I once ran a 10k as a fundraiser for the Toronto Zoo. I managed to jog the whole way without slowing to a walk — then I collapsed at the finish line and my running career was over.
If you and your kids would like to hear some stories about running that are much more inspiring than my personal experience, don’t miss these four picture books.
The First Marathon: The Legend of Pheidippides by Susan Reynolds (Albert Whitman & Company, 2006)
This picture book uses a conversational tone to tell the story of Pheidippides (530-490 BC) from childhood through his role during the first Persian invasion of Greece, particularly the Battle of Marathon. Although Pheidippides collapsed and died after running all the way from Athens to Sparta and then Marathon to Athens, the book ends on an uplifting note by describing today’s marathons. Included is a detailed historical note plus an explanation of the author’s research and a bibliography of eight sources (including Herodotus, Lucian, Plutarch, and Thucydides). I enjoyed the bold illustrations with black, geometric borders. Recommended for ages 7 to 9.
Jackrabbit McCabe and the Electric Telegraph by Lucy Margaret Rozier, illustrated by Leo Espinosa (Schwartz & Wade Books, 2015)
This humorous introduction to Samuel Morse (1791-1872) tells the fictional story of Jackrabbit McCabe who ran so fast he placed first in horse races. The story centres on him entering a contest to deliver a message faster than the new electric telegraph. Historical details are not included in the story itself, but an author’s note explains the invention of the telegraph and how it worked. A fun bonus is a Morse code key and a short riddle you can solve. The playful illustrations fit this tall tale perfectly. Recommended for ages 4 to 8.
The Quickest Kid in Clarksville by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Frank Morrison (Chronicle Books, 2016)
In this story of jealousy and friendship, the spunky narrator thinks she’s the fastest runner in town… until a new girl shows up. The climax of the plot is seeing African American sprinter Wilma Rudolph (1940-1994) in a parade with her Olympic medals. Note that the story doesn’t actually tell very much about Rudolph. However, a one-page author’s note covers her challenges and successes, as well as and the celebratory parade she insisted be integrated. The illustrations complement the colloquial tone. Recommended for ages 6 to 9.
The Pumpkin Runner by Marsha Diane Arnold, illustrated by Brad Sneed (Dial Books, 1998)
Inspired by the story of Cliff Young (1922-2003), an Australian potato farmer who won an ultramarathon at the age of 61, this picture book has the feel of a tall tale. Instead of riding a horse or driving a Jeep over his huge ranch, Joshua Summerhayes runs — fueled by pumpkins. On a whim he enters a 900-km race from Melbourne to Sydney. Dressed in overalls and gumboots, can he beat the younger, better trained runners? Includes lovely oil paint illustrations and a brief author’s note. Recommended for ages 5 to 8.