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A picture book begins with a thought that tickles my fancy or touches my heart. Then come the words. Sometimes it's hard to get the words right because they have to leave room for the pictures.
And oh my . . . the pictures! I'm dazzled by the talents of the wonderful artists who have illustrated my words. Please have a look.
The Three Little Mittens
illustrated by Natalia Shaloshvili
published by Tundra Books
Dotty and Other Dotty are a pair of matching mittens. Stripes is a single mitten who doesn’t match, so she is left out of the fun. But after some losing and finding of mittens, the situation is reversed — and now it is Dotty who’s out in the cold. Sadly, someone always gets left out. This is when the Little Girl intervenes. “Why do you have to match?” she asks, and she sets out to change things. No more matching! Everyone gets to be themselves, and everyone belongs. Soon the kids at the Little Girl’s school notice — and after that, anything can happen!
"Bailey’s writing flows beautifully, breathing life into the quirky characters by giving them human attributes that are familiar, yet absurd. The narrative’s ability to evoke empathy is equaled by its wit . . . A funny, yet thought-provoking picture book that is highly recommended for reading aloud.” Booklist (starred review)
"A fabulous story built on the premise that all hell will not break loose if things do not match. . . . It's hard to believe how many lessons Bailey and Shaloshvili knit into this bountiful book on friendship, inclusion, rebellion, and questioning the status quo, in fairly spare text and in illustrations that have the texture, colors, and fuzzy look of a mohair sweater. What a glorious metaphor. It's fast, funny, and true.” School Library Journal
"The over-arching themes of this witty, thought-provoking story are, of course, accepting differences and recognizing individual worthiness . . . A sound, creatively told lesson in inclusion.” Kirkus
illustrated by Freya Hartas
published by Nancy Paulsen Books
Poor Cinderella! Left home alone while everyone else goes off to the royal ball. But help is at hand in the form of — not the Fairy Godmother she was expecting, but — a Fairy DOGmother! The new arrival is keen to assist (“Woof! Poof!”), but not surprisingly, she has her own doggish ideas about dress (a dog blanket), hair (a poodle style) and transport (“Wouldn’t you like a good run?”). Cinderella cheerfully cooperates. Why? Because she loves dogs! Fortunately, so does the royal family, including the Prince, who happily joins Cinderella, the Fairy Dogmother and the royal dogs in — what could be better? — a grand-finale squirrel chase on the lawn.
"This rollicking story will arouse plenty of giggles as young readers enumerate the ways in which it veers from the original. Adults can encourage little ones to think of how “Cinderella” might work with other animals subbing in for the fairy godmothers . . . A barking good time will be had by all." Kirkus
"Although the jaunty text ruff-ly follows the traditional tale, in the end, Cinderella exhibits independence with a prince she likes but doesn’t know well enough to marry. Cheery, cartoonish illustrations lend to the cleverness in this feminist, fractured fairy tale.” Booklist
"Bailey and Hartas bring an irresistible charm to their playful interpretation. The bouncy, whimsical text is accessible and inviting, while the warm autumnal color palette evokes candlelight on a crisp night . . . Those looking for a fairytale-inspired romp need look no further." Bulletin for the Center for Children’s Books
"Cinderella — with Dogs! is an amusing and joyful story sure to delight animal lovers of all ages. Highly recommended." Canadian Review of Materials
Arthur Who Wrote Sherlock
illustrated by Isabelle Follath
published by Tundra Books
More than anything, Arthur loves stories. They help him through tough times in his childhood. And even when he goes to medical school and tries to establish a medical practice, his heart is in writing stories. For ten years, success is elusive. But then he creates a totally unique and compelling character — Sherlock Holmes! At last, Arthur's efforts are rewarded. The public LOVES Sherlock! He is a phenomenon! But can one have too much success and popularity? Soon Arthur is desperately seeking a way out. The only answer he can see is drastic — he must destroy the very character who brought him fame!
"The true story of the man and the imagination behind the world’s most famous detective, superbly told for readers of 6+, with engaging illustrations.” The Guardian
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Princesses Versus Dinosaurs "An adorably cheeky picture book . . . Princesses Versus Dinosaurs is an absolute treasure trove of fun. Two popular storybook titans, princesses and dinosaurs, battle to determine who should star in this laugh-out-loud picture book. With ardent fans certain to passionately cheer for their respective interests in this battle royale, young readers will definitely be invested and engaged in this buoyantly energetic story.” Canadian Materials "Events escalate, each side bringing out their big guns (a dragon and T. rex, respectively) and even building a wall before a resolution brings a subtle, welcome message of inclusion and empathy. An engaging read for princesses, dinosaurs, and everyone in between.” Publishers Weekly "This is a really, really fun picture book . . . It's very fantastical. It makes you laugh all the way through.” Bee Quammie, “The Next Chapter,” CBC Radio Children’s Book Panel
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Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein is my first picture book biography — and I'm thrilled by the reception it has received. It’s the story of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley who created one of the world’s most iconic characters in 1816 when she wrote the book Frankenstein; Or The Modern Prometheus. Stunningly, she was only 18 years old. But the surprising fact of her age is only one small facet in a life story so fascinating that I struggled to fit it all in — the death of a famous mother just days after birth, a daydreaming rebellious childhood, an adolescent banishment to Scotland, a teenaged elopement with Percy Bysshe Shelley, all leading to the legendary stormy night on Lake Geneva in 1816 when the poet Lord Byron proposed a ghost-story writing contest. Mary’s response was . . . Frankenstein!
