The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library
pictures by Victoria Jamieson
published by Greenwillow Books (USA) / Tundra Books (Canada)

My newest novel tells the story of a very small character with a very big heart. Eddie is a bug who lives in Room 19 of Ferny Creek Elementary School with his parents, his Aunt Min and his 53 brothers and sisters. Unusually for a bug, he has learned to read. So when Aunt Min disappears in the Library, Eddie bravely sets off to find her — a perilous journey! Along the way, there are gigantic big-footed Squishers (humans) who could squish a bug in two seconds flat. When Eddie finally arrives at the Library, he finds his poor aunt injured. Even worse, a nasty plan is afoot to close the Library forever. What can one tiny book-loving bug do?

“Bailey fills her narrative with references to classic works of the past and present and has picked a theme and outcome that will be dear to the hearts of young readers as well as educators and librarians.” Booklist (starred review)

"This effort will charm library lovers and would make a fine read-aloud, as brave, endearing Eddie navigates one terrible peril after another. An excellent engaging tale for a broad range of ages.” Kirkus

Under-the-Bed Fred
illustrated by Colin Jack
published by Tundra Books

A new chapter book for the early grades!

There’s a monster under Leo’s bed, and it’s making Leo nervous. How can he go to the bathroom without getting his ankles grabbed? So one night, when he really, really has to go, he boldly calls out. “Hey, you!”

To Leo’s surprise, the monster answers. And so begins a hilarious odd-couple friendship as Leo gets to know his under-the-bed roommate. (“I have to scare you,” explains Fred. “It’s my job.") In five short chapters, Leo and Fred work out their differences, deal with bullies and come up with the best idea ever for show-and-tell at school. An early-reading adventure filled with friendship, fun and facing one's fears.

“Under-the-Bed Fred incorporates themes of friendship, bullying, and school angst, offers satisfying conclusions, and gives readers good reason to empathize with Leo and his alter ego, Fred. A welcome new pair of friends for the chapter-book set.” Kirkus

“An appealing odd-couple story that doesn’t skimp on physical comedy." Publishers Weekly

 

 

The hero of Seven Dead Pirates is 11-year-old Lewis Dearborn. Lonely, "terminally shy" and fussed over constantly by overprotective parents, he's a bit of a wreck. But when his family inherits a ramshackle old mansion by the sea, Lewis's life changes abruptly. He claims a romantic, isolated tower for his bedroom and moves in, not knowing that the room is already occupied — by seven dead pirates! Not only that, the ghosts expect him to help them recover their ship, now restored in a local museum. Lewis is sure he's the last boy on earth to lead such a mission . . .

"Piratical fun well-stocked with colorful cast members, living and arrghh!"  Kirkus (starred review)

"This rollicking tale moves apace with a vivid setting, surprising depth, great humor, and memorable characters . . . don't miss this treasure of a middle-grade yarn."  School Library Journal (starred review)

"Bailey expertly taps into the anxieties that ferment during the back-to-school season in this touching and hilarious ghost story."  National Post

"At times earnest, at times playful, and always infused with the power of imagination, Seven Dead Pirates is a rollicking and exciting story that will entertain and enlighten in equal amounts.”
CM Magazine