Second-grade Grace's
parents are very busy pediatricians. Lucky for her, author Aunt Lily lives
right next door and is always happy to have her. Grace loves words, a trait
that she shares with her soul-aunt, and feels that she has a story inside her
just waiting to crawl out onto the page. But how to get it out? When Aunt Lily
suffers from writer's block, she advertises for an inspirational assistant who has
a touch of magic. The advertisement is answered by a magician who delivers
his dog Rex, who-the magician claims-is bored and in need of something
productive to do. The first thing Rex cracks into is the organization of Aunt
Lily's desk. Next, he searches for inspirational quotes on the internet to help
jump-start her writing. Rex makes an impact on both Aunt Lily and Grace,
as the young girl finds her voice and finally puts pen to paper. Rex proves to
be a super-organizer, an inspirational muse, and-best of all-a great friend.
Ever since Newbery winning Sarah, Plain and Tall was released in 1985, Patricia MacLachlan has been producing quality chapter books for transitional fiction readers. Although she focuses on the younger side of fiction, she never cheats her audience and provides beautiful and poetic stories that are carefully written with every word in place. Many of MacLachlan's books feature canine companions and the healing and magical power of dogs. Wondrous Rex does just that. Readers will be possibly inspired to write their own stories and to examine their pets a little more closely. The story is tightly written and has classroom potential-both as a read aloud and to be read independently. The little tale is clearly a fantasy, as Rex can communicate and type, and projects a fairy tale vibe. I found it problematic that Grace's parents seemed to leave the raising of their daughter to Aunt Lily and at one point Grace refers to Aunt Lily's house as "home" as she walks over from her parent’s. I also was uncomfortable when Aunt Lily leaves seven-year-old Grace alone (well, with Rex) to go grocery shopping. Maybe I was reading too much into this whimsical tale and am missing the point. Give this book to dreamy dog-loving kids who need a little encouragement to get creative and, as Rex challenges, to dance like no one is watching.
No comments:
Post a Comment