Featured books by Mark Teague
Reading Rockets recommends the following books by Mark Teague.
Baby Tamer
Amanda Smeedy is a seasoned babysitter. Nothing can get her riled, not even an entire circus appearing in the living room! This funny fantasy is told in rhyme and complemented by larger-than-life illustrations.
Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School
When Ike LaRue is "imprisoned" at the Igor Brotweiler Canine Academy, he tries everything to get sent home weepy letters to his owner, even illness. In reality, Brotweiler is more camp than prison, but still, Ike is not cut out for life without Mrs. LaRue and his creature comforts. Finally, he runs away, only to find himself back in Snort City just in time to save Mrs. LaRue's life.
Detective LaRue: Letters from the Investigation
Ike LaRue, famous correspondent (introduced in Dear Mrs. LaRue) known by readers as a four-legged letter writer with a flair for exaggeration now turns to solving the mysterious disappearance of neighborhood cats.
Firehouse
Edward, a curious young dog and aspiring firefighter, visits the firehouse with his friend, Judy. Edward and Judy practice with the fire fighting Dalmatians in this gentle, satisfying, humorous look at firefighters.
How I Spent My Summer Vacation
When asked what he did on his summer vacation, normally quiet Wallace Bleff launches into an over-the-top tale of cowboys and cattle and more. Told in rhyme with richly colored, humorous, and understated illustrations, this book puts a new spin on an old back-to-school assignment.
Pigsty
When Wendell’s mom declares his room a pigsty and tells him he can live like that if he wants, it’s not surprising that Wendell is delighted. It’s even more fun when two round pigs move in with him making the bedroom a real pigsty! Kids and the adults in their lives will see themselves in this lively fantasy and will rejoice in its resolution.
The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf
Two of three pigs, paid for their work by the Florida-bound farmer, enjoy chips and "sody-pop" more than a sturdy home. Only one is smart enough to grow healthy food and with her pay build a brick house with a pool. This funny, nonviolent riff on a familiar tale makes a gentle comment about healthy food and hygiene and its impact on huffing and puffing!
Books illustrated by Mark Teague
First Graders from Mars: Horus' Horrible Day
Even young monsters on Mars can have trouble adjusting to the first day of first grade. Not only does Horus miss the comforts of Martiangarten, but a know-it-all student harasses him. At his mother's insistence, a very reluctant Horus returns the next day. Once there, he is able to forget his own problems when he helps a new and even more timid Martian. Characters are vividly colored and peculiarly shaped to create a comical but sympathetic school story of adjustment and emerging friendship.
How Do Dinosaurs Eat Cookies?
The ever popular dinos are back, this time making and eating cookies always using their best manners. Rhyming text and outrageous illustrations are humorous. Two recipes and "scratch & sniff" are extras presented in this brief board book.
How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food?
They’re back! This time, the creators of How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? take on obnoxious and downright gross behaviors at mealtime. While kids will find delight when the Amargasaurus flips his spaghetti into the air or the Lambeosaurus blows bubbles in milk, adults will appreciate the presentation of calm and more appropriate behavior.
How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon?
Short rhyming text contrasts with illustrations of huge dinosaurs who are ailing with sniffles and coughs. Of course, the dinosaurs (with their names tucked into each page) are being helped by a caring but seemingly small adult in this companion to How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?
How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?
Ten sleepy dinosaurs get ready for bed in this celebration of funny, endearing, and naughty bedtime behavior. Young children will laugh out loud as they recognize themselves in this larger than life silliness.
How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?
While parents may be miffed when young dinosaurs test limits, they are always reassured of their parents' cunfailing love. Told in rhyme, this latest addition to the series by this talented writer/artist team is sure to please young children as they cuddle with their parents.
Nergal and the Great Space Race
Nergal and the other first grade Martians from Ms. Vortex’s pod participate in a running competition during health week. Nergal is nervous; he’s not a good runner. But he learns about healthy eating and that doing one’s Martian best is more important than winning. Zany illustrations and text convey a down to earth message in this book from the First Graders from Mars series.
Poppleton
Poppleton the Pig befriends a llama and a goat when he moves from the city to his new home in a small town. This first book from the Poppleton series introduces the characters and their everyday activities in straightforward language and engaging illustrations.
Tera, Star Student
In this tale of the students from Pod 1, purple haired Tera tries to take over, bossing everyone around until even the many eyes of Ms.Vortex, the teacher, glaze over. Human kids will recognize Tera’s know-it-all behavior and laugh at the world shown in the comic, colorful illustrations in this book from the First Graders From Mars series.
The Great Gracie Chase
Gracie Rose is an obedient dog who likes her home just as it is: comfy and quiet. When Gracie barks to tell intruding house painters to leave, she is put outside and so begins the Great Gracie Chase, which eventually involves the entire town! The illustrations use flat colors and rounded forms to convey the circular chase that's led by an appealing dog who finds her way back home.
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