Raccoon's Last Race (Hardcover)

~ Joseph and James Bruchac (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4–A solid retelling of an Abenaki legend. Long ago, Azban the Raccoon was a gifted athlete, but years of terrible sportsmanship have left him almost completely friendless. Having run out of animals to annoy, he finally challenges a large boulder situated atop a hill to a race. To his surprise, the boulder overtakes and flattens him, leaving Azban to beg unsuccessfully for help. After a colony of ants–one of the few creatures whom he had not yet offended–works together to restore some movement to his limbs, Azban impatiently brushes them off and trots away before they can finish the job. Noticing too late that he is still misshapen, and with no one left to take pity on him, he has had to live with his lumbering build ever since. The text reads aloud smoothly and keeps the action moving quickly. Done in pen-and-ink, gouache, and pastel, the illustrations accentuate the humor of the tale. The boldly colored animals are set against softer backgrounds, and occasional close-ups add variety to the scenes. An authors' note provides some background for the story. A strong addition to picture-book collections.–Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC
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Product Description

Long ago, Azban the Raccoon loved to race on his long legs. He was the fastest of all the animals, but he was also the most conceited. When the other animals grew tired of his attitude, Azban chose Big Rock as his next opponent. But, busy taunting instead of running, Azban tripped . . . and Big Rock flattened him--splat! Only the ants would help stretch Azban out again--as long as he promised to be their friend. Did Azban keep this promise? Is the raccoon still the fastest of all the animals?

In this lively, funny romp, the team that created How Chipmunk Got His Stripes and Turtle's Race with Beaver once again captures the fun and energy of traditional Native American stories. This time, they have chosen an Abenaki tale that warns against arrogance and honors the importance of keeping your promises.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dial (October 12, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803729774
• ISBN-13: 978-0803729773
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #363,603 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A HIT at classroom STORYTIME and BEDTIME ..., November 9, 2009

By	mom2boyz - See all my reviews

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This is a REALLY cute book! My kids like it so much that this book is on our most popular bedtime stories. For that reason, I took it in to read to my son's first grade class (as well as another class) ... so, well over 40 kids ... and it was a HIT! It kept ALL of the kids' attention. (No small feat!) Azban the raccoon liked to taunt the other animals into racing him because he had long legs and could ALWAYS win. He showed very poor sportmanship at each of his "wins." Soon, he had no friends that wanted to race him ... that is, until he found a huge boulder rock on the mountain top. I'll let you read the rest. :) It is a really cute story and GREAT for reading aloud to a group of kids.