The Great Race

Author/Illustrator: Rev. W. Awdry/Tom LaPadula and Eric Binder

About the Author:

Wilbert Vere Awdry was born on June 15, 1911.  He was an English clergyman and a children's author.  Awdry is also the creator of the entire Thomas the Tank Engine collection.

Genre: Fiction
Grade Level: K-1

Synopsis:
This book is based on a story about Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. In this short story Thomas and his friend Bertie, who is a bus, decide they are going to race.  The books explains each part of their journey to get to the finish line, including when each one has to stop because of an obstacle.

Pre Reading Activity:

Before reading this book the teacher should review basic site words with the students.  The words in this book are simple so most young students should be able to read some of these words. 

Post Reading Activity:

After reading do a simple sequencing activity with the students.  Ask them what happened first, then what did Thomas do? Etc.  This will help the students learn to sequence longer stories as they grow.

Reflection:

I enjoyed this book because it is very simple and can be used in multiple ways.  This is a good level reader for beginning readers to get a little practice.  I also think this book is good to use for sequencing to get the students into that habit.  This book takes something the students already know and makes it easy for them to read themselves.