“This marvelous, miraculous book. It’s the kind of picture book biography that I may have to use as an example for others. Linda Bailey knocks it CLEAR out of the park with her writing here. She and Sardà also appear to have engaged in a kind of author/illustrator mind-meld because the book doesn’t just refer back to Mary’s early life and how it influenced her in the text, but in the art as well." Betsy Bird, Fuse 8, Calde-notts, School Library Journal |
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Carson Crosses Canada “Readers will enjoy the levity Carson brings to this journey from coast to coast as they learn about the diverse regions of the country through the illustrations and the map on the end papers.” School Library Journal "Classic dog humour abounds, such as when Carson leaves behind “a little souvenir of his own” at a rest stop. . . . Repeated words and descriptions stitch the story together beautifully.” Quill & Quire “A fun book that celebrates the idea of getting in a car and driving somewhere.” Ken Setterington, “The Next Chapter,” CBC Radio 1 “There is much humour in both the text and the pictures. Bailey really knows how to tickle a young funny bone: imagine finding out that in Quebec Carson is not a dog but a chien, and that tourtiere is French for a really delicious meat pie? But Bailey and illustrator Kass Reich show a reverence for their subject, too.” Canadian Materials |
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When Santa Was a Baby Everybody was a baby once — even Santa Claus! But
what kind of baby was he? And what was he like as a child and a
teenager? In When Santa Was a Baby,
it becomes clear that Santa knew his own mind from a very young
age. From his fondness for the colour red, to his interest in chimneys,
to his habit of giving his toys away . . . Santa was unusual right
from the start. Luckily he had doting parents who supported him
through every eccentricity, whether they understood or not. A warm,
funny story about an odd boy who succeeds.
"He’s an unusual baby: a booming voice, an interest in chimneys, a penchant for standing naked in front of the open refrigerator, enjoying the chill . . . With retro-esque art featuring people whose giant black eyes look ever so slightly crazed, it’s a sweet, gently satirical answer to the eternal question, How did Santa become Santa?" New York Times "Warm, textured pastel and colored-pencil illustrations
on generous double-page spreads enrich this gentle, humorous, love-suffused
tale." The Horn Book |
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If Kids Ruled the World
"This warm piece of speculative fiction is tailor-made for both circle-time reading and spurring class projects. Bailey’s what-ifs run the gamut from calendar and nutritional reform (“If kids ruled the world, every day would be your birthday! Birthday cake would be good for you”) to the legalization of transgressive behavior (“Beds would be for bouncing on and hiding underneath”) and vastly increased personal agency (“If you felt like going somewhere, you’d have your own thingamajiggy to get there”). . . Never once does a kid yearn for a world with more screen time . . . If that is indeed what would happen if kids ruled the world, let’s welcome them as our new overlords." Publishers Weekly "Every page features a child’s dream come true. It guarantees an abundance of ooohs, aaahs, and even cheers and will rev up imaginations about all kinds of fun things kids might do if they were in charge. . . this is a surefire winner. Some books are built purely for fun, and this is one of them." School Library Journal “If kids ruled the world, birthday cake would be good for you." . . . And so the story goes – page after page – a “wish list” of a kid’s paradise! This book is fun, playful, imaginative and I can just hear the “YES’s” coming from the class! A perfect anchor book for inspiring writing and art! Love! ” Adrienne Gear, author of Reading Power |
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If You Happen to Have
a Dinosaur What if you had a dinosaur, just lying around your living room, eating you out of house and home — and doing absolutely nothing? How could you harness that dino's energy to help out around the house and yard? As kids read the possibilities and laugh at their absurdity, they will inevitably create their own scenarios as well. Here's an exciting way for young dinosaur-lovers to think outside-the-box! "This playful picture book encourages children to contemplate the “oodles of things you can do with a dinosaur” through a subtly ironic narrative that speaks directly to them. Two-page spreads capture the many hilarious scenarios that describe what to do should you happen to have a dinosaur. . . . Buried in all the rambunctious fun, the story leaves young ones with a message that can be applied to real-life situations: if you take the time to think critically and creatively, you can make effective and logical choices." Booklist "There is only one joke in this book; it has no redeeming moral value; and both Phoenix and Frida couldn’t get enough of it. The book lists the ways you could use a dinosaur, such as can opener, potato masher or diving board. There aren’t many books that have the courage to be this silly. Frida spent the next hour, literally, coming up with uses for other animals, like ride to school in a kangaroo, or teaching a hippo to roll in the mud. Simply wonderful." The Globe and Mail "Do you happen to have a dinosaur lying around? . . . From can openers to umbrellas to kites, the silly uses for dinosaurs will amuse and engage emergent readers. I read this book with my 4 and 6-year-olds who wanted it read again and again . . . Highly enjoyable and encourages the use of imagination to envision additional scenarios." Canadian Materials "If You Happen
to Have a Dinosaur is a tongue-in-cheek user’s guide to prehistoric
pets . . . The open ending invites lots of animated and imaginative
discussions about what to do with other odd and unusual pets like
a dodo, a porcupine, or a sasquatch. This wacky, zany tale is a
storytime crowd pleaser."
