Buddy, Bentley, and Bailey's, Big Hearted Adventures: The Playground

AUTHOR: Danté Rhodes
(visit the author's page)
 
READING LEVEL:  Age 5+
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THEMES: 
 
Kindness and empathy
Bullying and behavior correction
Responsibility and accountability
Restorative practices (key differentiator)
Social-emotional learning (SEL)
Friendship and inclusion
Growth mindset
Decision-making and consequences
 
SYNOPSIS:
 
What happens when kindness gets a second chance?
 
On a bright morning at school, three lovable pups—Buddy, Bentley, and Bailey—discover something isn’t quite right on the playground. Hurtful words are being said, and one student is left feeling alone.
 
Instead of walking away, these big-hearted siblings step in.
 
Through courage, compassion, and a little teamwork, they help a young boy understand the impact of his actions—and show him how to make things right.
 
This heartwarming story introduces children to:
kindness and empathy
taking responsibility for actions
conflict resolution in real-life situations
the power of making better choices
 
Written by an experienced educator, this story gently weaves restorative practices into a fun and engaging adventure that children will understand and remember.
 
Perfect for:
ages 4–8
classroom read-alouds
parents teaching social-emotional skills
counselors and educators
 
Because every child deserves a chance to learn, grow, and choose kindness.