The Grand Escape

By Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Book Overview

It's a scary world out there. If only Marco hadn't read a newspaper article about a ranch and become determined to see one. If only Polo hadn't found himself longing for the mother he barely remembered as a soft-warm-wiggle-purr-milk-tongue. Then the two tabbies might have been content to remain pampered house cats forever. But when their owners leave a door open, Marco and Polo can't resist the temptation to escape to the outside world. Their search for food and a dry place to sleep leads them to Texas Jake and the cats of the Club of Mysteries. Life on the streets is a lot easier with friends, but Marco and Polo have to prove themselves before they can become members of the club. And that means facing the huge mastiff Bertram the Bad, a pack of savage river rats, and a barren landscape that may be the ranch of Marco's dreams -- even if it seems more like a nightmare. Home is starting to look better and better... Don't miss any of The Cat Pack's adventures.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0689874073
• ISBN13: 9780689874079
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.1" x 7.5"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Delightful reading

Marco and Polo were the housecats of Mr. and Mrs. Neal. However, the Neals did not know the two cats could talk. After all, it did not sound like English to the humans. Marco could also read! The cats had been trained not to go outside but Marco escaped once for an hour. Due to that, and Marco reading about something called a "ranch", the two cats carefully planned their escape into the world. Neither knew all the hardships they would face, nor the wonderful adventures they would have. *** A delightful tale that is perfect for a child's first chapter book. Great for ages 8 - 14. Here is one that will be read and reread many times, and never to be forgotten! ***

One of the best books I have read.

The Grand Escape is about two cats named Marco and Polo and how they get into the Club of Mysteries, a group of cats that solve mysteries, such as what controls masters and what makes the sun rise and set. The plot sucks you in and keeps you reading. It's funny and adventurous, and if you're a cat lover, you'll like it even more. There are other books in the series, too, The Healing of Texas Jake is the second one, and there's another one called Carlotta's Kittens. I hope there are more! I think cat lovers of all ages would enjoy this book. I'm an 8 year old girl (Mom's typing this for me!), but I think boys would enjoy it as much as girls.

An exciting book for cat lovers

My name is Morgan and I am in fifth grade. I thought this book was the best book ever, especially if you like cats! My favorite part was when the cats stepped outside, and their people poured water on them, and the cats thought it was raining. This book is funny and exciting.

An exciting adventure for cat and book lovers alike!

This is a very exciting book about Marco and Polo, two cats (one can read!) who escape their indoor life to go to a ranch. But it's a dog-eat-cat world out there, and they must do everything they can to survive. What adventures do they have? Will they make it to the ranch? Read it and find out! This is by far my favorite book.