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The Secret Shortcut
Wendell and Floyd have a problem. Hard as they try, they can't seem to get to school on time. So one morning Wendell comes up with a solution--a shortcut so secret that only he knows about it. At first, Wendell's shortcut is simple enough. But soon both boys are lost in a wild jungle full of quicksand, monkeys, and crocodiles! Who would have thought that getting to school could be such an adventure.
32 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1996
4 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Mark Teague
138 books120 followersMark Teague has delighted young readers with more than 20 picture books, and he has written many of them himself, including the popular Pigsty, Baby Tamer, and One Halloween Night. He is also the illustrator of Cynthia Rylant's beloved Poppleton series for beginning readers and the best-selling books by Jane Yolen, How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight and How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon.
Mark Teague's life changed when he moved from San Diego to New York City and he planted the seed for his first picture book, The Trouble with the Johnsons. Each of Teague's books start as "notebooks full of sketches and scribbles, strange little drawings and phrases that suddenly come together," Teague explains. And although he had no formal writing training, his endless imagination and understanding nature gives him a permanent place in the hearts of everyone.
Mark and his wife live in Coxsackie, New York, with their young daughter Lily, who has a great time watching her dad paint the pictures in his books.
Mark Teague's life changed when he moved from San Diego to New York City and he planted the seed for his first picture book, The Trouble with the Johnsons. Each of Teague's books start as "notebooks full of sketches and scribbles, strange little drawings and phrases that suddenly come together," Teague explains. And although he had no formal writing training, his endless imagination and understanding nature gives him a permanent place in the hearts of everyone.
Mark and his wife live in Coxsackie, New York, with their young daughter Lily, who has a great time watching her dad paint the pictures in his books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
August 8, 2020
I really enjoyed these illustrations and the inclusion of a character of color. I loved this exploration of imagination, friendship and growing responsibility.
April 20, 2012
The Secret Shortcut by Mark Teague draws on the same idea of magical worlds being accessible from the most mundane places as is explored in The Lost and Found. Where The Lost and Found was located in a school, The Secret Shortcut is located somewhere en route to school.
Wendell and Floyd, the main characters from The Lost and Found are always late to work. They have magnificent excuses and given Teague's mixture of the urban and the fantastic, I take their explanations at face value. Their teacher, though, doesn't and makes them promise to be on time the next day — or else!
Nothing is ever that simple for Wendell and Floyd. They try the next day to save time by cutting through a neighbor's backyard. Unfortunately the backyard leads them to places unimaginable for the average American suburb (unless perhaps you're a fan of The Backyardigans).
Wendell and Floyd, the main characters from The Lost and Found are always late to work. They have magnificent excuses and given Teague's mixture of the urban and the fantastic, I take their explanations at face value. Their teacher, though, doesn't and makes them promise to be on time the next day — or else!
Nothing is ever that simple for Wendell and Floyd. They try the next day to save time by cutting through a neighbor's backyard. Unfortunately the backyard leads them to places unimaginable for the average American suburb (unless perhaps you're a fan of The Backyardigans).
July 31, 2017
A children's book set out of time - because everyone know's that children no longer walk to school by themselves. And certainly don't get to get lost on the way. Or play. With over the top art. And I'm never quite sure - maybe the boys really did see aliens. And pirates. And jungles. They certainly found a mud puddle.
April 29, 2020
The Secret Shortcut is an adorable adventure book about two school aged boys who enjoy walking to school together in the mornings. In fact, the boys, Wendell and Floyd, love walking to school together so much that they often walk slowly and get distracted. They recount various reasons they were late, including invasion of space creatures, and running into a group of pirates in the neighborhood. Their teacher is not pleased with their tardiness, and doesn't believe their colorful excuses. She demands that that the boys not be tardy again, or else. So the boys devise a plan for how to get to school on time, which includes waking up really early and leaving earlier for school, and following Wendell's secret shortcut through the neighborhood. Though at first the shortcut appears to be promising, the boys find themselves lost in a thick forrest with vines and strange animals. Navigating quick sand and crocodiles, the boys scurried to find the way out. Just when the boys were losing hope, they heard a school bell. Hopeful and determined, Wendell and Floyd managed to weasel their way out of the great unknown and into the school yard. The boys slid into their seats at the last second, only to be covered in mud and exhausted.
