Inch and Miles: The Journey to Success [Hardcover]

John R. Wooden (Author), Steve Jamison (Author), Peanut Louie Harper (Author), Susan F. Cornelison (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up

Inch and Miles have one last assignment before summer vacation begins. Their wise teacher, Mr. Wooden, has asked them the meaning of success. Using a magic silver whistle, Inch and Miles set out on a journey to discover the blocks of the Pyramid of Success and learn how to try 100 percent to be their personal best.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3--Mr. Wooden the owl gives his two pupils, Inch the inchworm and Miles the mouse, one final assignment before summer vacation--to define success. To put them on the right track, his whistle takes the two students on a magical adventure in which they meet different animals and explore the various components of success. For example, the ant equates it with hard work while, a few pages later, the dog defines it as loyalty. Some of the explanations are a little baffling--the eagle asserts that success requires poise, which means, "be yourself." This hardly explains the concept of poise for children. Except for Inch, Miles, and the narrator, all of the characters speak almost entirely in rhyming couplets, but the rhythm is sometimes off: "The energy and pep you show/will rub off on those you know." The bright cartoon illustrations done in thick oil paint may grab readers' attention, but overall the book will turn off its audience. The pages are extremely text heavy, and the small font is often hard to read on the bright backgrounds. Adult fans may appreciate Coach Wooden's desire to motivate kids, but children themselves will likely find this preachy package uninspiring and a few components short of a success.--Julie Roach, Malden Public Library, MA
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About the Author

Coach and teacher John Wooden is a towering figure in American sports and was named the 2003 Presidential Medal of Freedom Winner.

Named ESPN's Coach of the Century, Coach Wooden's UCLA basketball dynasty virtually created "March Madness" in amassing 10 national championships, 7 in a row; along with 4 perfect seasons; an 88-game winning streak; and 38 straight victories in tournament play.

Sports Illustrated says, "There has never been a finer man in American sports, or a finer coach."

He has two children, seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Visit CoachJohnWooden.com

Steve Jamison is a best-selling author, award-winning televison producer, and public speaker.

Peanut Louie Harper lives in San Francisco with her husband Tim and their two children, Casey and Jared. She is a former world-ranked professional tennis player who played on the pro tour for 16 years and won 14 national junior tennis titles.

Sue Cornelison is a full-time illustrator living in St. Charles, Iowa, a small rural community. She and her husband Ross have six children. She also coaches a team of 70 tumblers in her spare time.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 39 pages
• Publisher: Perfection Learning; 1 edition (September 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0756914108
• ISBN-13: 978-0756914103
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 11.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,557 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tried and True Journey to Success, May 6, 2005

By 

Ilene Anderson "Principal book lover" (Arcadia, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Inch and Miles: The Journey to Success (Hardcover)

As a Principal of an elementary school I gave this book to each of my teachers this Fall and we read the book together round-robin style. What an experience! Their enthusiasm has carried through the whole school as our students have all had discussions of the various blocks, the value of hard work and being a person of integrity whatever your path. We so appreciate that Coach Wooden put his successful system into a kid-friendly venue to reach even our kindergarteners. A must-have book for adults as well as children to assist in returning to the basic roots of a successful society. Yes, enthusiasm is important, but staying the course, inch by inch, with confidence and poise, hard work and determination will ensure great accomplishments. So, "hootie-toot-toot" to a rival Bruin we will always be indebted to! Fight on!

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, Inspirational Book that Every Child Should Have, April 13, 2005

By 

V. Jung "Valerie Jung" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Inch and Miles: The Journey to Success (Hardcover)

What a wonderful book! The illustrations are colorful and filled with interesting characters. Each block in the "pyramid of success" describes a value in an animated and fun format. A great inspirational book that teaches everyone to to be their best! A terrifically well written that should be shared with everyone you love.

I bought a batch of "Inch and Miles" and gave the book away as presents to my family and friends. "Inch and Miles" is our favorite book in our home library. We recommend this book to parents, educators, and coaches.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars kids will love to read this story, March 15, 2005

By 

Lisa Sconyers - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Inch and Miles: The Journey to Success (Hardcover)

I read this story to my daughter when she was 5 and when she started reading on her own it was one of her favorites. Now at 8, she not only still loves reading about inch and miles but she certainly understands the concept of trying her best and giving 100% no matter the outcome. There are so many vauable lessons that can be learned by reading this book by both children and adults who sometimes forget that competing shouldn't really be about just winning.