Bailey at the Museum

Publishers Weekly

Precocious, school-going dog Bailey joins his human classmates on a field trip to the Museum of Natural History in his second picture book. As the class observes a dinosaur exhibits, Bailey gets distracted by T. rex bones. An understanding museum guard swoops in (“I think he’s hungry. I feel his tummy growling,” he reports), and the two become friends. Bliss strikes a note of hilarity with the combination of serious museum decorum and Bailey’s inability to follow the rules, while dialogue balloons and visual details create a busy, engrossing environment. The tender relationship between Bailey and the steadfast guard is the heart of this light, funny story. Ages 3–6. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (Sept.)

Children's Literature - Vicki Foote

Bailey is a congenial dog who children love to have tagging along with them as they take a school field trip to the Museum of Natural History. In this adventure, which is one of a series of books about "Bailey," he gets to ride on the bus with the other kids, and he is very excited about the trip. Large illustrations with cartoon bubbles show what the kids and Bailey are thinking and saying as they explore the museum. Brief narrative moves the story along. Bailey is a character who sits and stands as people do, but then he does doggy things, too. At the museum, he runs to get a drink from the display fountain. When they come to the replica of a dinosaur, Bailey runs up to chew on one of the bones. He is always lovable and has funny thoughts. He learns about the Stone Age, totem poles, and teepees. He takes a nap in the teepee and then has to search for his class. The usher helps Bailey find his class, and at the end of the story, Bailey falls contentedly asleep on the bus on the way home with a gift from the usher on his lap. Children will enjoy reading about the antics of this cute dog and will learn a bit about what can be found in a museum. It's also a good book to read aloud to young children. The illustrations are large and playful, adding even more fun to the story. Reviewer: Vicki Foote

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2— The friendly pup is back for another adventure. This time, he and his classmates are going to the Museum of Natural History. Once there, Bailey is hard-pressed to follow the rules-there are just so many distractions for a fun-loving dog. Really, how can he resist dinosaur bones? Fortunately, Bailey is befriended by a museum guard who helps keep the little dog safe, or is it the other way around? While fans of Bailey's previous adventure will enjoy the story, extended through the cartoon-style illustrations that feature Bliss's trademark sly humor, there are some missteps. The dinosaur segment is inexplicably interrupted by a stop at what looks like a fish tank, which is better suited to a trip to an aquarium. The image of Bailey on a totem pole, his behavior in the American Indian display, and the gift of a dream-catcher to our canine friend may be seen as insensitive to Native American traditions. This story doesn't quite achieve the high marks of Bailey (Scholastic, 2011).—Sharon Grover, Hedberg Public Library, Janesville, WI

Kirkus Reviews

In his second outing, Bailey, the totally typical early-elementary student who just happens to be a spotted dog, enjoys a field trip and finds a new friend. Bliss doesn't break new ground in this low-key adventure, but his sly humor and smooth writing style make it an utterly enjoyable outing. Bailey eagerly anticipates the school trip and has no trouble finding a partner; following the rules, however, is more challenging. Whether taking a detour to drink from the decorative fountain, napping in a teepee or scampering up a dinosaur's skeleton to gnaw on a bone, Bailey goes (mildly) rogue in most amusing fashion. The latter excursion brings him a new buddy--the museum guard who cheerfully ensures that none of his escapades end unpleasantly. One key to Bailey's charm is Bliss' utterly deadpan humor. Though Bailey's behavior is decidedly canine, none of the humans suggest by word or deed that having a dog in class is anything out of the ordinary. Clever visual jokes enhance the appeal. Bailey's partner, an obviously enthusiastic reader, has two books on the seat beside her: A Book, by Author, and Another Book, by Different Author; a classmate peruses The New Yorkshire. Readers who've already met the endearing Bailey will be glad to see he's back and look forward to further exploits; new acquaintances will surely search for his well-received debut. (Picture book. 4-8)