Marley Goes to School

Title: Marley Goes to School
Author: John Grogan
Illustrator: Richard Cowdrey
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/
Publication Date: 2009
Genre: Picture Book
Audience: PreK-2
Overview: Marley Goes to School is about a loyal family dog named Marley, and his first visit to school. When Cassie, Marley's best friend, gets ready to start school Marley gets excited thinking he will be able to come along. After he is told no, he escapes from the yard and follows Cassie's scent all the way to school. In search of Cassie, Marley only seems to find chaos and trouble until he finally finds his best friend.
Activity: I think this would be a great book to use for a "back-to-school" activity. One possible activity could be reading this book aloud to the students the first day back at school. I think it would give students a fun and positive introduction back into the school year. An activity that the students could do after listening to the read-aloud could be to make a similar picture book for their class. For example, the class could vote on an animal they want to be the main character in their book. Next, each student could use their imaginations and draw a picture that shows what that animal may have done, or gotten into if it came to their school. After each student has finished, the teacher could put the book together, the class could title it, and it could be displayed in their classroom.
Reviewer's Name: Amanda Scocco