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The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids #2

Werewolves Don't Go to Summer Camp

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The hugely popular early chapter book series re-emerges with a new look! Brand-new eye-catching cover art brings a modern feel to this classic monster series for young readers. The new director at Camp Lone Wolf seems like a nice guy. But when the kids learn the legend of a local boy who disappeared and the wolf that prowls the campgrounds howling in the night, they start to wonder if Camp Lone Wolf is more than just a name. Mr. Jenkins is covered in hair, eats his meat almost raw, and has an obsession with wolves. But could he really be a werewolf?

92 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 1991

63 people are currently reading
1053 people want to read

About the author

Debbie Dadey

239 books327 followers
Debbie Dadey is the author and co-author of 162 books for children, including the Mermaid Tales series from Simon and Schuster and the beloved Adventures of The Bailey School Kids from Scholastic. Ms. Dadey is a former teacher and librarian. Please like her at Facebook.com/debbiedadey.

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5 stars
884 (32%)
4 stars
752 (27%)
3 stars
878 (32%)
2 stars
179 (6%)
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45 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
Profile Image for jasmine.
102 reviews4 followers
May 4, 2015
Some things wear off as you get older. You outgrow them or start to think they're lame, not funny, etc. This series is not one of those things. I'm 22 and the same things that made me laugh when I was 8 still make me laugh now. All of these kids are so doggone cute too!

The writing is simple and to the point, without any words that a child would be confused by, and the chapters are long enough for a child to feel encouraged by reading a big kid book, but short enough that they won't be overwhelmed. Not to mention in the paperback, the font is large, well spaced out, and easy for a child to follow. I would definitely recommend it for any child who's ready to start reading chartered books on their own, or any parent who wants to start introducing more intermediate children to their early reader at story time. It'd be especially great for summer reading between 1st and 2nd or 2nd and 3rd grade.

I loved this series when I was 8. I love this series when I'm 22. I'll love this series when I'm 82.
Profile Image for gabriella escoto.
285 reviews72 followers
June 6, 2016
I'm rating these based on my enjoyment of the series as a child.
Profile Image for Brandon.
306 reviews12 followers
June 30, 2025
Werewolves Don't Go To Summer Camp is a book from the Bailey School Kids I'm sure I've read before.This one begins with the four kids Eddie,Liza Howie and Melody going to Camp Lone Wolf.They get to Camp and we are introduced to Mr.Jenkins,a very hairy man that is barefoot and has dog tags around his neck.Mr.Jenkins is pretty tough and is not friendly at all.Mr.Jenkins cooks hamburgers for the kids and when they go to eat it,they see that the burgers are very rare.Mr.Jenkins doesn't mind though and eats it with the blood running.This makes the kids think that Mr.Jenkins is a werewolf.That night they have a Camp fire and they notice Mr.Jenkins is still barefoot and he's staying away from the fire.Mr.Jenkins begins talking about survival in the woods and Eddie speaks up and talks about them being from Bailey City and they can't survive in the wilderness,this brings up the origin of the camp and a local legend.The story is about this kid that got lost and was never found and now they hear wolf howls.Eddie doesn't believe this story and Mr.Jenkins,a grown man by the way dares Eddie to stay outside if he doesn't belive in the legend.Eddie agrees,but it begins to rain,so he sais he will the next night.Durring the storm,Liza sees a strange wolf like creature dashing into the woods wearing dog tags.The next night Eddie is getting ready to stay out and Mr.Jenkins tells Eddie to keep the fire going.Eddie ends up hearing howls and he even thinks he sees the same hairry beast that Melody saw.Eddie keeps the fire going for survival.Eddie runs into the cabin and tells his friends what he heard.The kids agree to sneak out to Mr.Jenkins' cabin and look for clues.They end up finding a book about mistletoe and wolfsbane,but before they can read how to use it,they hear wolf howls and the door ratteling.They also hear dog tags.The kids end up going back and looking for Wolfsbane and Mistletoe the next day.Mr Jenkins ends up taking the kids on a hike and in one of the more surprising exchanging of words Mr.Jenkins basically tells the kids not to get lost or it could be for good.I had a lot of fun with Werwolves Don't Go To Summer Camp.It was actually pretty dark compared to most of these books.Mr.Jenkins was actually creepy and Eddie staying outside alone is actually pretty brave.I give Werewolves Don't Go To Summer Camp a four out of five stars.
Profile Image for Katie Jo.
62 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2023
Absolute best case scenario is this guy is a fuckin hairy weirdo with no boundaries and very sensitive skin who says questionable things to kids — so, like most men I’ve dated. ZING!
Profile Image for Cameron Chaney.
Author 8 books2,177 followers
June 26, 2016
J. asked me if I'm hooked on this series now that I've started reading it and I have to say: yes, I definitely am. No shame! It's a series that takes me back to the good ol' days of how children's books used to be; a quick story, crisp writing, great illustrations, and a fun plot.

