Barkell and Mr Arkell

Mr Arkell cannot keep up with the daily mishaps his large dog Barkell causes in his local neighbourhood. But this is no ordinary neighbourhood, this tale is drawn from a true story set in Auckland's lost suburb Newton East circa 1870-1910.

True life characters and their living conditions are hilariously revealed as Barkell single handedly causes carnage. Barkell's antics propel his busy master Mr Arkellinto deciding to help his neighbours by standing for Mayor against Auckland's local hero Dr John Logan Campbell.

This book is capable of being loved at different levels. A young child may delight inthe simple story of a man and his dog. An older child, partnered with an adult, can use the research tools found at the back of the book to discover more about the characters' lives in Newton East. Adults will be captivated by the historic panorama that captures a snapshot of a forgotten time and place, right in the heart of a developing Aotearoa.