Check out my review in VOYA!

Bailey, a golden retriever puppy, knows there is more to life than the cage in which he was born. His master brings his mother food, but won’t let them play in the grass and explore. One day, Bailey escapes and travels to find his purpose. He meets a variety of people (not all of them good) before he meets Ethan, who quickly becomes “his boy.” At first, Bailey believes his purpose to be to play with Ethan and make him happy, but as Ethan grows up, Bailey discovers that his true purpose is to protect his boy from the complex world around them.

It’s often said that dogs are man’s best friend, and this book proves it as you experience life as s dog through Bailey’s narration. Middle grade students who love animals will enjoy Bailey’s character. He is playful and innocent, not understanding the finer details of potty training, for example, but also loyal and caring. Readers will laugh at loud at his antics and feel tears in their eyes at the way Bailey worries about Ethan. The simple black-and-white illustrations capture the feeling of Bailey’s journey to discover his true purpose in life. At times the action moves a bit slowly, so an interest in animals is a must for any reader of this novel. Overall, a very heartwarming story!