The Big Race [Hardcover]

Shirley Glaser (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Grade Level: P and up

When Harry Hare and Tommy Tortoise decide to have a race, Harry takes off like the wind. In this version, Harry passes some world-famous sights, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids, the Parthenon, and more! But when he grows weary and stops for a nap-guess who manages to beat him to the finish? In this clever format, though, the end is also the beginning, as the book turns over to keep the story continuing again and again. Parents will love sharing this age-old fable with their children through this ingeniously designed picture book.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2–This slight addition to the body of work based on Aesop's The Tortoise and the Hare features a sassy rabbit that challenges his competitor to a race around the world. Starting from New York City and zigzagging around continents, the hare dashes through 12 countries depicted across the top half of each spread. Then readers turn the book over and continue the whirlwind trip through 11 more locales and back to the Big Apple to begin the competition again. For each nation, an icon or two (kangaroos; pyramids and camels; a Royal Canadian Mountie and a totem pole; tulips and windmills) is featured in the background as the hare whizzes past. Unfortunately, the tortoise is barely seen throughout the contest and his absence from almost all of the scenes gives the impression that the rabbit is racing against himself. With a narrative and endpapers that contain flip, generalized remarks about each country, the book seems more intent on being a travelogue rather than a retelling of the classic tale. Though the electric colors may draw readers to the starting line, the confusing format and weak writing will soon cause them to drop out of the race.–Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha's Public Library, WI
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Product Details

• Hardcover: 28 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion (July 18, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786818212
• ISBN-13: 978-0786818211
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 8.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,838,150 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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