The speedy sloth by Rebecca Young

The words ‘speed’ and ‘sloth’ are usually not seen together, but in this funny picture book, Spike is a sloth getting ready for the big race.  The other sloths tell her that she cannot win. At the starting line, the rest of the competitors line up too. But Spike has been in the gym for the past seven days and has the right gear.

At the start of the race, the other runners look her over, trying hard not to snicker.  When the starting whistle is blown, she bolts likes lightning,  she sprints and sweats and looks just like a blur. But eagle eyes will notice that she is in the same position on each page, and they will realise what has happened when the snail passes her. Four pages show the other animals that have passed her as well. She is exhausted but is not going to give up. When she arrives at the finishing line the other sloths are very impressed that she finished so fast. She too is thrilled at competing, and is home in time for tea. 

This is a very cute story about involvement, about wanting to be part of something, of not always aiming at winning. The sloth is not an animal known for hard work or speed so is an appropriate animal for this story, to show that being involved is far more important than winning. The animals are beautifully presented with their characters evoked through the looks on their faces.  The line up of animals for the race is hilarious and children will get a big laugh recognising the animals, as well as predicting the rhyming word.

Themes: Winning, Involvement, Races, Humour, Verse.

Fran Knight