This book is a wonderful story about two normal kids who embark on a wonderful adventure among the monotony of walking to school. I was compelled by the fact that the author never clarified whether or not the boys had extraordinary imaginations, or if these events truly happened. The Secret Shortcut would be a fabulous story for students with active imaginations, and students with a love for adventure. This book could be used in the lower grades for an interactive read aloud about the power of imagination. Students could discuss what kind of shortcut they'd like to create and when they would use it. This activity would be great for K-1 students, because it is an opportunity for them to strengthen their oral language skills. Another instructional use for this book would be to use it as a mentor text to model how to summarize a story. The teacher could read the book with the class, and then make a graphic organizer outlining the order of events. Overall, this is a fabulous story and certainly a WOW book for me.
This book is a wonderful story about two normal kids who embark on a wonderful adventure among the monotony of walking to school. I was compelled by the fact that the author never clarified whether or not the boys had extraordinary imaginations, or if these events truly happened. The Secret Shortcut would be a fabulous story for students with active imaginations, and students with a love for adventure. This book could be used in the lower grades for an interactive read aloud about the power of imagination. Students could discuss what kind of shortcut they'd like to create and when they would use it. This activity would be great for K-1 students, because it is an opportunity for them to strengthen their oral language skills. Another instructional use for this book would be to use it as a mentor text to model how to summarize a story. The teacher could read the book with the class, and then make a graphic organizer outlining the order of events. Overall, this is a fabulous story and certainly a WOW book for me.
April 21, 2022
This is a colorful and entertaining adventure story of two boys who always seem to run into shenanigans on their way to school. The two friends are determined to be on time for school after getting in trouble several times with their teacher, so they take a secret shortcut that ends up being the craziest adventure yet.
I like that the story demonstrates a few different characteristics of the boy’s friendship dynamic. In addition we can see that the boys are taking their responsibilities seriously as they try to do better on their timeliness for school. The book has a simple and easy to follow story line, but at the same time, is full of imaginative and unexpected surprises. This would be a great text to work with lower elementary school students on story mapping. It would keep them engaged and interested while also being simple enough for students who are learning beginning level story structure. I was intrigued and entertained by the book and look forward to reading it again!
I like that the story demonstrates a few different characteristics of the boy’s friendship dynamic. In addition we can see that the boys are taking their responsibilities seriously as they try to do better on their timeliness for school. The book has a simple and easy to follow story line, but at the same time, is full of imaginative and unexpected surprises. This would be a great text to work with lower elementary school students on story mapping. It would keep them engaged and interested while also being simple enough for students who are learning beginning level story structure. I was intrigued and entertained by the book and look forward to reading it again!
September 2, 2023
They tried ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
October 12, 2013
The Secret Shortcut was a wonderful story that takes us as a the reader on a trip with two boys from reality to escaping reality and then back to reality again.
The story starts as an illustration bordered in white with the text written on the bottom of the white boarder. This signifies that we are in reality. The rest of the story is full of double page spreads that are full bleed which allows us to feel as though we have escaped reality and are in the imaginations of the two boys in the story. On the last single page spread there is white boarder again which makes us as the reader feel as though we are in reality when however, what the illustration shows does not look like reality. It makes us question ourselves as readers of the book and what reality really is.
Throughout the story, our eyes are always drawn to where the boys are looking which allows us to see what they saw on their imaginative adventure. This gives us involvement in the story and allows us to feel what they are feeling.
The illustrations are drawn cartoon-like therefore is a book most young children would be drawn to right away.
The story starts as an illustration bordered in white with the text written on the bottom of the white boarder. This signifies that we are in reality. The rest of the story is full of double page spreads that are full bleed which allows us to feel as though we have escaped reality and are in the imaginations of the two boys in the story. On the last single page spread there is white boarder again which makes us as the reader feel as though we are in reality when however, what the illustration shows does not look like reality. It makes us question ourselves as readers of the book and what reality really is.
Throughout the story, our eyes are always drawn to where the boys are looking which allows us to see what they saw on their imaginative adventure. This gives us involvement in the story and allows us to feel what they are feeling.
The illustrations are drawn cartoon-like therefore is a book most young children would be drawn to right away.
