Barney the Boat Dog is fun, warm and a delight to read for boys and girls, alike. Jims grandson Freddie has come to stay with Barney and Jim for a few days, but Freddies parents think Jims getting too old to live on a narrowboat and that he should sell Whistling Jack and buy a bungalow. Jims not at all happy about this and gets very anxious. When Jim starts sleepwalking Barney knows he must keep a careful eye on Jim and when Jim falls and breaks his leg its Barney who comes to the rescue. Luckily, Barney has made another dog friend and so Barney manages to raise this dogs owner who calls the ambulance. Despite Jims leg being in plaster Freddie and Jim enjoy their few days together and Jim finds a way to carry on living the life he loves - on Whistling Jack with Barney.