Bailey's Story

May 1, 2016

Gr 3-6-A heartwarming illustrated novel adapted for young readers from the best-selling A Dog's Purpose. Bailey, a golden retriever, narrates the story. Sensing that puppies are meant to leave their mothers and that there is something on the other side of the gate that he was born to find, Bailey leaves his dog family and soon meets Ethan ("I hadn't known that there was such a thing as a boy in the world. But now that I'd found one, I was sure that there could not be anything better."). Bailey is determined to be with the boy he loves. He learns that sometimes bad things happen and there is no greater purpose than to protect the boy he loves. This is a touching book about the connection dogs have with humans and how they communicate in their own special way. Black-and-white illustrations bring Bailey and his world to life. Discussion and activity guides are included, which will help promote conversations about Bailey's tale and the insights it provides about humankind's best friend.

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2016
Golden retriever Bailey narrates his life from puppyhood through happy years with his boy, Ethan. Topics include the horrors of puppy mills and the dangers of leaving a dog in a closed car. Inconsistencies in how the dog learns and undeveloped plot threads (why is neighborhood boy Todd so cruel to his friends and to Bailey?) mar the sentimental story; black-and-white illustrations appear throughout.

(Copyright 2016 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)