I chose this story as my first Cynthia Rylant story because the front cover was very appealing. It's true about what we discussed in class. Front covers do sell books! The front cover has a picture of a dog coming straight toward the reader. It's like the dog, Gracie, is going to run off the page. I found this to be an extraordinary attention-grabber! I also noticed the illustrator is Mark Teague, who is the author and illustrator of my first picture book selection, Dear Mrs. LaRue. I automatically thought, Mark Teague is involved (illustrating) another story about a dog. So, this in itself, made me want to read and study the illustrations.
I will try my best NOT to summarize, but sometimes I think it's important to know a little about the story so you can relate to what I'm writing about. An adorable dog, Gracie, loves quiet and the stillness of her house. One day, this quiet was interrupted and hilarious events soon followed. (There was a happy ending.) The story, I believe is a predictable one, and after the first few pages, students will probably catch on that wherever Gracie goes, the townspeople will surely be chasing her.
This story would be enjoyable for elementary students. The illustrations are wonderful and it would probably be a great way to make connections. Many kids have dogs so these students could make connections between the dog in this story and their own. Students could also make connections between this story and other texts about dogs. (Comparing and contrasting=higher level thinking!) Yeah!
This story could also be read aloud to upper elementary students and could lead a lesson into timelines, order of events. (Of course, lower elementary students could benefit from this story to be used to discuss beginning, middle, and end.)
Overall, this is one of those laughable, funny stories that if it's just read for entertainment value, it would definitely serve its purpose!
2 comments:
The book I read by Rylant was also illustrated by Teague (Poppleton in Spring). Knowing that Teague has done the Poppleton series with Rylant as well as The Great Gracie Chase makes me think that they must work closely. I was under the impression that authors could not choose their illustrators. But with so many books of these two together, I could be wrong!
Your book sounds perfect for daughters. I love the Mrs. LaRue books but feel it's a little over my kids' heads. I will try this with them to warm them up to the Mrs. LaRue series, so to speak.
I put this book on hold last week. It still hasn't come into the library (they have to get it from another branch). When I saw the cover of the book online, I knew I had to read it. I love dogs, especially ones with great spirit and character. My own dog has a great "personality" and loves to run and be chased. I am looking forward to the pictures you have described and the adventure Gracie goes on. Maybe I'll read it to my dog! :) haha (she does watch Animal Planet! you never know!)
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