National Reading Campaign
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Toads on Toast
"Bailey’s dialogue is snappy and amusing, and
the illustrations recall the scrappy TV-animation style of Chuck
Jones. Never heard of “toads on toast”? Some people call it a hole-in-the-middle,
and happily, a recipe is included." “Some of your students will want to start cooking before you’ve finished the book .... almost 100 percent of your students will want to hear the book again.” Kirkus Reviews “Luckily, Mamma Toad shows up promptly to rescue her children and, in a nice bait and switch, suggests Toad-in-a-Hole. She plays Fox like a pro, fielding every objection . . . crackerjack dialogue . . . loose, humorous cartoons . . . Children in foodie households accustomed to discussions of how dishes are prepared will take to this-—and they’ll probably enjoy Toad-in-a-Hole, too.” Publishers Weekly |
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Goodnight Sweet Pig Pig number one is trying to sleep, plumping her pillows and counting sheep. But what chance does she have with nine other pigs crowding into her room? Here's a chance to count to ten and back again with a crowd of rowdy pigs who eventually bring sweet dreams.
“The story is told in a simple rhyme…The illustrations are bright and humorous…Goodnight Sweet Pig would not only help small children learn their numbers but would also make an excellent bedtime story for restless children.” School Library Journal "The allusions to Hamlet may go right over the heads of the book's intended audience, but won't escape the notice of the adult reader. There's something here for everyone, then, in a visually appealing bedtime book that counts to ten and then all the way back again." Toronto Globe & Mail “This is a well-done go-to-sleep book…” Quill & Quire |
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The Farm Team
“A sassy, well-crafted story… the mostly full-page illustrations are packed with little details that will amuse children and adults alike, … Bailey and Slavin have produced a gem of a picture book that will remain popular for as long as hockey underdogs continue to compete for Lord Stanley’s famed cup.” Quill & Quire “Bailey’s story reads aloud well, while Slavin’s artwork captures its drama and humor in a series of action-filled acrylic paintings… Every child who has watched a bigger, brawnier opposing team take the field will feel for the plucky Farm Team.” Booklist “Slavin’s goofy acrylics playfully realize the joyful mayhem of shinny, and Bailey’s story gets the competitive burn just right, even if for a bunch of chickens, sheep and piglets.” Kirkus “The surprise ending will bring cheers from the crowd as they ask for repeated readings.” School Library Journal “Young hockey fans will be thrilled with this offering, which will appeal to sports fans and animal lovers in kindergarten through second grade, as well as the adults who read aloud to them.” ForeWord |
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The Best Figure Skater in the Whole Wide World |
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When Addie Was Scared This book is very special to me. The story is based on the childhood of my mother, Addie Bailey, in northern Manitoba. The beautiful illustrations were painted by my sister, Wendy Bailey, an artist living in Winnipeg. Look at the photos to see Addie as a child, and all three of us now.
“[This book] is based on a true story that Linda Bailey’s mother, Addie, tells of her own childhood growing up on a prairie farm in the 1930s. …[This] book is a welcome addition to Canadian children’s literature dealing with childhood fears.” Quill & Quire “The muted watercolor illustrations are realistic, executed from varying perspectives, and most effective in portraying Addie’s emotions.” School Library Journal “The language is simple and strong, realistic but sensitive. The watercolor illustrations are emotionally vivid.” ForeWord |
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Gordon Loggins and the Three Bears “Gordon Loggins and the Three Bears is a charming version of the traditional tale. Walker's cartoon-style illustrations, rendered in watercolor and ink, are well suited to the warmth and humor of Bailey's text. The satisfying conclusion leaves the reader convinced of the magic of story and the important role books (and the library) can play in a child's development.” Calgary Herald |
Website © Linda Bailey, 2007
Art by Bill Slavin © Bill Slavin, 2007
All rights reserved.
