The Great Gracie Chase: Stop That Dog!

The story is a very simple chase. It’s just plain fun, and the paint company van’s text is hilarious. While it’s best for the Kindergarten age bracket and younger, kids will appreciate it when they’re older and looking back as well at that van slogan. The book is very large and might not fit where books are stored.

This book really begins on page 6. That's where a usually quiet-loving, obedient dog starts a rampage through town, as well as where illustrator Teague moves from static interiors to imaginative, cotton candy exteriors. In these views, objects and people are rounded and seemingly filled with Styrofoam, and the perspective is curved and distorted. It's the two dimensional equivalent of Disneyland's "Toon Town," except that the late 1940's/early 50's style is even more evident, more like the Disney kids' noir film, "Who Shot Roger Rabbit," on which "Toon Town" is based. This story contains no sexy rabbits, however, Instead , it's the story of one sweet and innocent dog who wreaks havoc in his little rounded hometown. When the marshmallow-looking painters arrive to redo her owner's gingerbread house, Gracie the puppy goes through the forbidden front gate (also curved, and framed by flowers that look ready to sing), and she "decided to do something naughty. Gracie decided to take a walk-ALL BY HERSELF." When everyone comes outside to look for Gracie, some canine instinct comes over her, and she begins to run, chased by painters, neighbors, boys and girls, and more and more townspeople (and even a bunny!). Gracie bounds into the curvy streets, under the billowy soap bubble skies, and takes off, tail wagging, tongue hanging and paws pounding. She leads the whole town--including the personified curving architecture-into screwball comedy territory. Teague's acrylic illustrations are right on target; he draws this broadly, with action, clothes, and even people's stances right out of central casting around 1943. I thought the conclusion was fittingly zany as well. Gracie leaves the others behind as their feet and bicycles wear out, and "suddenly Gracie realized how quiet [italicized] everything was again...People were resting. How nice, Gracie thought. [next page]. So that silly little dog turned around and walked back home ALL BY HERSELF!" When she returns nonchalantly, the wiped out citizens seem astonished and amazed (one tired painter puts his palm against the side of his face, a little like Jack Benny). While my enthusiasm my lead some to infer that this wacky book is one primarily for adult movie fans, the book's excitement and sense of naughty/innocent fun will appeal equally to children, both toddlers and young grade schoolers; all ages can appreciate Teague's artistic accomplishment. While Szekere's ("The Nothing To Do Puppy," and many other books) funny chase story builds an escalating stampede of excitement, it's mostly the pictures that make this a keeper.

Gracie was a really cool dog. She was a very helpful dog. She liked quiet but it got noisy in her house and she did not like the noise. We liked this book because it has good colors and details. Gracie is funny.

This book reminds grown-ups just how much fun it can be to read picture books. It is a silly, quick-moving, adorable little story that every toddler I know loves. Mark Teague's genius really carries the simple tale in a delightful way. After all, if you are a pre or emergent reader you can't help but adore his plump, colorful images. Especially good, and worthy of a spot on your already crowded personal book shelf.

Gracie is a good little dog who likes a nice quiet house. She never caused a bit of trouble until the day the painters came. The painters drove up in their noisy truck, yelling back and forth to each other, dragging furniture and clanging ladders and Gracie began to bark. She barked and barked, but the painters wouldn't leave. Instead, they put her outside, so that she wouldn't disturb THEM. Gracie saw the open gate and decided to take a little walk all by herself. She had just set off down the street, when she heard someone shout, "Where's Gracie?" and that's when the Great Gracie Chase began..... Cynthia Rylant has written a delightful and vivid story that's full of energy and magic. Her easy to read text is complemented by Mark Teague's bold, bright and expressive artwork that pulls you into the story and let's you join the chase. With each page, the chaos grows larger and busier, until it almost spills off the page. Together, they've authored a charming and humorous book that's perfect for youngsters 3-7. The Great Gracie Chase is a winner and a wonderful addition to all home bookshelves.

This book is a treasure that would make a great addition to your child's collection. Gracie is content in her home until painters disrupt her peace and quiet. When she's put outside to stop her barking, she wanders out the gate. Then the chase is on! If you've ever wondered why a dog bolts away and runs down the street, this story may have the answer. While the storyline is fun and imaginative, it is once again Mark Teague's fabulous illustrations that bring the character's to life. Be sure to notice the expression on Gracie's face when she's being ousted from her home, and the way the cat sits on the sidewalk. And the old man at the end looks like a guest appearance from another great book he has illustrated, Sweet Dream Pie. My kids love this one!