Debbie Hepner’s picture book Racee Acee and the Toboggan Race wraps up a few valuable lessons for young readers in an enjoyable package. Acee and her friends are a few days away from the annual toboggan race and they want to do all they can to speed up their sled. After a brief brainstorming session, they try rubbing bacon grease on the bottom to make it go faster. Their efforts result in an unexpected, and somewhat humorous, outcome. With another suggestion to speed up their toboggan, these four friends work together to implement a creative idea that just might work. When race day finally arrives, surprises abound as they discover whether or not their toboggan is the fastest. Racee Acee and the Toboggan Race is a winter-themed treat for kids. This lively children’s book offers an endearing tale of lighthearted competition built upon a sturdy base of friendship. But where it really shines is in the lessons it provides on collaboration, cooperation, and actualization. I appreciate that it shows how, by not taking things too seriously, we can still find satisfaction when our efforts don’t work out the way we plan. The text is expressive while remaining simple enough for early readers to grasp, and the colorful artwork will draw the attention of pre-readers and keep them engaged. The smiling faces of the diverse characters add to the charm and overall upbeat tone of the book. Your children are sure to love reading about Acee and her friends in Debbie Hepner’s exciting, entertaining, and educational story.
