Bailey enjoys his day at school, from the bus ride in the morning through math, art, music, recess, reading and the afternoon bus ride back home to his…doghouse.
Yes, Bailey is a dog who, Snoopy-like, acts more like a person than a pup and is the most popular “kid” in town. Thought bubbles let readers hear what he is thinking—from deciding what color collar to wear in the morning to revealing what happened to his homework (he ate it, of course). His behaviors are a giggle-inducing mish-mash of human and dog. He can apparently read, write and do 'rithmetic, but at lunchtime he digs through the garbage, and at recess he pops the kickball with his teeth. The other students (real people, all) admire his cooler traits—great dance moves—and gloss over his flaws—painting with his wagging tail. His enthusiasm is more than evident; no matter what he does, he throws his whole heart into it. Bliss’ cartooning background is apparent in his use of speech and thought bubbles and in the way the characters are portrayed. Droll facial expressions add to the humor.
Deeper thinkers may see in this a message of acceptance of everyone for who they are; others may simply see fun, and there's nothing wrong with that. (Picture book. 4-8)
