Number One Sam

Sam the dog is a champion race-car driver, and he has the trophy wall to prove it. But racing isn't just a sport for Sam--it's his whole identity, and when he loses to his best friend Maggie the elephant, he's truly shaken up. "The night before the next race, Sam didn't sleep one wink," writes Geisel Award-winner Pizzoli (The Watermelon Seed). Will Sam do anything to win back his title? What if it means mowing down five oblivious chicks who decide to cross the track at the very moment the race's outcome hangs in the balance? One thing's certain: this is another winner from Pizzoli, who employs the same naif drawing style and four-color spot printing technique that gave his debut a silly sweetness and distinctly artisanal feel. Working with a more straightforward narrative this time, Pizzoli adeptly builds tension and sympathy for Sam, so that even when the story wraps up with a familiar lesson--a little sportsmanship and selflessness go a long way--it feels like everybody really does win. Ages 3-5. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (May)

PreS-Gr 1—Sam is used to winning everything, including car racing, his sport of choice. His wall of trophies and trinkets show off his talent for success until the day the unthinkable happens: the pup loses the big race because he stops for a group of oblivious chickens in the middle of the track. Then his cheering friends and the chickens let him know that he is still number one with them. Children will be able to relate to Sam's disappointment when he loses while also understanding the concept that winning isn't always everything. Pizzoli's playful, cartoon illustrations perfectly showcase the message in a fun way yet never come off as didactic. Pizzoli's use of four-color art provides an airy, uncluttered vision for his story that will definitely attract children. The simple yet exciting text drives the story forward and will make it a popular choice at storytimes.—Christopher Lassen, Brooklyn Public Library