Postcards may be old fashioned, but the adversarial relationship between dog and cats persists in LaRue Across America: Postcards from the Vacation (2011). Gertrude LaRue and her dog, Ike, drive across country with her neighbor's two cats. Ike writes to the neighbor about her "ill-tempered and unmanageable" felines. "'Only you can end this fiasco!' Beggingly Yours, Ike'" The illustrations picture the four travelers at a waterpark in Connecticut, the Empire State Building in New York City, and many other locations all the way to Death Valley.
What I especially like about this book is that each post card is often accompanied by a thought bubble. The visual becomes text -- with some comical modifications. As Ike enjoys a burro ride into the Grand Canyon, his post card reads, "Days of endless travel, poor food, lumpy mattresses, and unpleasant company (!) have left me but a pale shadow of my former self."
Siblings cooped up on a long road trip may release their inner comedians by emulating Ike. Marke Teague models how to write with humor. Write! This book encourages writing--whether on postcards, in letters, via emails, text messages, or whatever.
Miss Cheetah has Dear Mrs. La Rue Read-Aloud and Letter Writing Letter. Cappa has a Dear Mrs. LaRue Writing Task. Jen's Gems has LaRue Across America Guided Reading Lesson.
