Bailey at the Museum
by Harry Bliss; illus. by the author
Primary    Scholastic    32 pp.
9/12    978-0-545-23345-3    $16.99

In his second adventure, the irrepressible titular hound from Bailey (rev. 11/11) — the only dog in Mrs. Smith’s class — is excited about the field trip to the Museum of Natural History. Though his classmates are well behaved, Bailey can’t contain his enthusiasm: he crawls up (and gnaws on) the T. rex skeleton’s spine, sneaks into a teepee for a quick snooze, and wanders away from the group. Even though his actions repeatedly land him in the doghouse, his confidence and charm (along with his keen sense of smell) win the day. He also makes a lifelong friend of the patient security guard tasked to corral the rambunctious pup. Told in straight narrative and with speech balloons, the text provides readers with a clear view into childlike Bailey’s active mind, along with his classmates’ (and bystanders’) pithy observations. Bliss’s varied illustrations, switching from close-ups to pigeon-eye-views, keep the tone light and the action moving; Bailey’s tail is moving, too — all the time. Enthusiastic fans will beg to see Bailey in other familiar school situations. Good dog, Bailey…and great book, Bliss.

From the November/December 2012 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.