How I Spent My Summer Vacation by Mark Teague, Mark Teague (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

Some kids spend their summer vacation at camp. Some kids spend it at Grandma's house. Wallace Bleff spent his out west...on a ride, a rope, and a roundup he'll never forget.

Publishers Weekly

A boy's school report tracks his imaginary adventures in the wild West, using playful rhyming verse; the result, according to PW, is "one rootin' tootin' tall tale." Ages 3-7. (Aug.)

Children's Literature

Wallace Bleff takes his teacher and fellow students on a Wild West adventure when he gives his school report on how he spent his summer vacation. On his way to visit Aunt Fern, he is captured by cowboys and learns their trade, earning the nickname "Kid Bleff." When he finally reaches his Aunt's house, he joins in on a roping party, and proves himself a hero during a cattle stampede. This story is pure rhyming entertainment for little people with big imaginations.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2An original fantasy told in rhyme. Wallace Bleff, who is reporting to his class about his summer vacation, tells of his travels west at the bidding of his parents, who felt his overactive imagination needed a rest. He relates how en route to his Aunt Fern's house, he is kidnapped by cowboys andvoil, Kid Bleff is born. He joins the rawhide crowd; learns to rope, ride, and build fires; and becomes a ``first-rate cowhand.'' In celebration of the end of the roundup, Aunt Fern invites Wallace and new friends to a barbecue. When a cattle stampede nearly ruins the party, the young hero saves the day as he displays hidden talent as a matador and reverses the direction of the herd. The art is done in warm acrylics throughout, first to portray the classroom setting where Wallace's yarn begins against the backdrop of the chalkboard, then segues into the sandy scenes of the Wild West, and back again. Teague strikes again with a unique idea, one teachers would do well to use. An excellent read-aloud choice for back-to-school reading in the classroom or the public library.Marsha McGrath, Clearwater Public Library, FL

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