Bailey Goes Camping

Though the book was for my son, even I thoroughly enjoyed it. My son (15 mos enjoyed it as much as he can at his age)

This is an endearing book about older siblings getting to do things that the younger one can't. Mom and dad find a way to make the little guy happy doing the same things at home. Adorable.

Bruce and Betty, the older siblings of a young rabbit named Bailey, are off to camp, but Bailey, a couple years too young, has to stay at home with Mama and Papa Rabbit. In either a malicious sibling taunting, or more likely just a case of youthful empathic failure, Bruce tells Bailey not to feel bad: "It's not that great. All we do is eat hot dogs and live in a tent and go swimming and fishing and hunt for bears and tell ghost stories and fall asleep under the stars." Betty chimes in, reminding Bruce that they also roast marshmallows. Bailey protests with that phrase that parents learn to hate, "It's not fair." And we see him, crestfallen, watching his brother and sister leave, as a gentle summer breeze blows the dandelions around him. Heartbreaking. Classic Henkes. I never think Henkes will pull his characters out of the mess he creates, but he always comes through in the end, and this book is no exception. Just like the new one, Lilly's Big Day, I started reading it outloud and couldn't imagine a non-traumatic ending, but Kevin Henkes has some serious story-telling dexterity. Mama and Papa rabbit decide to pamper their youngest rabbit by creating a camp in their home. He gets to eat hot dogs. His parents construct a little mock tent for him.We seem the rabbit swimming and fishing in the bathtub. He pretends to hunt bears with a toy gun, not sure that's necessary, but whatever. Then telling ghost stories and roasting marshmallows. Good stuff. A nice example of creative parenting coming to the rescue. The kind of creative parenting solutions- I'm not always great at thinking of them at the moment- that involve turning problems into a game, using play to resolve a problem, and giving a kid a little extra love and attention when they need it. Good stuff.

Bailey's older siblings are off on a camping trip, but Bailey's too young to go. What to do? Why, have an indoor camping adventure, of course.This simple, sweet, warm, loving story will really appeal to younger children. The illustrations are wonderful, the text is straightforward and the situations ring genuinely true. This is the sort of tale that leaves a fond smile on everyone's face. Be advised, however, after reading it you'll likely be looking for an old blanket to thrust into tent duty fot the afternoon!Do your whole family a favor and go camping with Bailey!

The story of a little brother who is too young to do all the fun things his older brother and sister get to do, so his parents create a special day just for him. The wonderful illustrations and simple story are enough to make any little child love this book. Camping indoors is fun for any age, but especially for a little boy bunny who gets to do all the things his older siblings get to do. Beware! You may have to recreate the fun of camping indoors for any toddler who has this book read to them. Oh well, there are worse things! Great book!