Book Review: Stanley at School by Linda Bailey

We are already mid-way through summer and it is time to start thinking about heading back to school. While our little patrons may not appreciate this thought September will be here before we know it. I noticed Stanley at School written by Linda Bailey and Illustrated by Bill Slavin mainly because there was not one, but four dogs on the cover (who need help with math apparently). This newest installment in the Stanley series has him and his fellow canines wondering where do the kids go every day? The not-so-fearsome foursome finally track the kids down at school! The dogs sneak their way inside and wander the halls. They soon find themselves where all the kids lunches are held and go bananas. Once they are discovered by "the man with broom" it is an all out chase through the school, but just like anyone who doesn't follow the rules they end up waiting outside the principal's office. Ultimately all is well and the dogs learn a thing or two and want to return the this amazing place. 

The text is heavy throughout the picture book and would be good for a read aloud or some independent reading for older kids. While the acrylics used cover all the colors of the rainbow the brightness of the medium is sometimes muddied down by the texture of the gessoed paper. One of my favorite scenes is the pups marching out of the school with each of their four paws painted a different color. Diversity is also represented in both the school children and the dogs! Use this title for a back to school read-a-loud followed by a craft or for anyone who doesn't know what lies behind those big heavy doors on their first day of school.

Stanley at School written by Linda Bailey and illustrated by Bill Slavin will be published on August 1st.