Goodnight Sweet Pig
illustrated by Josée Masse
published by Kids Can Press

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.

Ontario Library Association, Best 10 Picture Books of 2007
Toronto Public Library, First & Best Books for 2007

“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

The Farm Team
illustrated by Bill Slavin
published by Kids Can Press

The animals on Farmer Stolski's farm love hockey. They dream of winning the Stolski Cup! But for fifty years, they've been losing to the nastiest, mangiest, smelliest bunch of varmints in the North — the Bush League Bandits. Is this the year their luck will change?

OLA Best Bets, Top 10 Canadian Children's Books 2006
Shortlist, Ruth & Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award, 2007
Honour Book, Ontario Blue Spruce Award, 2008

“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

The Best Figure Skater in the Whole Wide World
illustrated by Alan and Lea Daniel
published by Kids Can Press

All Lizzy wants is to be the best figure skater in the whole wide world. But when the teacher assigns roles in the class performance of Snow White, she is cast as a lowly tree. It's the worst feeling Lizzy has ever, ever had.

Winner, Great Books Award, Canadian Toy Testing Council,      2003
Shortlist, Tiny Torgi Award (CNIB Print Braille), 2002

“Bailey deftly portrays the ambition, desire, disappointment, and creative solution to a common setback. Lizzy's character is visually drawn through expressive, muted gouache illustrations, highlighting her various emotional reactions. In addition, classmates are depicted as a multi-ethnic group with varied skating abilities.”  School Library Journal

“…this story is a useful and an engaging example of overcoming disappointment. All children can relate to the experience of not being chosen for a part they feel they should have. Use this colorful celebration of spunk to spark up a story hour.”  Library Talk

“This is a delightful book, with genuine ups and downs, vivid childhood passions, and a cheeky and amusing solution. The illustrations, by Alan and Lea Daniel, are complex, lively, funny, and at the same level as the text.” Quill & Quire

When Addie Was Scared
illustrated by Wendy Bailey
published by Kids Can Press

Addie, a young girl growing up on a prairie farm in the 1930s, is scared of almost everything - thunderstorms, rats, turkey gobblers and wolves. But when a hawk swoops down, threatening her grandmother's precious chickens, Addie finds a fierce, strong place of courage deep inside.

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

Gordon Loggins and the Three Bears
illustrated by Tracy Walker
published by Kids Can Press

All the kids at library storytime are waiting (and waiting!) for the librarian to begin reading Goldilocks and the Three Bears. But Gordon Loggins is the only one who sees a small door opening behind a book shelf. Slipping through, he finds himself in a forest - outside the three bears' house! But Goldilocks hasn't shown up. Can Gordon take her place?

“This hilarious story will be a big hit with kids who know the classic tale.” *Starred review,Quill & Quire

“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