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Marley Goes to School

(2009, Fiction - Picture Book, Written by John Grogan, Illustrated by Richard Cowdrey)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 4.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Kids will giggle at silly dog tale; some confusing messages.

Themes in this book include:   family relationships, friendship

Why We Rated This on for Ages 4 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.

  • Messages:

    Marley is trying to track down his best friend, whom he misses.

  • Illustrations:

    Energetic and lively, but many of the adults look disconcertingly angry.
 

What to watch out for

  • Role models:

    The adults pursuing Marley come off as mean; kids lie to their teacher; Marley is lightly reprimanded but otherwise his antics are laughed off.

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Marley Goes to School

Parents need to know the loyal Marley disobeys the rules because he wants to find his friend. When a teacher warns that a “wild animal” is on the loose in the school and asks if anyone has seen him, the students lie and disguise Marley. Adults chasing after Marley are surprisingly impatient and angry, though the ending is lighthearted.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about Marley’s behavior. Is he a bad dog? Why or why not? Is his family helping him learn how to behave better?
  • Do you think this story could really happen? Why or why not?
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