Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$2.99 with 70 percent savings
Print List Price: $9.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

J.L. McCreedy
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Theodore The Sloth Who Wants to Race Kindle Edition

by J.L. McCreedy (Author, Illustrator), Dr. Sam (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 120 ratings
See all formats and editions
Mom's Choice Awards 2024 Winner
Creative Child Magazine 2024 Book of the Year Award Winner

Theodore yearns to RACE, to EARN his wins, to prove his WORTH.
The only catch?
Well, he’s a sloth, the slowest mammal ON THIS EARTH.
But that can't stop a dream.
With determination, a few good friends and a touch of science, Theo sets out to overcome his obstacles.
Join him on his (two-toed) quest for athletic glory!

Theodore, The Sloth Who Wants to Race is a humorous, rhyming, read-aloud story about perseverance, resilience and overcoming obstacles. Educators and parents will also appreciate the fun, educational content at the end of the story, thanks to co-author Dr. Sam (a former veterinarian).
Previous slide of product details
  1. Reading age
    5 - 8 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    39 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    September 2, 2024
  5. Page Flip
    Not Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Not Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Not Enabled
  8. See all details
Next slide of product details

From the Publisher

Banner with parachuting ant asking "What is your impossible dream?"
banner of review quotes A hilarious rhyming adventure
Theodore The Sloth Who Wants to Race Book Cover and interior spread
Mom's Choice Award and Literary Titan Book Award for Theodore the Sloth Who Wants to Race

Editorial Reviews

Review

"With rhymes and humor, Dr. Sam and J. L. McCreedy have crafted an inspirational tale with vital themes of the importance of perseverance and community support." -Reader Views (Five-Star Review)
 
"My children joined me on the review, and they really loved this book .... [E]asy to read and teaches so many wonderful lessons on determination and resilience." -Creative Child Magazine Reviewer (Awarded Theodore 2024 Book of the Year Award)
 
"Wonderful portrayal of finding your own path and reaching for the stars." -Literary Titan (Five Star Review)

 "A brightly illustrated, accessibly written picture book celebrating belonging and perseverance." The Wishing Shelf Book Awards 

"A fun rhyming book about perseverance and following your dreams ... . The back of the book has some excellent information and worksheets about sloths. The vocabulary will be included in a spelling test at the end of the week." -The Children's Bookshelf (Review from Second Grade Teacher)

From the Author

Thank you for reading Theodore, The Sloth Who Wants to Race.
 
We hope Theo's story has encouraged you to keep striving towards your own goals! Or at the very least, we hope it made you smile.

Perhaps his prolonged origin story is appropriate for a sloth:

Theodore took us YEARS to bring to life. We wrote the first draft one rainy evening waaaay back in 2008, when we were both at a low point and feeling beat down. Theodore came to us as an inspiration. And then we thought the idea so humorous that we soon forgot our own struggles as we fleshed out Theo's impossible dream.

It took years more (in between jobs and life in general) to complete the illustrations. But now that he is alive on these pages, we are thrilled to share his story with you! And we're also pretty excited about Theo's companion Audible book, narrated by the authors. (Hey, that's us!)
 
So here is to EVERYONE with an impossible dream!

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D96Y3KM5
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penelope Pipp Publishing, LLC (September 2, 2024)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 2, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 17.9 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Not enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 39 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 120 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
J.L. McCreedy

J.L. McCreedy

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

J.L. McCreedy first discovered her love for writing (and developed an incurable condition of wanderlust) while growing up in Southeast Asia as a third-culture kid. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a law degree, freelances as a writer and consultant for charitable organizations and, whenever possible, drags her splendid husband along on ill-planned adventures. She’s the author of the Liberty Frye trilogy (MG/middle grade) and The Orphan of Torundi (YA/young adult).

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
120 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the story inspiring and encouraging. They appreciate the charming, whimsical illustrations that are colorful and engaging. The book is described as delightful, well-rounded, and perfect for teaching, learning, and leisure. Readers praise the clever rhyming and prose, incorporating some rhymes in specific sections. They also like the sloth facts page, glossary, and animal matching game. Overall, they find the storytelling humorous and playful, making each page a delight.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

Story lengthIllustrationsReadabilityRhyme qualityInformation contentHumorFriendship
31 customers mention "Story length"31 positive0 negative

Customers find the story engaging and well-written. It reinforces the idea that what others say is not important. The story highlights the value of individuality and perseverance, encouraging young readers to never give up on their dreams. Readers appreciate the vibrant illustrations and educational facts about sloths included in the back matter. Overall, the book encourages readers to pursue their dreams no matter the obstacles.

"...It’s a well-rounded book that’s perfect for teaching, learning, and leisure, sure to be enjoyed by both children and adults alike...." Read more

"...There are also post-reading materials (sloth facts, a glossary, and a word game), all of which are great resources for building comprehension!" Read more

"...This is one of the messages of the book which celebrates the importance of individuality and being true to oneself as well as the necessity of good..." Read more

"...The story does have really positive messages for kids. Messages about working for your goals...." Read more

30 customers mention "Illustrations"30 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the charming, whimsical illustrations in this book. The colorful and playful depiction of sloths is both playful and engaging. The story beautifully addresses themes of individuality, showing how one can be different yet still have the same qualities. It's heartwarming and uplifting, beautifully capturing the message that it's okay to dream big.

"The brightly coloured hand-drawn illustrations in "Theodore The Sloth Who Wants to Race" by Dr. Sam and J.L. McCreedy will catch the attention of..." Read more

"...It beautifully addresses themes of individuality, showing how one can be different yet still have dreams that others might not even consider...." Read more

"...Theodore’s adventure is cleverly narrated in rhyme and depicted in vibrant and adorable illustrations that are filled with hidden images!..." Read more

"...That is not the most unusual characteristic of the protagonist in this charming, rhyming picture book. Theodore has a dream...." Read more

21 customers mention "Readability"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable. It's a well-rounded book that serves as an educational tool and a leisure read. Readers appreciate the meaningful lessons and post-reading materials, including a glossary and word game. The book is recommended for elementary and middle grade readers.

"...Sam and J.L. McCreedy’s Theodore the Sloth Who Wants to Race is a delightful book that celebrates uniqueness, resilience, hope, and dreams...." Read more

"...There are also post-reading materials (sloth facts, a glossary, and a word game), all of which are great resources for building comprehension!" Read more

"...Recommended for elementary and middle grade readers." Read more

"...The illustrations are a good example. They are well done except for the text within the Illustration...." Read more

20 customers mention "Rhyme quality"20 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the clever rhyming and writing style of the book. They appreciate the excellent word arrangement, including some rhymes in specific sections. The glossary helps with challenging words and is included for reference. Overall, readers find the book easy to read and engaging, with colorful illustrations that make it suitable for both older and younger children.

"...With the interesting facts, glossary and animal matching game makes reading this book a truly educational experience" Read more

"...Additionally, the book features a sloth facts page, a glossary, and a fun animal classification game, offering both educational value and..." Read more

"...There are also post-reading materials (sloth facts, a glossary, and a word game), all of which are great resources for building comprehension!" Read more

"...including facts about sloths, the animal kingdom, and a glossary to tackle unfamiliar words...." Read more

9 customers mention "Information content"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's information about sloths and other animals. They appreciate the fact page, glossary, and animal matching game. Readers also mention that the book includes details about specific animal and insect categories.

"...With the interesting facts, glossary and animal matching game makes reading this book a truly educational experience" Read more

"...the book features a sloth facts page, a glossary, and a fun animal classification game, offering both educational value and entertainment...." Read more

"...story about a sloth named Theodore, who has big dreams and lots of determination!..." Read more

"...I especially enjoyed the author including facts about sloths, the animal kingdom, and a glossary to tackle unfamiliar words...." Read more

8 customers mention "Humor"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find the cartoon illustrations suitable for the playful tone, and the storytelling shines with humor and encouragement. The book is not only entertaining, but also educational, with a glossary.

"...The quirky creatures, especially the smaller ones, will have the child carefully studying the drawings...." Read more

"...The playful rhymes and stunning illustrations make this an enchanting read for kids and adults alike...." Read more

"My grandchildren enjoyed tremendously this book.! Theo is a very funny and determined sloth! Great read! The authors did a great job!..." Read more

"...by simple yet endearing cartoon illustrations that suit the playful tone of the book." Read more

4 customers mention "Friendship"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the friendship in the book. It highlights the values of hard work, friendship, and acceptance.

"...Themes of uniqueness, perseverance, and friendship (to name a few) are deftly addressed...." Read more

"...The story also subtly teaches about resilience, friendship, and staying true to oneself...." Read more

"...The book creatively explores themes of perseverance, self-worth, and friendship, resonating deeply with young readers and adults alike...." Read more

"...about perseverance, self-acceptance, the values of hard work, friendship and acceptance, into a light-hearted story about a young sloth who dreams..." Read more

Theodore the Sloth Inspires Through Determination
5 out of 5 stars
Theodore the Sloth Inspires Through Determination
Theodore the Sloth Who Wants to Race is a charming, heartwarming children’s book that captures the beauty of resilience and self-belief. Following Theodore’s dream to race despite his limitations as a sloth, the story highlights the value of individuality and perseverance, encouraging readers to embrace their unique qualities.Colorful illustrations add so much more excitement to the story and make it more enjoyable to younger readers. What really touched my heart was Theodore's bravery to keep on, no matter what, reminding us that so many times success comes just from trying. I recommend this book for anyone as an entertaining yet meaningful read.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • liwot
    5.0 out of 5 stars Colourful, entertaining and educational
    Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    The brightly coloured hand-drawn illustrations in "Theodore The Sloth Who Wants to Race" by Dr. Sam and J.L. McCreedy will catch the attention of every child. and their attention will be held by the (mostly) rhyming text.

    The quirky creatures, especially the smaller ones, will have the child carefully studying the drawings.

    With the interesting facts, glossary and animal matching game makes reading this book a truly educational experience
    Helpful
     Report
  • LitPick Book Reviews
    5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful read!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Theodore the Sloth Who Wants to Race by Dr. Sam and J.L. McCreedy is about a sloth named Theodore who is different from the others - he has two toes instead of three and believes he's faster than the rest. Determined to prove himself, he dreams of racing and even trains for it. When no other sloth wants to race him, he challenges a worm instead. But when he thinks he’s won, the worm reveals it didn’t even know they were racing. Embarrassed and defeated, Theodore wonders if he’ll ever find the courage to race again. Will Theodore’s dream of racing ever come true? Follow his journey as he navigates his unique challenges.

    Opinion:
    Dr. Sam and J.L. McCreedy’s Theodore the Sloth Who Wants to Race is a delightful book that celebrates uniqueness, resilience, hope, and dreams. It beautifully addresses themes of individuality, showing how one can be different yet still have dreams that others might not even consider. The story follows Theodore as he strives toward his dream, facing setbacks along the way, and it emphasizes that failure is a natural part of achieving one’s goals. The vibrant, colorful illustrations truly bring Theodore’s world to life, making the story even more engaging. Additionally, the book features a sloth facts page, a glossary, and a fun animal classification game, offering both educational value and entertainment. It’s a well-rounded book that’s perfect for teaching, learning, and leisure, sure to be enjoyed by both children and adults alike. A wonderful read overall!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Señora Shopalota
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Fantastic Book
    Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    What an entertaining story about a sloth named Theodore, who has big dreams and lots of determination! Theodore’s adventure is cleverly narrated in rhyme and depicted in vibrant and adorable illustrations that are filled with hidden images! Themes of uniqueness, perseverance, and friendship (to name a few) are deftly addressed. There are also post-reading materials (sloth facts, a glossary, and a word game), all of which are great resources for building comprehension!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Barbara Mojica
    4.0 out of 5 stars A NEED FOR SPEED
    Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Theodore is a sloth born with two toes instead of three. That is not the most unusual characteristic of the protagonist in this charming, rhyming picture book.

    Theodore has a dream. He wants to be the fastest and a racing champion. Unfortunately, speed is not valued by his fellow sloths. No one wants to race. When he finally finds a racing partner, he feels cheated.

    All that changes one day, when he finally meets a sloth who shares his need for speed. Theodore learns about the importance of proper physical training to success. This is one of the messages of the book which celebrates the importance of individuality and being true to oneself as well as the necessity of good preparation for success.

    I especially enjoyed the author including facts about sloths, the animal kingdom, and a glossary to tackle unfamiliar words.

    Recommended for elementary and middle grade readers.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Bright Blue Eyes
    3.0 out of 5 stars interesting read
    Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I did enjoy this book and i do recommend it. However it needs a little polish. The illustrations are a good example. They are well done except for the text within the Illustration. There is a black tee-shirt on one of the sloths with the words "3 toes rule". It has clearly been written using the illustration's word processor which is a shame because the rest of illustration are really good. Some of the rhyming is very clever, other parts are reach.
    The story does have really positive messages for kids. Messages about working for your goals. Other messages about not letting a disability stop you.
    This book is worth it.
    Helpful
     Report
  • GM Reads
    5.0 out of 5 stars Charming Tale of Determination for Little Dreamers
    Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Theodore’s story is heartwarming and uplifting, beautifully capturing the message that it’s okay to dream big—even if you’re a sloth who wants to race. The playful rhymes and stunning illustrations make this an enchanting read for kids and adults alike.

    Theodore The Sloth Who Wants to Race cleverly introduces young readers to the ideas of perseverance and self-acceptance, showing that our unique qualities are what make us special. The story also subtly teaches about resilience, friendship, and staying true to oneself.

    A bonus feature is the fun facts about sloths at the end, which adds a sprinkle of learning to the enjoyment. With its colorful pages and encouraging story, this book is a must-read for any child who’s ever felt a little different or dreamed a big dream.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sloths are funny!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    My grandchildren enjoyed tremendously this book.! Theo is a very funny and determined sloth! Great read! The authors did a great job! Illustrations were colorful and liveky!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Chewbaca Chan
    5.0 out of 5 stars engaing book with brilliant hand drawn illustrations
    Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    The animal matching game and colorful hand drawn illustrations make this book so engaging and education of children at the same time. Truly wonderful resource.
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • A
    5.0 out of 5 stars Persevere and It's All About the Process - a great message for kids!
    Reviewed in Canada on February 14, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    As a former athlete and coach, I always appreciate a good story of perseverance and the many benefits of sticking to the process. Theodore the Sloth is original, well illustrated, and a positive message for anyone. It's the perfect gift for any young reader who could use a little encouragement to keep going and to appreciate the process while trying to excel.
    Report
  • MR DAVID S PERRY
    5.0 out of 5 stars Charming
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Theodore the Sloth Who Wants to Race is a delightful and heartwarming story that inspires readers to chase their dreams, no matter the odds. Theodore’s journey from slow and steady to determined and daring is filled with charm, humor, and valuable lessons about perseverance and self-belief. With its vibrant illustrations and lovable characters, this book is perfect for young readers and anyone who loves a story about embracing your unique pace in life. An absolute joy to read!
    Report
  • Didier
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Delightful, Engaging Story with Beautiful Handmade Art
    Reviewed in Germany on November 10, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    My kids enjoyed following along with this charming story and were captivated by the vibrant illustrations on each page. They especially loved the challenge of spotting the small hidden surprises in each frame, which kept them engaged and excited to turn the page. The rhymes and verses are so enjoyable to read out loud, making storytime a fun experience for all of us.

    Also, it’s worth noting and truly appreciating the effort the creators put into crafting these handmade, custom illustrations—something that’s all too rare in this digital age! Highly recommended!
    Report
  • C. Swanson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful story!
    Reviewed in Italy on September 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This was a great story! The children we shared it with loved it and enjoyed hearing it very much!
    Report
  • hemant kumar
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
    Reviewed in India on September 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Theodore The Sloth Who Wants to Race is an inspiring and heartwarming story about chasing dreams, no matter the odds. Theodore’s journey of determination, self-belief, and perseverance makes him a lovable hero for young readers. Despite being a sloth—the slowest animal—Theo shows that with hard work, creativity, and the support of good friends, anything is possible. The mix of fun characters and a dash of science adds an engaging twist, making it an uplifting read for kids, teaching them the value of resilience and teamwork. A delightful tale for anyone who loves an underdog story!
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report