Pamela Paul
Bailey is the kind of large-size picture book that feels instantly appropriate for both preschool jitters at home and circle time in class come September. There's plenty of humor, but the book is free of the snark that has been insinuating itself into school-related stories, even those aimed at very young children. And while Bailey includes lots of comics-style thought- and speech-bubbles, the pages remain uncluttered and easy to follow.
—The New York Times
Publishers Weekly
Bliss's engaging vignettes follow Bailey the flop-eared hound as he trundles through a day at school. He's not like Mary's little lamb—he's a regular attendee. Rather than giving Bailey human characteristics, Bliss (Luke on the Loose) finds laughs in Bailey's irrepressibly doggy nature. Bailey can't speak, so his thoughts appear in balloons, just like those of his human classmates; when he rides the school bus, he sticks his snout out the window and thinks, "Faster! Faster!" Naturally, he's eaten his own homework ("Next time, try a banana," the school's male nurse advises when Bailey shows up with a stomachache). His school report is on FDR's dog Fala (Bliss prompts those who don't recognize the name with a student's thought bubble, "Oh! He's that man on the dime!"), and he howls through chorus practice. There's no tension to the story; Bailey transgresses, but the kids tolerate canine faults like digging through the cafeteria garbage, and the teacher wakes him when he naps. It's fine low-key entertainment, and Bailey's trials will elicit empathy and giggles from school-aged readers. Ages 3–6. (Aug.)
School Library Journal - Audio
12/01/2014
PreS-K—Listeners will enjoy spending the school day with Bailey the dog in this funny audiobook. Children will find his antics humorous from the moment the early bird wakes Bailey up and al throughout his eventful day at school, which includes a party for his teacher, a trip to the nurse's office, and the school bus ride home. The narration by Kirby Heyborne, who skillfully gives a distinctive voice to each of the characters, makes it easy to follow along with or without the book. A fun story to read and listen to. Recommended.—Amy Joslyn, Fairport Public Library, NY
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2—Bailey is the most enthusiastic student in his class. No matter what the task, he is completely involved. After he races to catch the school bus, he has math and reading, recess and lunch, just like all the kids. But hold on. Bailey is not a kid—he's a spirited, spotted dog with floppy ears. Deceptively simple cartoon illustrations belie the brilliance of the story. How the pup manages the everyday classroom occurrences makes this picture book perfect. When the teacher asks about Bailey's homework, his thought bubble shows him chomping on it (next page, he visits the nurse). Bailey wows his classmates with a report on FDR's dog, Fala, and makes short work of digging holes for plants in the school garden. From the facial expressions to the titles of the books Bailey reads, no opportunity is lost for fleshing out this character; and laughs abound on every page. This one will be a favorite of adults and kids alike. A great way to start off the school year, Bailey is pure Bliss.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA—