The first book Vampires Don't Wear Polka Dots was a great start to the series and Werewolves Don't Go to Summer Camp is no exception. It's fast, light, entertaining, and (I gotta say it) cute. There were a couple of things that nagged me this time around like some character inconsistencies, but as an early chapter book, I think those instances came be forgiven. Overall, a great addition to the series!

FINAL VERDICT: 4 1/2 stars!
Profile Image for Josée.
105 reviews
July 11, 2018
I picked up a bunch of these at a library book sale because I loved them as a child (they were spooky) and I wanted to revisit a throwback. Turns out, it's kind of awkward reading a book about stereotypes as an adult, and even more awkward were the small hints of fat shaming.
Profile Image for Karan joshi.
95 reviews
August 2, 2023
This book deserves million star for real!!! My childhood fav book.
Profile Image for Andrea.
1,061 reviews10 followers
November 6, 2021
I didn’t like the way Melody snapped at Liza and expected her to give up her bottom bunk for the top because Melody was left with the top bunk. She said Twitter brain was making her sleep on the top. It’s not her fault you were last to pick out a bed and she said she gets sick on the top.

It was funny the way the kids thought Mr. Jenkins was a reject from the Marine Corps or a berserk drill sergeant. He was so hairy they thought he was a werewolf. Especially with his story of the boy in the pioneer days that wandered away from camp and was never found. A lone Wolf was heard howling after that when before there hadn’t been.

That night Liza wanted to sleep with Melodie, and Melodie made the sarcastic comment that she thought top bunks made Liza sick, but Liza was more afraid of the dark. So she joined Melodie up top. Why didn’t she just get in Liza’s bed below since Melodie liked the bottom and Liza got sick?

Melodie saw a hunched over Wolf figure wearing dog tags—just like Mr. Jenkins. The next day it was suspenseful when he came up behind their table and overheard Eddie planning to prove something. He had dark circles under his eyes like he hadn’t slept and was even harrier.

It was hard to tell who was the mean kid because they all seemed to take turns. Liza said she didn’t know how to swim, and Eddie sneered and said she didn’t know how to do anything. Then Mr. Jenkins pinched Liza’s plump arm and said she needed some exercise.

He told everyone to get in the water and learn the dead man’s float. I thought there was going to be something there but there didn’t end up being any significance or reaction to the name of this floating technique. He was even harrier under his shirt and he did the doggie paddle and shook off just like a dog.

Mr. Jenkins told them they would get in or he’d teach them the hard way. Which was so wrong and scary. Liza was so afraid that she backed off the dock and fell in. She thought she was drowning so she started panicking. Eddie jumped in to save her but she almost pushed him under. Mr. Jenkins picked her up but Eddie called her a moron because the water is only up to their waists. Which begs the question of why he saved her instead of telling her to stand up...

The author really played up the werewolf theme. Mr. Jenkins’ eyeteeth gleamed in the light of the campfire. They got to talking about wolves and one of the kids commented on how much he knew. He said you might say he has first hand experience of them. Another asked what kind of experience and he said let’s just say I studied wolves. Melodie said it could have been a werewolf outside and Mr. Jenkins how very interesting that she believed. People in the Middle Ages did and some American Indians. Eddie announced he was sleeping outside and Mr. Jenkins licked his lips and asked if he was sure. He told him to light a fire to keep the animals away.

The conversations and interactions were so good! They really amped up the suspense! Eddie’s friends were trying to talk him out of sleeping outside alone but he went ahead with it. Eddie said see you in the morning and Melodie said I hope so. Mr. Jenkins appeared and asked if he was still planning on sleeping outside. He smacked his lips and said the moon is almost full. He told him to keep firewood just in case and Eddie asked for what but he had already left.

Eddie heard noises and asked who’s there but no one answered. He stayed awake staring at the bushes and thought he saw a hairy beast. He was like holy Toledo! He dove inside his bag and prayed every prayer he knew and promised to never beat up on his sister if he’d let him live! It was so funny!!

He had to quickly get the fire going that had gone out. He heard a metal clinking sound. The next day he told the others and when Melody mentioned the dog tags in her Wolf sighting, that’s what he thought he’d heard. Liza said it’s an army wolf! He still went around barefoot and Liza said he may be a slob but not a werewolf.

At lunch he ate beside them and devoured chicken right off the leg and ate until the bones were clean.

