In this children’s book, Chipper the Fox and his friends train for the arctic race. Out-of-town contender Rocky the Raccoon usually wins the race, but this year, the arctic animals hope to challenge his streak. They have fun training together and are excited and ready on the big day. The race involves sledding, ice climbing, skiing, and snowshoeing. Unfortunately, at every event, the arctic animals meet some kind of mishap, such as when Gus the Walrus and Marta the Moose crash their sleds. Though Rocky the Raccoon races past each of them on his way to victory, the arctic animals stop to help each other at each step. When Rocky twists his ankle during the snowshoeing event, Chipper helps him up, and they finish the race together.

Early readers can enjoy reading this book independently, and the rhyming couplets that comprise the text are rhythmic and fun for younger children to hear read aloud. Soft, watercolor illustrations bring each racing event to life and clearly depict the kindness that the characters show each other. The moral of Chipper’s story is plain but not didactic. The arctic animals care for and take care of each other in genuine ways. Chipper has a decision to make when he sees that Rocky is injured. Should he win the race or show compassion for his rival? After Chipper helps Rocky, the raccoon sees how the arctic animals check in on each other after the race, and in the face of their kindness, he apologizes. The animals all end up as friends, vowing to race together as a team in future events. Through the emphasis on compassion throughout the book, Rocky, and presumably young readers, learn by example that kindness is more important than winning.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

Return to USR Home