Chicken Little and the very long race

Apparently unaware of his own cautionary history, Hare is destined to repeat it in this wryly funny paean to perseverance. Chicken Little isn't interested in the upcoming marathon. ("Have you seen how short my legs are?") But the hens are agog at the competition's sponsor and most famous participant, Hare, a local celebrity, and begin to train diligently. Then Hare's running manual arrives. Despite its title, Hop to It, the book is strangely silent on workouts, instead touting Hare-brand smoothies, sneakers, and sweatbands. The hens purchase everything and relax on chaises, reading and slurping. Upon learning that the hens haven't read any other training handbooks, serious, bespectacled Chicken Little becomes concerned. She warns, "It's a very long race! You could get hurt if you don't train!" "If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is." Goaded, she signs up to race and begins a strenuous regimen. It's a tough ordeal, but "still, she persisted," sustained by her mantra, "slow and steady." The race-day results will not be a surprise. Hare struggles to accept coming in second, while Chicken Little, having realized the rewards of determination and hard work, ponders future challenges. With hand-lettering and minimal touches of color, the droll, lighthearted line illustrations and sly nods to adult readers balance the sensible messaging. This is a successful third hit for the "real" Chicken Little. An amusing satire on influencer culture and an earnest endorsement of disciplined effort. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.