September 19, 2016
Getting to school seems to always be an adventure for two boys who can't get there on time. Part of me likes the imagination in all the things that happen to the boys as they try to get to school on time. However, I mostly don't like what I see as excuses for being late to school. Lol. I put a lot of stock in being responsible. Ha ha.
December 19, 2014
Finding a shortcut to school can take imagination, ingenuity, and planning...and that's just what Wendell and Floyd do to avoid the wrath of their teacher for being late. The Secret Shortcut is full of brightly colored acrylic illustrations which really bring home the point.
May 14, 2013
A fun read-aloud book for preschool - kindergarten. The youngest children don't understand the make-believe vs. real aspect of the story, but all the kids love the crazy adventures of the two boys.
November 29, 2022
The Secret Shortcut is an adventure book that is about two friends, Wendell and Floyd, who have a tough time getting to school on time. These boys take a wild adventure one day on Wendell's secret shortcut to school and travel through the jungle just to get to school on time. This book was silly and fun and kept me on my toes as I waited to find out if Wendell and Floyd would make it to school on time. This book can be a great way to teach children how to use their imagination and simply have fun while reading. Children can also get drawn into the world of this book and use their imaginations to explore and have fun with friends. This book was a WOW book for me as I found myself enjoying the silly adventure the boys went on to find their way to school. It has been a long time since I have had the opportunity to use my imagination in an adventurous way while reading a book. The adult literature I have found myself recently reading does not involve much adventure or mystery (at least in a fun way) and I found myself becoming lost in this adventure with Wendell and Floyd. It was fun not knowing if they would make it to school on time or even at all. This book has inspired me to want to read more adventure or mystery books as they are fun and exciting. Hopefully this book can inspire children to enjoy reading and spark their love for reading. Maybe it can do the same for adults as well. Sometimes we get lost in the adult world with adulting activities and life but reading a children's adventure and mystery book can maybe bring out the inner kid in us all.
April 26, 2021
The book, Secret Shortcut, was a very intriguing adventure story about two young boys who are late to school each day because they run into different situations on their way, so they decide to take a shortcut. The story of the shortcut that turned out to be an adventure for the boys made for a very interesting read that would be great for third graders! The book incorporates new vocabulary words and attractive illustrations.
I would use this book in my classroom for a whole class read aloud because it is such a fun read! I could also use this to tie into science and learning about ecosystems and biomes. The storyline of the book takes place in the forest and in a jungle where they face different plants and wildlife. While reading the book, I would stop and talk about the different plants and animals in the book. The different vocabulary words in the book could also be connected to our word wall for referring to later on.
This book was a WOW book for me because I love reading adventure books, especially when they are children’s books. I was pleasantly surprised by this book and the theme of imagination! This book reminds me of the Magic Tree House books I used to read when I was in elementary school! I loved how the illustrations made it feel like you were a part of the story and I liked how the two boys were trying to problem solve throughout the story to make it to school on time.
I would use this book in my classroom for a whole class read aloud because it is such a fun read! I could also use this to tie into science and learning about ecosystems and biomes. The storyline of the book takes place in the forest and in a jungle where they face different plants and wildlife. While reading the book, I would stop and talk about the different plants and animals in the book. The different vocabulary words in the book could also be connected to our word wall for referring to later on.
This book was a WOW book for me because I love reading adventure books, especially when they are children’s books. I was pleasantly surprised by this book and the theme of imagination! This book reminds me of the Magic Tree House books I used to read when I was in elementary school! I loved how the illustrations made it feel like you were a part of the story and I liked how the two boys were trying to problem solve throughout the story to make it to school on time.
November 28, 2022
This children's adventure book follows Wendell and Floyd, two boys who always seem to be late for school due to their wild imaginations. One day they try to take a shortcut through their neighbor's backyard and their fantasies get more exciting than ever. The main themes of this story include the importance of imagination and that creativity can be sparked in even the most boring of places. This story would be highly entertaining to children and I think it would serve as a great read-aloud. It could also help inspire creative writing activities in the classroom due to its examples of twists and turns. I love that the author uses their craft to portray the story as a realistic retelling of events, the way a child would, allowing kids who read this book to feel seen in their imaginative storytelling. This book was a WOW book for me since it was exciting and entertaining to read even as an adult and I could easily see it being a favorite for kids I have worked with. This book stays clear of unnecessary bias by portraying the characters realistically and respectfully. There are no harmful generalizations, wording or stereotypes included.
