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LATEST ISSUE OF
Kirkus Reviews
Kirkus talks to Chris Pavone about The Accident, his latest thriller in which ordinary lives are thrust into spectacular jeopardy.
Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit


Books by Peter Bailey

THE STORYTELLER’S SECRETS by Tony Mitton
FAIRY TALES, FOLKTALES AND MYTHS
Released: June 8, 2010
by Tony Mitton, illustrated by Peter Bailey
"Varied types are used judiciously to highlight both prose and verse; kudos to the designer for the harmonious whole. (Folktales/poetry. 8-12)"
Twins Toby and Tess live with their mother in a cottage by the village green, and she sends them out with a picnic lunch to sit beneath the huge old chestnut tree. Read full book review >
SINGING FOR MRS. PETTIGREW by Michael Morpurgo
TEEN
Released: Oct. 1, 2009
by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Peter Bailey
"Morpurgo will probably never have a wide audience—of children, at least—on this side of the Atlantic, but his literary gifts and his approach to what he dubs "an art and a craft and a marvelous magic" come through clearly here. (Belles lettres. 12 & up)"
Looking back over his life and long career the former British Children's Laureate offers 11 short stories published between 1982 and 2006 interleaved with reflections on the art and craft of writing and the influences of places (particularly the Scilly Isles), people and other authors on his own work. Read full book review >
IBBY’S MAGIC WEEKEND by Heather Dyer
FANTASY
Released: Feb. 1, 2008
by Heather Dyer, illustrated by Peter Bailey
"Just right for a fun family read-aloud with fast adventure and a familiar familial world, this ebullient adventure will have readers laughing out loud while working out the mystery for themselves. (Fiction. 7-9)"
No one believes in magic, right? Read full book review >
JACK AND REBEL, THE POLICE DOG by Patricia Finney
ANIMALS
Released: May 1, 2007
by Patricia Finney, illustrated by Peter Bailey
"An author's note provides background on the real dogs and cats who served as the models for the characters in the story, and a glossary of "Jackspeak" helps the reader translate Jack's language into more familiar terms. (Fiction. 9-11)"
This sequel to I, Jack (2004) continues the first-person narrative format in the unique canine-centered style of the previous volume, though this breathless narration wears thin in such a long story. Read full book review >
THE SCARECROW AND HIS SERVANT by Philip Pullman
ADVENTURE
Released: Aug. 23, 2005
by Philip Pullman, illustrated by Peter Bailey
"Lightweight for Pullman, but witty, affectionate and fun. (Fantasy. 8-12)"
A pair of valiant adventurers outwits a lawyer and his corporate masters in this comic fairy tale. Read full book review >
THE IMPROBABLE CAT by Allan Ahlberg
ANIMALS
Released: Aug. 10, 2004
by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Peter Bailey

Do not be deceived by the diminutive trim size and aloofly posed but pettable-looking feline on the cover: there's nothing warm or fuzzy about this eerie tale of a family enslaved by an adopted stray. Read full book review >
THE TALE OF TALES by Tony Mitton
ANIMALS
Released: March 9, 2004
by Tony Mitton, illustrated by Peter Bailey
"A pleasure-filled journey indeed. (Folktale. 7-12)"
As Monkey travels down the story road, he rounds a bend—only to slap into Elephant. Read full book review >
I, JACK by Patricia Finney
ANIMALS
Released: Feb. 1, 2004
by Patricia Finney, illustrated by Peter Bailey
"Includes an author's note and a glossary of "Jackspeak." (Fiction. 8-11)"
This dog story with a difference is written in first-person narrative from the viewpoint of Jack, a yellow Lab who lives with a family with three children and three cats. Read full book review >
TIGERELLA by Kit Wright
ANIMALS
Released: Sept. 1, 1994
by Kit Wright, illustrated by Peter Bailey
"His language is both straightforward and soaring, and Bailey's illustrations are playful. (Picture book. 4-7)"
 By day, Ella seems a well-behaved little girl. ``Ella, aren't you a treasure?'' coo the guests at her barbecue. Read full book review >