Eddie resolved to see inside his cabin to know for sure. I loved the title of the next chapter: “In the Wolf’s Den.” They searched his room at midnight and heard the Wolf howl so figured they were in the clear. Eddie said Mr. Jenkins is the one doing the howling!!

They found a book on wolves and Eddie was like that proves it, he is a werewolf. They found a chapter on werewolves and Melodie was like they do exist. They read that wolfsbane and mistletoe was used to cure them. There was a bowl right outside, along with sniffing and rattling the doorknob, and metal clinking. The picture showed a big wolf’s head behind them and I can’t believe nothing was mentioned about that!

On the hike he told the kids to eat, like Liza who had meat on her bones. So not okay pointing out kids’ weights. But it was funny how they speculated he was trying to get them fat to eat them on the night hike tomorrow!

Eddie found a spider and Mr. Jenkins ate it! The kids were horrified.

They packed his room with their plants while the Wolf howled outside. And next morning Mr. Jenkins was a no-show. The other counselors said he had an allergic reaction and the kids were sure he was a werewolf otherwise he wouldn’t have gotten sick.

But the night hike was still on and the other one sloes wouldn’t be going because Mr. Jenkins said he could handle it alone. The kids were sure this was to be their last meal and death awaited them on the outing.

Mr. Jenkins appeared, clean shaven and sporting clean clothes and less body hair. They were sure the plants had worked their magic and cured him of being a werewolf. They felt no fear.

It was absolutely hilarious how on the hike they saw him growing more hair and said he’s getting harrier by the minute. He was turning into a werewolf before their eyes and none of the other kids noticed and it was up to them to save everybody!

Liza put the rest of her mistletoe inside his backpack and he started itching. He took off into the woods to scout ahead and the kids took the opportunity to tell the rest about his true identity. They heard the Wolf and saw him on two legs, metal clinking. They all ran back to their cabins.

The next morning on their last day, he appeared harrier and he had twigs and leaves in his hair. They got on the bus and talked about how he’s not ordinary and they believed he was a werewolf. As they left he howled.
And the book ended! I couldn’t believe it. I kept waiting for the true reveal like the plants were poison ivy and he had a hair condition that causes a lot of growth, and he studied wolves as a citizen. But nope, we got nothing! I couldn’t believe it, it was like he was really a werewolf. All books debunk paranormal creatures by book’s end so I was floored and confused.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Heather.
921 reviews
November 4, 2021
The illustrations of Mr. Jenkins inside the book don’t match him on the cover.

It was interesting how in the Middle Ages people believed in werewolves. & some Native American tribes.

Some of the material felt a little adult, like the mention of escaped convicts.
Also where were the other counselors? They weren’t named and barely mentioned, or other campers. It’s like the author couldn’t handle more than a handful of characters. And how was Mr. Jenkins the only counselor teaching the kids to swim? There wasn’t another adult present. A man teaching a bunch of kids to swim? No other counselors there?

Werewolves looking for victims at summer camps cause there’s a bunch of defenseless kids. I feel like that would scare a kid who’s reading this.

This was creepy, and exciting and daring, like when they planned to search his cabin.

Sometimes the writing clearly felt adult, that kids wouldn’t be saying that. Like the phrase eyeteeth.
‘He smiled, showing his eyeteeth.’

So glad it left off that Mr. Jenkins could be a werewolf! He howled the cry of the lone wolf. Instead of like in some kids books where the paranormal and supernatural are proved false. What a cute book! Funny in places, spooky, eerie. Everything you’d want in a Halloween book.
That’s so cool the authors were a librarian and teacher and came up with this series on lunch breaks!! Amazing!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Anissa.
199 reviews
November 1, 2025
Nostalgia read for me. Remember reading these a lot as a child and enjoying them. Yes, they are dated and I forgot that they really don't explain if the person is the creature or not. Still a quick, lighthearted read.
Profile Image for Alex.
708 reviews
February 22, 2018
I didn't like this book because I don't like werewolves. I also didn't like this book because I didn't like the part when Mr. Jenkins turned into a werewolf.
Profile Image for Christine.
355 reviews19 followers
June 1, 2022
Another good book in this series.
Profile Image for Reneethereader.
559 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2022
These are so cute! I loved this one just as much now as then 🧡
Profile Image for Katie McArthur.
136 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2023
Built up a lot of expectations and suspense but the lack of resolution in the end was quite frustrating.
Profile Image for BookeryBliss.
337 reviews36 followers
July 15, 2014
The collection of "The adventures of the Bailey School Kids" stories are among my all-time favorite children's books. Witty, mischievous and fun, these short and silly books continue to bring giggles to the young and old. Just as I have enjoyed them as a kid, my own children also love them today. I even catch myself re-reading them (alone) from time to time. What can I say? I guess I'll always be a BSK kid at heart.
Profile Image for Seth.
379 reviews
September 2, 2014
They think mr. Jenkin's a werewolf! Mr. Jenkins ate a spider! Misltoe and Wolfbane makes Mr. Henkins look like a pussy cat.
Profile Image for Kate Matson.
313 reviews51 followers
June 26, 2016
I don't remember much about this series, only that I really enjoyed them. It was a fun story for young readers and the writing style was great.
Profile Image for Laura Danielle.
498 reviews6 followers
February 18, 2021
I love rereading books from elements school and this series is making me fall in love with reading all over again.
Profile Image for Shelley.
472 reviews20 followers
July 17, 2020
Summary:
This summer the Baily School Kids go on another epic adventure to Camp Lone Wolf. There they meet Mr. Jenkins, the camp director, who is as hairy as a beast, obsessed with wolves, and eats bloody meat! Yikes!