November 23, 2019
This is a fun, engaging adventure book for students in either 1st or 2nd grade. This book allows students to be imaginative and they are able to visualize all of the crazy adventures the two boys went on! In the classroom, I would use this book to teach students how to be creative in their writing. I would read the book aloud, then, I would have the students create their own "shortcut" story to school along with an illustration of what their "shortcut" would look like. I would also use this read aloud to teach students how to retell a story regarding the concepts of organization and sequence. Students would retell the story using story words such as first/then/next/last.
This book is a WOW book for me because it is engaging students to use their imaginations. The story's premise includes humor and fun, which allows students to be excited about reading and creates a sense of enjoyment.
This book is a WOW book for me because it is engaging students to use their imaginations. The story's premise includes humor and fun, which allows students to be excited about reading and creates a sense of enjoyment.
April 1, 2021
The Secret Shortcut tells the story of two friends Wendell and Floyd as they search for a quick way to school. Notorious for being late, the two friends are determined to make it to school on time. Wendell tells Floyd of a secret shortcut they can take to make it on time to school and it seems simple enough. However, things don't go to plan and soon the boys are on a journey they never expected.
The secret shortcut is a great book for all elementary grades. For the younger students it is a great narrative mentor text that demonstrates how to write in a logical sequence moving from one event to the next. This could also be used for the older students as a way to show dialogue and use of descriptive words. Some of the great descriptive vocabulary in this book include thicket, scrambled, and meandered. It would be a great way to show students how to take overused words such as walk or talk and transform them into stronger captivating words!
The secret shortcut is a great book for all elementary grades. For the younger students it is a great narrative mentor text that demonstrates how to write in a logical sequence moving from one event to the next. This could also be used for the older students as a way to show dialogue and use of descriptive words. Some of the great descriptive vocabulary in this book include thicket, scrambled, and meandered. It would be a great way to show students how to take overused words such as walk or talk and transform them into stronger captivating words!
October 25, 2022
The Secret Shortcut by Mark Teague is an imaginative story of two friends who are always late for school. They decide to take a shortcut, and it takes them on an adventure. They walk through the jungle and encounter pirates and crocodiles. Their adventures finally get them to school on time. This book is such a fun read. The illustrations in the book are very colorful and engaging for readers. They definitely add to the story and help take readers along on the boy’s adventure. This short picture book really promotes the ability of children to escape reality and enter an imaginable world.
Teaching ideas that can be used with this book include having students make a map. Ask students to imagine they are continuously late for school and create a map of their own secret shortcut from home to school. This can promote creativity, including art, and support the understanding of details in maps such as the key and labels. In addition to this activity could include having students write their own story about their shortcut. Each of the stops from their map will be made into a paragraph, this way students can gain more practice with writing narratives.
Teaching ideas that can be used with this book include having students make a map. Ask students to imagine they are continuously late for school and create a map of their own secret shortcut from home to school. This can promote creativity, including art, and support the understanding of details in maps such as the key and labels. In addition to this activity could include having students write their own story about their shortcut. Each of the stops from their map will be made into a paragraph, this way students can gain more practice with writing narratives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2018
Mark Teague is hilarious. I'm delighted that the teacher librarian I am in for set out this book and another for me to read with groups of children.
Wendell and Floyd are always late for school and their teacher never believes that they nearly capture by space creatures, attacked by pirates, or delayed by a plague of frogs.
The next day they leave very early and take a shortcut to school. Fortunately they arrive barely in time as there is no way Ms Gernsblatt would believe what happened.
Wendell and Floyd are always late for school and their teacher never believes that they nearly capture by space creatures, attacked by pirates, or delayed by a plague of frogs.
The next day they leave very early and take a shortcut to school. Fortunately they arrive barely in time as there is no way Ms Gernsblatt would believe what happened.
December 11, 2018
This is an imaginative picture book about two boys who are always late to school. In the past, they were late because of aliens and plagues. This time, they take a shortcut through the woods which has all the exotic animals of the world in their way.
It's a fun premise. The pictures are colorful and interesting. I think students could us the book to consider what other adventures could delay the students for school.
