A Dog's Purpose Puppy Tale (A Dog's Purpose Puppy Tales)

My young kids love it. Our Golden Retriever is hazy on the plot but understands the utterance "good dog." Somewhat predictable, but quite appropriate for dogs and kids. P.S., even the cat like it. She sits on the book when it is not being read.

Baileys incredible story
By W. Bruce Cameron

I think that Bailey's story is an amazing book and would recommend it to dog lovers everywhere. This book deserves 5/5 stars because it has everything that you need in a book, action, realistic fiction, humor, and a little emotion. It is easy to love this sweet and funny main character, Bailey the yellow Labrador dog. Its great to see dogs perspectives towards humans.

In this book, Bailey's story by W. Bruce Cameron, there is a dog with a crazy imagination and lovable character, Bailey. Bailey was rescued by Ethan's mom and becomes Ethan's loyal, and loving companion. In this book they have crazy adventures, at one time they even get lost in the woods. There is also a character named Todd, who was Ethan’s friend at first then he does a unforgettable thing that changes Ethan’s life. No matter what challenge Ethan goes through Bailey is there to help and protect him.

In this part of the text Bailey is helping “His boy” by jumping in the water after him when he falls in, “I lunged, jaws open, and seized the hood of his sweatshirt in my mouth. Lifting my head, dragging him with me, I swam hard for the sunlit surface of the pond. We burst up into the air. ‘Bailey!’ the boy shouted, laughing. ‘Are you trying to save me, boy?” That was on page 85 and showed me how much that Bailey cares about Ethan.

In conclusion I think that the book Bailey’s story by W. Bruce Cameron is an outstanding book that I would recommend to dog lovers everywhere and would easily give it 5 stars out of 5 stars.

This is meant for children and at 62, I still qualify. He made some subtle changes from A Dog's Purpose to protect the innocent. I'm glad I read it, still trying to decide if I want to buy the other two he did the same way. Molly's Story and Ellie's Story because it was pretty close to what was in A Dog's Purpose.

I bought the book for my 7 year old granddaughter. She is enjoying the story very much and reading it by herself. I know it's 5 star because Bruce Camerons books always are. After she finishes it, I will read it. Can't wait!

Like others have said, this is a part of "A Dog's Purpose". As far as I can tell the only difference is that the book stops before the end (so it might be considered more child-friendly.) It doesn't state it anywhere in the the store description....Note the same is true of "Ellie's Story"

I would recommend buying "A Dog's Purpose" and then you get three stories for the price of one.

We love our dogs unconditionally, they love us the same way. Sharing our lives with them, we talk to them, and they to us. We are family. Bailey’s Story is a heartwarming age appropriate book for children from the series “ A Dog’s Purpose” by W. Bruce Cameron.
Follow the life of Bailey, the golden retriever, as he explores the world around him, told by his perspective, and enjoy the story as destiny leads him to Ethan, “ His Boy”.
Read about Bailey’s own birth, in a puppy mill, and the sadness involved. Learn about Bailey’s devotion and desire to fulfill his destiny, his purpose in life, to protect, care for, and love Ethan, and his family.
The closeness that Bailey has for Ethan is palatable and unmistaken. How blessed was Bailey to find his forever home with such a great family.
The adventures that they take, only prove that together, Bailey and Ethan, can accomplish and overcome many of life’s challenges.
The bond between Boy and Dog is far truer than that of fiction. How many of us have had in our lives, that one special dog that we call our “ heart dog”? That one Dog that we had a connection to, that no matter how many other dogs come into our lives, they will always have that spot right next to our heart~ Bailey and Ethan had that~ I recommend this to all young readers, and their elders to enjoy. It is full of Hope and Love, and that is something that fills that empty spot that we all have.

Bailey's Story: A Dog's Purpose Novel is a simplified version of the New York Times bestseller, A Dog's Purpose, also by W. Bruce Cameron. This illustrated novel for younger readers (recommended for ages 8-12, though at 48, I also loved the story!) is told from the point of view of Bailey, a Golden Retriever, and his love for--and his purpose--his boy, Ethan. The film version of A Dog's Purpose is coming out in 2017, so if you're planning on taking your kids to the movie (and why wouldn't you?), I highly recommend you give this to your kids to read first. Because as good as a movie is, the book is always better. Just be prepared that after your kid reads this, they WILL ask for a dog if they don't already have one.

Summary: Bailey is born on a puppy mill, but his sense of adventure leads him into the world on his own. He’s picked up by a truck driver who leaves him in a locked truck on a warm day. Rescued once again, he ends up with Ethan, an eight-year-old boy who soon becomes his best friend and constant companion. Through their years together, Bailey learns how to take care of Ethan, rescuing him from real and imagined dangers. A neighborhood bully named Todd is part of Ethan’s life, first as a friend, but gradually becoming a dangerous enemy. His final act of revenge against Ethan and his family sets the stage for Bailey’s greatest act of heroism. This is the second book in a series adapted from Cameron’s adult novel, A Dog’s Purpose. 208 pages; grades 3-6.

Pros: Told in Bailey’s voice, the story is by turns funny, touching, and exciting. The adorable cover will catch the eye of dog lovers, and they won’t be disappointed by the rest of the book.

Cons: This seemed like a contemporary story except for two brief, and seemingly unnecessary, references to the Apollo 11 moon landing.

Absolutely LOVED this book. It makes me wonder if W. Bruce Cameron is at least part golden retriever because he seems to have perfectly captured the personality and mindset of one. This sweet story is told from the point of view of Bailey the puppy, who knows immediately upon meeting 'his boy' that his job is to take care of him no matter what. He is taught many important things like 'Get the Ball' and 'Dog Door', but it's the things that he knows instinctively and the boundless love he gives to his boy, Ethan, that make him the most good of all the good dogs. This is an excellent chapter book for middle school readers and full grown readers who love dogs. Warning, if your child does not yet have a dog, they will be asking for one before they finish reading this book.

Bailey's story begins when he is just a few days old, living with his mom and sibling pups. He decides that the world is waiting for him, so one day he escapes his kennel and ventures into the open. He is adopted by a loving family with a son named Ethan.

Bailey is super excited to be Ethan's dog. He spends every minute with him, but when school rolls around things change. As the pup learns his new role in the family, he also comes to a decision, his true purpose is to protect Ethan. Bailey and Ethan grow up together, going on many adventures and learning about life. When a neighborhood bully grows into a worse threat, it is Bailey to the rescue.

My Thoughts-
Adorable! This book really had me wanting to go out and buy a dog. Just reading from Bailey's POV and seeing how much unconditional love he had for Ethan was heartwarming. It is a simple story and kids will enjoy Bailey's and Ethan's adventures. Several times Bailey is there to save the day and his main purpose is truly just to love Ethan.

The author does a great job of communicating the puppy perspective. He focuses on scent, sound and touch to convey doggy thoughts and feelings.I found it interesting that Bailey seems to have been born with a full vocabulary and awareness of the world, but who knows, maybe dogs are?

The antagonist of this story is Todd, a neighbor who continually tries to hurt Bailey. The reader can tell right away that something is wrong in his twisted mind. However, it is conveyed in a way that a middle grade reader can understand without being afraid. Caution is also conveyed.

My one critique- Ethan is left alone on a farm at the age of 10? for the weekend. What? Who does that?

Overall, a cute story perfect for middle graders. 4 stars!

This is supposed to be a children’s book, but as an adult I loved it! I love how Bruce gets inside the mind of a dog. This is such a sweet story of a boy and his dog. It is funny and sweet. I love how it is told through the eyes of Bailey. I read the book in two days….it teaches children a few things, always pay attention to your dog (if they don’t like someone, you shouldn’t either), if your dog is barking, go see why – there could be trouble, and always love your dog with all your heart because he/she loves you with all their heart. If you haven’t read all of Bruce’s books please get them, I’ve enjoyed them and I’ve shared them, given them as gifts, they are food for the dog lovers soul!

I received an advanced reading copy of Bailey's Story this morning, and, like with so many of W. Bruce Cameron's books, I started reading it and didn't set it down until I was finished. That is always a bittersweet experience, because, while glad to have had the experience of enjoying another of Cameron's stories, I am always left wanting more, and more and more.

Yes, this book is aimed at middle grade readers, and I am 62. To limit the audience of this book to just young readers would be a disservice to all of the dog lovers, out there. Like A Dog's Purpose and A Dog's Journey, on which this book is based, Cameron proves once again that he can tap into the psyche of our canine companions and weave a highly believable story. The reader see ms convinced after just a few pages, that this story is really coming from the mind of a very literate golden retriever.

I would gladly recommend Bailey's Story to anyone who, like me, along with the author and his millions of fans worldwide, believes that dog's are truly far more than simply man's (and woman's) best friend. It''s an especially fun read when accompanied by a chocolate labrador sleeping at your feet while you read.

This heartfelt story about the strong bond Bailey and his boy Ethan share is a must-read for any young person. The challenging adventures they experienced and the life lessons they learned kept me engaged from beginning to end. The author brings the characters to life through Bailey’s sense of wonderment and discovery, and Ethan’s relationships with friends, family and his loyal companion. Told through the eyes of Bailey, this heartfelt and inspiring story is perfect for middle-schoolers, but will appeal to readers of all ages.

If this version is the same as A Dog's Purpose with a different cover, I have mixed feelings about this book for children. I'm 73 and I had a hard time with the way adults and even the boy in the book ignore Bailey after he saves the boy's life on one occasion and stays with him to keep him warm for two days when they're lost in the woods. No praise for Bailey other than "good dog" and no special treats. I realize that it probably a reflection of real life but I don't think it's one that young children need to know about until they're older. I felt almost as bad as I did 60 years when I got the part of The Red Pony by John Steinbeck where the pony dies early in the story.
I did like hearing the story from the dog's point of view though and it has made me be more aware of of showing my love and appreciation to my own dogs and to the people that I meet in daily life. That part is a good message.

This expanded story taken from the wonderful book A Dog's Purpose is great for Mid-schoolers, and adults alike. Filled with humor and adventure, it details the love, fun, and companionship of a dog and his boy. Told from the perspective of Bailey, a Golden Retriever rescue, it will make you laugh out loud on one page, and touch your heart on the next. I highly recommend this book for kids of all ages.

This delightful book is written entirely from a dog’s perspective. Readers will share the feelings of confusion, being misunderstood, belonging, trust, joy and love right along with Bailey. The author’s insights into the canine thought process is truly fascinating. Though this book is geared toward young readers, as a very seasoned reader I found it captivating. From the first page you will be riveted as Bailey ventures from the cage that had been his world into an unknown future.

Over the summer, I had my daughter read a book and write a book report on it. She selected this book. I read it before she did, and at first I was worried it might be too sad. However, then I remembered I read Where a Red Fern Grows at her age. This is my daughter's book report on it. Yes it does contain SPOILERS-
In the beginning of Bailey's Story there was Bailey and his brothers and sisters. He did not love his brothers and sisters - which was weird because I love my two brothers. He left home and started an adventure. Then he saw a man who picked him up and put him in his car. The puppy was so hot in the car. Then a nice women saved Bailey and brought him to her home to her son. Then Bailey met Ethan he was so happy without his brothers and sisters. I was so happy and relieved he got a new home. Bailey's mom probably feels sad because her son is gone.
Then one day Bailey was kidnapped by Todd from in front of his home. Todd is a neighborhood bully. Todd brought him home and then put Bailey in his room. I was about to cry. He escaped with the help of Todd's sister. Then he went to a farm. He thought it was amazing! But he was sprayed by a skunk. It was horrible. Bailey did that two times and two baths, but they had to leave because summer was ending. He was sad and happy to go home. He was playing with Smokey one day because he loved to play with her, but not for long. She got sick and she died. I felt like I was going to cry.
Towards the end of the story, Hannah and Ethan were girlfriend and boyfriend they were about to kiss, but Bailey stop it by getting between them. Hannah was at a football game with Bailey when Todd said that Ethan was cheating on Hannah with Michelle, but she did not believe him. Todd did not like Ethan. He wants him to be miserable. When that did not work, he set Ethan's home on fire! Ethan almost died, but he was alive. He had to have crutches to help him walk. Then he had a cane to help him walk. Summer came again and they went back the farm. Ethan thought that Hannah will not like him because he has a cane. Bailey went to Hannah's home then he ran back to the farm with Hannah following. Hannah told him did not care about his cane. Then they went to the lake then he jumped in the lake. He learned that he can still swim! He was happy that he can swim.
I love this book because it has a dog that was helping his buddy, Ethan. I think that is good because I like dogs and having friends. I love the ending because it was a happy ending and I love happy endings. I think that dog people would love this book because it has a dog in it. Kids who like dramatic books will like this book, too. I would read books like this in the future.

“I guess she had found her shoes” is my favorite line in this captivating, engaging, filled with love novel, Bailey’s Story by W Bruce Cameron. Written for the youngster Cameron captures the heart and soul of boy’s best friend by unfolding boy and doggy's story through the eyes and senses of our canine. If every young reader could hear Bailey’s Story the world would have a lot less tragic pet endings, I am sure. Buy this, read it then pass it along to an elementary thru adolescent reader. You may just change their heart so they will see love in all creatures.

Linda Caprice Caplan
I reside in the Philly area where there are many doggies who love the soft pretzel!

If you have a young reader in your life, this is a five-star read! I was a big fan of "A Dog's Purpose" so picked this one up without hesitating. It is a short, sweet and familiar story pulled from the pages of one of my favorite all-time novels. It would be a wonderful gift to someone who hasn't read the book, particularly a young reader who might be looking for something shorter and easier to pick up and jump into.

I found no fault with this, I just can't give it that fifth star since it invites the comparison to the full version of one of my favorite novels ever: "A Dog's Purpose."

I absolutely loved reading this book, loved it so much in fact that I couldn't put it down until I finished....as is the way with all of W. Bruce Cameron's books :)
Bailey was born in a puppy mill. Not a happy start for a puppy full of life and curiosity of the world around him. From the beginning, Bailey is driven by the notion that he has a destiny outside of the cages at the mill..He just knows that something better, his purpose is waiting for him outside those gates. The book follows his journey and misadventures on his way to meet Ethan; Bailey's boy...Bailey's purpose.
The book shows the relationship of a dog and his boy from the dogs perspective and it's perfect.
it is written for middle school aged children, but I found that it is a book that could and should be enjoyed by people of all ages.
I you love, or have ever loved a dog...you'll love this book.

I am 10 and I loved this book so much. If you like good stories then this is defiantly a book you should read. I like this book because you get more details about bailey than a dogs purpose. Some other great books by W. Bruce Cameron are Ellie's story, A Dogs Purpose and a The Dogs of Christmas. I loved these books so much you should read THEM!!!!!

My 8 y/o daughter loves this book! She can be a very picky reader, but keeps saying that she loves the way it is written. She loves animals, especially dogs, and reading a book from a dogs point of view is perfect! I've read the first couple of chapters too and it is wonderfully descriptive, it really puts a picture in your mind!

Good story with lots of cliffhangers at the end of each chapter to keep you reading. 3 stars for some of the situations that happened in the book. I felt like I had to keep reading so my 8 year old wouldn’t get upset with all the weird things that happened with the neighbor boy in the book. Just odd.

A soon-to-be classic, the story of Bailey and his beloved boy Ethan will steal the heart of the young reader in your life. I fell in love with the spirit of youth that Mr. Cameron captured in this most recent adaptation to A Dog's Purpose. He has a way of capturing and putting onto paper those "Je ne sais quoi" emotions that elude description for the rest of us. It is a rare treat to have characters come to life in such a way that you are sure that you know them. This book belongs in every classroom, every library and most importantly in the hands of every young person. For the animal lover, the kind-hearted, the adventurous and the kids lucky enough to be loved by their very own Bailey. I promise you that this book will be cherished.

I am a teacher and I read the original A Dog's Purpose and the second book to my 5th graders. They loved it. I have not read this one but it sounds like it's been adapted for younger readers with tools and a guide to help children understand the story. I wish I had this version to read to my students. Can't wait for the movie! Box of tissue in hand and no contact lenses that day!

this book is amazing but their our some sad parts but it makes the book good .but if you are a parent i wouldnt read it to your kids untill they are about eight years old becuase thier is1really sad part . i would defiantly reccomend the book to ANYONE who asked about this book !!!!!!

i loved baileys story after reading it, it was a good book some of the Characters like Todd was very mean . I thought that Hannah was very nice she was smart , pretty , amazing to Ethan that made me tear up a little bit .

Well written novel that kids will be able to read. I was somewhat skeptical Bruce would be able to keep the story line from A Dogs Purpose while writing for kids but in my opinion he did just that. In A Dogs Purpose there are a few tough areas but Bruce was able to write these in a way where the parent and children can have dialog. I would highly recommend this to any parent that read A Dogs Purpose and liked it.

What soul and spirit of our four-legged friends W. Bruce Cameron offers in this lovely story! The more I read, the more I related and learned about the love between dogs and their humans. This is such a wonderful way to understand the true gift that is A Dog! I love how with every turn of the page, I was filled with wonder as to what MY dogs might be thinking. A beautiful book for young (and old) dog lovers!

I loved this book it was a heartwarming story about a dog and it's owners adventures. I couldn't put it down. The dog is determined he will find his purpose in life. He is always thinking to himself, "Is this why I'm here? Am I finding my purpose?" This book was amazing.

I loved Ellie's Story and have been waiting for Bailey's Story. I feel like I know these dogs because they are so realistically written. You will love these and they are both great for gifts for children!

What an amazing book. W Bruce Cameron has done it again!! Writing from a puppy's point of view with such description and animation!! Many similarities of my own pups. Although targeted towards young readers, this book is a definite must read for all ages and dog lovers alike!!