When the Baily School Kids see someone prowling in the woods at night and hear howling, they begin to suspect Mr. Jenkins may be a werewolf!!

My Thoughts:
I really liked this one!

Now thatt I'm older I thought it was hilarious. Who they end up thinking is a werewolf, is just really a very grisly man! He is just super hairy and loves his meat. In fact, I think I know a guy like that....my husband! Ha ha ha. (Except he doesn't eat his meat bloody, nor does he eat spiders, and doesn't howl in the night, thank god, lol).

I also kind of love that the authors always leave a bit of mystery left for interpretation at the end of the story. In Vampires Don't Wear Polka Dots you never do find out what is in that long box in Mrs. Jeeper's house and in this story, Mr. Jenkins howls at the end of the story, so you never really do know for sure that she isn't a vampire or that he isn't a werewolf.
I like that it's still up for interpretation. :)
Profile Image for Emmy.
2,494 reviews58 followers
February 2, 2025
After a couple Bailey School Kids flops (looking at you, Unicorns and Elves) it was nice to have a story that still captured that creepy feeling that some of the best titles did. And moreover, this book featured a suspicious adult that actually remained suspicious for the entirety of the book. What I like best about this series is not knowing if the "monster" really is a monster. Here, there was just enough suspense to really keep you guessing, and the story was really inconclusive, which I think added a nice layer of mystery. Mr. Jenkins was fun and spooky, and the book in general was just a delight to read from start to finish.
Profile Image for paige turner ♡.
292 reviews9 followers
July 13, 2018
I liked this one for a bit. I mean, it's written nicely, it read smoothly, but there were just some things that bothered me.

One thing I was like, awe these kids are good friends when Melody was comforting Liza saying she would make the whole camp look for her if she got lost. BUT after that, she was just a rude little twat, because Liza was nervous, feeling sick, scared. Everyone was just a little mean to her, and I thought that was unfair.
But then again their kids, but still.

There was another time when the kids dared Eddie to prove he wasn't a scaredy-cat, is this going to happen in every book?

And lastly, WOLF'S BANE? Are you kidding me?

Wolf's Bane is extremely poisonous, not just to ingest, but to even brush against it is pretty much a guarantee death, why on earth are these kids going to look for Wolf's Bane?!
AND THEY FIND IT?!

You have got to be kidding me.
Profile Image for Eric.
309 reviews5 followers
December 22, 2023
If you ever find yourself in Sarasota, Florida, and have nothing to do and nowhere to go for 8 hours after you check out of your hotel and are waiting for your family's plane to arrive later that evening so they can rent a car and pick you up, and after three or four hours of walking around aimlessly in pleasant but unseasonably warm weather with nothing but a backpack you find a bench to sit on in what your GPS has labeled a "park" but is in fact just a sidewalk skirting a little bay where presumably wealthy older white people walk by in a sporadic but steady traffic pattern, reading this book while sweaty and unwashed will certainly make you look like some kind of weird, emotionally-stunted vagrant. But it will kill half an hour. So there you go.
Profile Image for Britt.
80 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2018
Liza, Melody, Eddie and Howie weren't thrilled at all that they had to go to summer camp and they regretted going even more when they met the loud-mouthed camp counselor Mr. Jenkins. Not only was Mr. Jenkins loud, he was also tall, muscular and VERY hairy! He resembled a werewolf and his peculiar ways of doing things convinced the four-some that he, in fact, was one. The big question of this story is: will everyone survive this camping trip?

This was a wonderful fast-paced childrens story with excellent illustrations. I highly recommend this book for elementary students.
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