It's a fun premise. The pictures are colorful and interesting. I think students could us the book to consider what other adventures could delay the students for school.
July 25, 2018
I read this book with my summer reading camp students. They thought it was a good book because:
It had awesome pictures.
The boys (Wendell and Floyd) got muddy.
They found a shortcut.
They found a secret spot.
They didn't like it because...
It was too preposterous. (One of our vocabulary words)
It had awesome pictures.
The boys (Wendell and Floyd) got muddy.
They found a shortcut.
They found a secret spot.
They didn't like it because...
It was too preposterous. (One of our vocabulary words)
January 18, 2020
I liked that the plot or "problem" that the main characters had was something children of all ages could relate to! A simple task of getting to school turned into a huge adventure for these two boys. There were several "higher level" vocabulary words in the books that are good for children to learn.
June 10, 2024
Two boys are always late to school, and their teacher is tired of their ridiculous excuses. One day, they decide to take a short cut, and lots of crazy things happen that they are never going to be able to explain to their teacher. A fun story, great for older children/early elementary and readers who can add some emphasis on the sarcasm.
June 12, 2017
I had so much fun reading this to my 3 year old son. Floyd and Wendell's daily adventure while going to school are interesting no matter how old you are. It's a reminder to grown-ups on how much of our imagination we lose as we grow up.
October 24, 2018
This delightful story reminded me of walking to and from school in my own childhood. Very many children it will be a comical adventure. I think it is not quite right for my first graders in the suburbs, but maybe for the second graders.
December 10, 2023
A very fun book about a couple of kids’ imagination and how it keeps them being perpetually late for school each and every day of the week. It kind of felt like a read a like to Jumanji. I’m sure some will disagree, but I just saw a somewhat similar structure running through both.
January 2, 2018
Enjoy Mark Teague books.
November 19, 2019
Creative idea for a story. I like that the boys are diverse friends. My boys liked it but the ending fell a little flat for them.
February 2, 2022
Another MUST HAVE Teague book!
April 21, 2023
I would have loved it had the shortcut to my school taken me through the jungle.
March 23, 2017
Mark Teague has an inventive story on how to boys get to school. The illustrations in this book are remarkable. A fun book to read aloud to a group of first graders!
October 6, 2013
The Secret Shortcut is about two boys, Wendell and Floyd, who are always late for school because of some crazy mishap that happens on their way to school. So, one day, Wendell decides that they should take a shortcut to school. And so they take the shortcut through the jungle of their neighborhood.
The first and last pages have a border around it. The first page has a border to show the school and to create distance between the reader and the illustrations. This shows reality and then the pages turn into full bleed pages to show the boys’ imagination of what is their reality when walking to school. The next pages of the book are all full bleed double page spread. The full bleed page allows the reader to fully take in the boys’ surroundings and to see why they can’t get to school on time. On one full bleed double page spread, the illustrations show the boys hopping to school in their neighborhood while avoiding the thousands of frogs on the street. Besides the frogs on the street, there are frogs on the bushes and frogs jumping toward and on the two boys. The last page also has a frame around the illustration, but this time the illustration is of the two boys climbing over boulders stacked really high. The reader is left with the question, what is reality?
The vectors run from the boys eyes to certain objects or animals around them to have the reader focus on the boys’ surroundings. On one page the vector runs from the boy’s eyes to the shadow on the wall. The shadow looks a little creepy with the many holes that look like eyes. The shadow almost looks like it is going to follow the boys. The vector also has the reader focus on the little stream running through their neighborhood. It is almost the turning point of when reality of their neighborhood will turn into the imagination of the jungle. On a few pages the vectors run between the two boys to show their friendship and their concern for safety for one another. They are almost looking back to make sure that their friend is still there and alive because anything could happen in the jungle.
I enjoyed the full bleed double page spread illustrations. It made me feel as if I was in the jungle with them playing around. The colors became a little darker to show the overbearing tall trees in the jungle, but there seemed to always be a hole in the treetops that the sun would shine through. The sun showed that it was still daytime and they were still in their safe neighborhood. When going through the boys’ imagination of what stopped them while walking to school, it made me wonder what real objects were they overcoming in reality. Where they just swinging vine to vine from someone’s swing set in their neighbor’s backyard?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews