What do you think?
Rate this book
Marathon Mouse
The mice of New York City dread the day of the New York City Marathon more than any other—the crowds, the large shoes, the noise. All of them, that is, except for Preston. He and his family live underneath the starting line on the Verrazano Bridge and every year Preston has dreamed of joining all the other runners in the marathon. This year, Preston is determined to make his dream come true, even though his family tells him that mice are not fit to run marathons. He trains hard leading up to the big day and when the race starts, he successfully dodges sneakers and crosses the finish line, showing his family that mice can do much more than just scurry.
In the past few years, there has been a surge in marathon and half-marathon participation in the United States, and just last year, the New York City Marathon had over 45,000 finishers. Marathon Mouse is sure to be a welcome addition in a market that lacks picture books about running. There is a unique culture in the racing world that both parents who participate and kids who cheer on the sidelines know and love. And the story of Preston, who sets a goal and then follows through to achieve it, is a wonderful teaching tool for children, whether or not they are interested in running races.
In the past few years, there has been a surge in marathon and half-marathon participation in the United States, and just last year, the New York City Marathon had over 45,000 finishers. Marathon Mouse is sure to be a welcome addition in a market that lacks picture books about running. There is a unique culture in the racing world that both parents who participate and kids who cheer on the sidelines know and love. And the story of Preston, who sets a goal and then follows through to achieve it, is a wonderful teaching tool for children, whether or not they are interested in running races.
- GenresPicture BooksSports
32 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2012
1 person is currently reading
147 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 15, 2013
Fun book! Great graphics, an interesting theme, and the story flowed nicely. I loved that the main character, Preston, is a boy (mouse), but still, a boy! I loved that Preston has hopes & dreams as a young mouse & pursues those dreams against challenges, even challenges within his own family. I loved that his attitude wasn't all about WINNING but that simply participating was enough to fulfill his dream.
My only "negative" for the book doesn't have to do with the story itself but more the text type of the book (not sure if that is the right word). The graphics were wonderfully done but the type of text chosen didn't lend itself to a "children's" book - very boring / plain. Just not artistic in any way in comparison to the artwork. It didn't detract from the story itself as my 6yr old asks to read about Preston at least once a week, but, just something that I personally like to see in other picture books - more interesting types of text!
My only "negative" for the book doesn't have to do with the story itself but more the text type of the book (not sure if that is the right word). The graphics were wonderfully done but the type of text chosen didn't lend itself to a "children's" book - very boring / plain. Just not artistic in any way in comparison to the artwork. It didn't detract from the story itself as my 6yr old asks to read about Preston at least once a week, but, just something that I personally like to see in other picture books - more interesting types of text!
June 21, 2016
Adorable!
November 12, 2017
My son loved!
Was glad to review some real marathon waypoints Preston went through. Run spirit book for kids and adults ;). Motivational!
Was glad to review some real marathon waypoints Preston went through. Run spirit book for kids and adults ;). Motivational!
January 23, 2026
Super cute!
March 9, 2013
“Every New York City mouse dreamed of living under the bridge between Brooklyn and Staten Island. They didn’t have to dodge taxicabs or escape hungry sewer cats…But there was one day each year that their life under the bridge was not so dreamy…Marathon day!”
Synopsis: Most of the New York City mice thought Marathon Day was the worst day of the year because they had to be careful they wouldn’t get stepped on. Everyone except Preston, who dreamed of running the big marathon. Preston wanted to be extraordinary. His papa told him that “mice scamper, not run.” So he started training for the marathon in secret. When the day arrived he got up early and lined up with all the big sneakers. The starting gun sounded and he began to run and run and run! As he reached the last few miles he started to stumble and his body ached. But an unexpected surprise awaited him at the end.
Why I like this book: Amy Dixon wrote a charming book that carries a big message for children – pursue your dreams. The story is fun, inspiring and engaging. Children will cheer Preston to the finish line. Sam Denlinger’s illustrations are colorful and lively. I love how the cover shows such confidence in Preston’s face. My favorite illustration is Preston at the starting line looking at a sea of over-sized sneakers and hoping he doesn’t get squashed. This is a very clever idea for a book! I don’t believe I’ve seen a picture book about a marathon! Kudos to the author for creating a fun read for children. And, this is a great book for parents to use to encourage their young ones to run and exercise.
Synopsis: Most of the New York City mice thought Marathon Day was the worst day of the year because they had to be careful they wouldn’t get stepped on. Everyone except Preston, who dreamed of running the big marathon. Preston wanted to be extraordinary. His papa told him that “mice scamper, not run.” So he started training for the marathon in secret. When the day arrived he got up early and lined up with all the big sneakers. The starting gun sounded and he began to run and run and run! As he reached the last few miles he started to stumble and his body ached. But an unexpected surprise awaited him at the end.
Why I like this book: Amy Dixon wrote a charming book that carries a big message for children – pursue your dreams. The story is fun, inspiring and engaging. Children will cheer Preston to the finish line. Sam Denlinger’s illustrations are colorful and lively. I love how the cover shows such confidence in Preston’s face. My favorite illustration is Preston at the starting line looking at a sea of over-sized sneakers and hoping he doesn’t get squashed. This is a very clever idea for a book! I don’t believe I’ve seen a picture book about a marathon! Kudos to the author for creating a fun read for children. And, this is a great book for parents to use to encourage their young ones to run and exercise.
November 2, 2012
Marathon Mouse is the story of a young mouse who lives under the Brooklyn Bridge and dreams of running the New York City Marathon. It is a story of courage and determination. It is a story about believing in yourself, following your dreams even when others don't necessarily support you, and working hard to accomplish something that matters on a personal level. But although all those important messages are present, none are heavy-handed, and what is likely to be most apparent is that it's simply a great story. In addition, it will introduce children to the world of running and marathoning, something that they may not have known much about before because it doesn't always receive the kind of attention that other sports do. Running is a sport that's accessible to most people - you don't need a lot of special equipment or a certain type of playing area or enough people to make up a team - and it can become a lifelong enjoyment that benefits health and fitness, so a little exposure to it at the picture book age may open doors kids didn't know were there. Above all, though, children will like this story for its underdog hero. They will empathize with his desire to do something special, and cheer him on in his endeavors. Marathon Mouse is an uplifting, inspiring story that kids will want to hear again and again and that adults will be happy to read. Highly recommended!
August 25, 2014
What a cute book with a wonderful message; be true to yourself! Preston (the mouse) is a great character that kids will love. You will cheer for him to reach his goal of running in the New York Marathon (despite him being a mouse). I like how Ms. Dixon showed how hard Preston worked to make his dream come true and that his family came to support him (even though they were afraid he'd be smashed by the other runners). The illustrations are cute and I especially like the sketchy look to them. The book would make a great bedtime story. Cheer Preston on as he reaches for his dreams!
*NOTE* I won a copy of this book in a giveaway
*NOTE* I won a copy of this book in a giveaway
January 16, 2013
I'm not exaggerating when I say this book is amazing (the 5-star rating)- because I know the story of its writing and publishing. The story is fun and fresh and perfect for kids whether they yearn to be extraordinary or celebrate cheering on the sidelines at marathons and other athletic events. Preston, the main character, goes through all the things anyone goes through who sets a lofty goal. And, even better, his doubting family comes around and cheers him at the end where before they doubted.
July 1, 2014
This is a very cute picture book that features distance running. It's a fun story about a mouse who wants to run the New York marathon. There aren't a ton of picture books that highlight running and as a runner I was excited to find out about this book. It will make it easy to share my enthusiasm about running.
January 12, 2013
Great! Got it for my wife, a retired elementary teacher who is running a marathon in March as part of her bucket list. Great story, cute illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews