonia! Sheep knows this can’t be right. After all, she’s the pro! So Sheep goes off to get everything Sheep Dog needs to get the job done, but each time she goes, something almost happens to Sheep… Praise for Sheep Dog and Sheep Sheep “Barclay’s quick-witted text is as endearing as his pastel pencil and Photoshop illustrations, which feature an expressive, free-spirited sheep alongside a deeply caring, albeit stoic sheep dog.” --School Library Journal Awards Junior Library Guild Selection, 2019 |
My Pet Wants a Pet
by Elise Broach, Illustrated by Eric Barclay Henry Holt / Christy Ottaviano Books Once there was a boy who wanted something to take care of. Something of his very own. He begged his mother for a puppy. Until she said YES! The boy loved his puppy. He fed him and played with him and cuddled him. But soon, the dog wanted something to take care of--something of his very own. So the dog gets a pet cat; then the cat gets a pet bird; the bird gets a pet worm; the worm gets a pet flea . . . and on and on it goes as utter chaos ensues. Praise for My Pet Wants a Pet "Barclay’s illustrations are jaunty and cartoonlike, reminiscent of the work of Richard Scarry, with all characters―two-legged, four-legged, or no-legged―having a fantastic time playing and chasing each other. . . Great comedy throughout, with an inspiring closer." --Booklist Awards Parent's Magazine Best Picture Book, 2018 |
How to Dress a Dragon
by Thelma Godin, Illustrated by Eric Barclay Scholastic Press If you have to dress a dragon, you must be prepared to catch him as he flies by. Also, beware of ticklish toes, shirts with buttons, and hats that do not fit neatly between his horns! In this charming, second-person narrative, our little boy hero imparts his infinite knowledge of how to dress a dragon, a task that isn't quite as easy as it may seem. Praise for How to Dress a Dragon "This playful romp through a familiar morning routine includes fierce, determined scowls at some fashion options and gleeful clapping (for froggy boots) at others. Simple, direct text and the extra-large dragon squeezing into tiny clothes–plus the underwear endpapers–make for fine fun." --Kirkus Reviews |
I Can See Just Fine
by Eric Barclay Abrams Appleseed Paige is just like every other kid. She goes to school. She practices her violin. She plays outside. The only problem is, she cannot quite see the chalkboard, her sheet music, or anything else! Despite Paige’s repeated refrain of “I can see just fine,” the comical illustrations portray a different story. Paige’s parents decide it’s time for her to visit the eye doctor, despite her protests. But Paige’s stubbornness quickly dissolves as she braves an enthralling eye checkup, enjoys a playful frame selection, and, most importantly, ends up with perfect eyesight! Barclay successfully depicts a very real and relevant issue with lightheartedness and gentle humor. Young readers will relate to Paige’s journey and celebrate her triumph of seeing clearly in the end. Praise for I Can See Just Fine "It’s a useful, non-didactic story for kids in Paige’s situation—and utterly fun, too.” --Publishers Weekly |
Hiding Phil
by Eric Barclay Scholastic Press Hiding Phil, the hilarious story about three siblings and their mission to hide a beloved elephant named Phil, will have readers rolling on the floor with laughter! In this story, three siblings come upon an elephant named Phil and decide to bring him home. "Our parents will love Phil!" they cry out excitedly. Until it dawns on them: "Uh, oh . . ." No they won't! So what do they do? Try to hide him, of course! They try to stuff him into their doghouse--but he's too big. They throw a sheet over him with a sign that reads, "Club House: Keep Out!" But their parents still inquire, "Um, is that an elephant?" Can the kids convince their parents to keep Phil, or will they have to bring him back where he belongs? Praise for Hiding Phil "Large, cheerful illustrations with spare text in dialogue balloons make this a fun read. It is Phil's playful personality that makes the book so charming.” --School Library Journal, Janene Corbin |
Counting Dogs
By Eric Barclay SmartInk Press Counting Dogs is an interactive counting book for toddlers. Counting Dogs has a unique book-in-a-box format with humorous illustrations that will keep toddlers engaged. The book is currently available in Germany, Finland, and France, and is slated to hit the US market soon. |
Rainbow Cats
By Eric Barclay SmartInk Press The companion book to Counting Dogs, Rainbow Cats is an interactive colors book for toddlers. Like its counterpart, Rainbow Cats is also in the book-in-a-box format. The book is currently available in Germany, Finland, and France, and will be launching in the US soon. |