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Not the Quitting Kind
"I've been trying out some hobbies,
A few things here and there.
But how come no one warned me
that first-timers should beware!?"
An endearing story about a spunky young girl who tries out different endeavors--from ballet to karate--and feels like she fails at each one, Not the Quitting Kind will touch the heart of every child who has ever felt like giving up. This inspirational tale, told in Roth's clever verse and Bishop's playful illustrations, is a must-have for anyone who wishes to encourage a sense of perseverance and confidence in young readers. Hardcover. Ages 4 to 8. Full color throughout.
A few things here and there.
But how come no one warned me
that first-timers should beware!?"
An endearing story about a spunky young girl who tries out different endeavors--from ballet to karate--and feels like she fails at each one, Not the Quitting Kind will touch the heart of every child who has ever felt like giving up. This inspirational tale, told in Roth's clever verse and Bishop's playful illustrations, is a must-have for anyone who wishes to encourage a sense of perseverance and confidence in young readers. Hardcover. Ages 4 to 8. Full color throughout.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2014
14 people want to read
About the author
Sarra J. Roth
2 books2 followersSarra J. Roth, raised in Rockville Centre, New York, is a former elementary school art teacher with a passion for encouraging confidence, perseverance, and strength in her readers. Sarra’s inspiration for her stories comes from her years as a devoted teacher, aunt, and mother of two beautiful sons. Not the Quitting Kind is Sarra’s debut picture book.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 26, 2024
This book strongly demonstrates confidence through the main character. It is about a girl who is ambitious and spunky with all the intentions to try new things. She tried to pop a wheelie on her bike, but her back wheel deflated and she fell. Next, she tried ballet but was the only girl who couldn't balance on her toes. She tried kung fu, but she didn't like that either. After not being great at any of these, she decided to give up. Her mom explained that she can't give up so soon, she has to learn to try again and again. Soon she will find her passion. The next day she had art class and painted the prettiest flowers, although some were too long and not quite perfect, she continued to paint. Her painting was hung in her house and her mom loved every part of it. This made her realize that you don't have to be perfect at everything you do, you just have to do your best. Just being who you are shows the talent you didn't know was inside you.
I think that this book is a great example for younger kids who are learning so much as they grow up and finding who they really are as a person. It shows that if you are confident in yourself and persistent in holding onto the goals that you want to achieve. It most likely will lead to success, and if it doesn't, that's okay, you get up and try again. Never quit!
In Speech Pathology, this book can be used to teach this valuable lesson to the child reading along to it. It will show them how to be strong and reach the goals that they want. This book has great illustrations as well and may also teach a child the beauty of expressing themselves. I think "Not The Quitting Kind" is a fun book to read with any child.
I think that this book is a great example for younger kids who are learning so much as they grow up and finding who they really are as a person. It shows that if you are confident in yourself and persistent in holding onto the goals that you want to achieve. It most likely will lead to success, and if it doesn't, that's okay, you get up and try again. Never quit!
In Speech Pathology, this book can be used to teach this valuable lesson to the child reading along to it. It will show them how to be strong and reach the goals that they want. This book has great illustrations as well and may also teach a child the beauty of expressing themselves. I think "Not The Quitting Kind" is a fun book to read with any child.
January 19, 2025
This sweet tale offers commiseration and hope to kids who try hobbies and find the going tough.
"I've been trying out some hobbies,
A few things here and there.
But how come no one warned me
that first-timers should beware!?"
MY REACTION TO THE STORY?
It's not to be thrilled by the rhyming verses. Again and again, I asked a question that often comes up when I read picture books: "Where is this child's mother?"
A decent mother could help her child to start as a beginner in a beginner's class. Something that never happens in this book, far as I could tell.
However, in this story, the mother eventually does make her appearance and serves up one sparkling platitude. It changes her daughter's life forever. Supposedly.
"Give it just one more chance."
Hey, in a world of one-dimensional characters and activities, that works just fine.
In real life, how about vetting the teachers, like those who give the ballet classes and martial arts classes? How about teaching your kid to do beginner activities, rather than leaping into something with the right costume and none of the skills?
RATING THIS BOOK
My policy is to rate books according to the intended readers. These kids are susceptible to platitudes as The Perfect Way to Overcome All Probs.
So, yes, for them it's a FIVE STAR book.
"I've been trying out some hobbies,
A few things here and there.
But how come no one warned me
that first-timers should beware!?"
MY REACTION TO THE STORY?
It's not to be thrilled by the rhyming verses. Again and again, I asked a question that often comes up when I read picture books: "Where is this child's mother?"
A decent mother could help her child to start as a beginner in a beginner's class. Something that never happens in this book, far as I could tell.
However, in this story, the mother eventually does make her appearance and serves up one sparkling platitude. It changes her daughter's life forever. Supposedly.
"Give it just one more chance."
Hey, in a world of one-dimensional characters and activities, that works just fine.
In real life, how about vetting the teachers, like those who give the ballet classes and martial arts classes? How about teaching your kid to do beginner activities, rather than leaping into something with the right costume and none of the skills?
RATING THIS BOOK
My policy is to rate books according to the intended readers. These kids are susceptible to platitudes as The Perfect Way to Overcome All Probs.
So, yes, for them it's a FIVE STAR book.
Read
September 2, 2020Not the Quitting Kind was written by Sarra J. Roth and illustrated by Tracy Bishop. This book describes a young girl struggle to find something she is good at. She begins by riding a bike, taking ballet class, and karate. Unfortunately, after the first try, she realizes she is "no good" and wants to give up. Then her mom talks to her. She explains that you cannot give up and need to keep working towards your goal to get better! Finally, in art class she continues her drawing even though she made a mistakes. It turned out to be a beautiful drawing of flowers.
I really enjoyed this sweet book! The pictures were so cute and full of detail! Instead of just one page for each activity, the book uses 3-4 to show the process. I also loved how it included the mom noticing she gave up so many activities only after the first attempt. The words were also in a rhyming pattern, which can help students with poetry.
I would definitely use this book in my classroom! It was such a sweet story of a little girl trying to be the best at everything on the first try. I would teach my students that it is okay to make mistakes. It is okay to not be the best at everything you do! All that matters is you try your best. You cannot expect to be really good at something on the first try.
I really enjoyed this sweet book! The pictures were so cute and full of detail! Instead of just one page for each activity, the book uses 3-4 to show the process. I also loved how it included the mom noticing she gave up so many activities only after the first attempt. The words were also in a rhyming pattern, which can help students with poetry.
I would definitely use this book in my classroom! It was such a sweet story of a little girl trying to be the best at everything on the first try. I would teach my students that it is okay to make mistakes. It is okay to not be the best at everything you do! All that matters is you try your best. You cannot expect to be really good at something on the first try.
June 19, 2019
My daughter was put off by the girly colors that in all honesty attracted me. I was hoping the title would be true to the story and it wouldn’t be just the stereotypical girly things she tried. I actually had to use my library card as my daughter was just not feeling it. However, the second my daughter saw her on a bike she perked up and completely related (she had a minor skateboard wipeout earlier today). By the end of it she was fist pumping the air and saying she wasn’t a quitter either! Solid win in this family and even reminded her that it’s okay to like things her three older brothers may not (like ballet in particular).
December 10, 2013
This fabulous rhyming book is a winner for sure. It is the debut book for both author and illustrator and the pair make a stunning entrance into the world of children's picture books. The little girl who is the main character is adorable. Her expressions and antics will warm your heart.
"I've been trying out some hobbies,
a few things here and there.
But how come no one warned me
that "first"-timers should beware!"
The different hobbies she tries, such as popping wheelies on her new bike, trying to balance on her toes in ballet class and learning self-defence with karate all make her feel like a failure because she is not able to ace them right away. She is frustrated and feeling very bad about herself and ready to give up. Then enter "mom the encourager". They take a walk together and mom lovingly tells her to hang in, to not succumb so easily, and to work things through, which might take her some time.
This inspirational tale will touch the heart of every child (and adult too) who has ever felt like throwing in the towel and declaring themselves unfit and unable to accomplish something new. The story has a very happy ending but the big lesson she learns is with perseverance and confidence you can succeed and feel a warm sense of pride and fulfilment because you did not call it quits.
"I've been trying out some hobbies,
a few things here and there.
But how come no one warned me
that "first"-timers should beware!"
The different hobbies she tries, such as popping wheelies on her new bike, trying to balance on her toes in ballet class and learning self-defence with karate all make her feel like a failure because she is not able to ace them right away. She is frustrated and feeling very bad about herself and ready to give up. Then enter "mom the encourager". They take a walk together and mom lovingly tells her to hang in, to not succumb so easily, and to work things through, which might take her some time.
This inspirational tale will touch the heart of every child (and adult too) who has ever felt like throwing in the towel and declaring themselves unfit and unable to accomplish something new. The story has a very happy ending but the big lesson she learns is with perseverance and confidence you can succeed and feel a warm sense of pride and fulfilment because you did not call it quits.
July 23, 2014
Not the Quitting Kind is one of those books that you will always want to pick off the bookshelf to read with or to your children. My 5yo son relates to the main character being afraid to try new things, and my 2yo daughter loves listening to the rhyming and looking at the adorable illustrations. My son's teacher also has this book in their classroom and it is no wonder why. The message of not giving up is one any caregiver can relate to and is well executed by the author. Sarra J. Roth's easy writing style, depiction of the main character, and clever anecdotes are sure to leave a lasting impression on any reader. Her debut novel is a clear winner and I can't wait to see what else she has in store.
May 8, 2014
Age: Kindergarten-2nd grade
Art: Painting
Although there were a few stumbled meter problems, Roth reaches out to all those early quitters. Nothing spectacular but it gets the job done.
Art: Painting
Although there were a few stumbled meter problems, Roth reaches out to all those early quitters. Nothing spectacular but it gets the job done.
July 28, 2014
this was cute and full of encouragement. loved the illustrations!
October 2, 2014
Not a new idea, but a nice and gentle reminder not to give up after the first try. Plus the heroines antics are fun!
November 1, 2014
Pretty straightforward approach to not quitting every thing you try, though the rhyming does make the story enjoyable to read.
November 30, 2014
A new book for my growth mindset list. Not thrilled about the rhyming verse but loved the message.
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January 29, 2018A young girl is full of energy to try all kinds of hobbies. She tries out biking, ballet, and karate lessons. Each attempt ends with humorous mishaps. She becomes discouraged and receives a motivational pep talk from her mom, which gives her determination to not give up! Roth presents us with a strong female character who isn't afraid to try anything. This attitude of the girl is enough to send a positive message to boys and girls alike! I think I would like to use this book as discussion as a fun way to dive into the conversation of students dream jobs. Emphasizing that they can do anything they set their mind to.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews