Team Steve

Steve the Horse #2

by Kelly Collier

It's time for the annual Race-a-thon, and Steve the horse is excited! He knows he'll win. He wins every year! And no wonder, Steve's body is built for running. He's got a big chest for deep breaths, powerful hindquarters to propel him forward and the longest legs in the forest. But when he goes to sign up, Steve finds out the rules have changed, and his confidence starts to waver. Because this year, the Race-a-thon is going to be a relay race, which means all runners must compete in teams. And Steve's on a team with the slowest runners in the forest: Turtle, Duck and Snail! Is it possible that Steve could lose the Race-a-thon for the first time ever? This delightful picture book story from Kelly Collier about the lovable --- if sometimes self-absorbed --- horse named Steve is laugh-out-loud funny. Every page features humorous and cleverly designed interplay between the illustrations and commentary, as well a few definitions (such as powerful hindquarters: ?That means strong bum muscles?) that provide vocabulary enrichment. The humor and the edge-of-the-seat description of the race make this a fantastic read-aloud pick. It also works as a great discussion starter on the topic of sportsmanship and on the character education skill of teamwork.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Humor, Sports, Canada

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 4, 2018

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Spring in the forest and Race-a-thon time. Usually Steve wins with ease, but this year they are having a relay. They drew names and Steve is on a team with duck, turtle, and snail. It goes without saying that Steve's teammates do not possess the natural gifts for winning a race. They get some intense training from Steve before the race. Steve learned from the best: his Great-uncle Teabiscuit, after all. What will happen on race day? You might be surprised at how that day goes. I'll let it be a surprise. Just like with the first Steve book, A Horse Named Steve, there are humorous asides sprinkled in with the illustrations and some fun new vocabulary words like CONUNDRUM and FLABBERGASTED. Definitely a treat for picture book and horse lovers.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Team Steve is a cute, fresh take on the old fable The Tortoise and the Hare. I loved the whimsical illustrations and the fun little asides to teach potentially tricky words.



A great book to read together, but I think I would avoid this one at bedtime -- I suspect it will trigger some bouts of giggles that will not be conducive to getting to sleep ;-)



Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing me with a DRC of this book.

[Ms. B · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a book one? I can't wait to read that one too.
Even though Steve's head is in the clouds, he learns about teamwork in this one. Fans of horse stories, sports stories or those looking for a fresh take on The Tortoise and the Hare will like this one.

[Etienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mix of many thing. A bit of humor, a bit of a message about perseverance, a touch of vocabulary learning and so it goes. Not bad in any way, but it just doesn't feel strong enough in any neither to feel really good. I would say average. The illustrations have a interesting style, but not really attractive for young eyes unfortunately!

[Carla · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am really not sure what age Steve the Horse is directed at. My 5 year old grandson was not the least bit interested in this story, even though I tried. I can see using this story with older children. It has some humor, confidence (over confidence), self-esteem, some vocabulary building and teamwork, but I was not sure if this is a book I would recommend to teachers or parents. I know many love this series, perhaps adults get the humor more than children. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[jess ~has abandoned GR~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second Steve book I've read, and I still love Steve!

Steve may be the fastest runner in the forest, but this year's race is a relay and he has to learn to work with a team. He decides to be the best coach ever -- but unfortunately, he doesn't seem to understand that his teammates aren't long-legged racehorses like him.

Children will be entertained by Steve's self-centeredness. He's very selfish, but he's not mean -- just pretty oblivious.

arc received from pubisher

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steve the Horse returns in this second entertaining picture-book adventure, following upon his debut in A Horse Named Steve . In this tale, Steve, who always wins the forest's annual race-a-thon, is surprised to discover that the rules have been changed, and that this year it will be a relay race. He is even more surprised to learn that his teammates will be Duck, Turtle and Snail. What's a winning-obsessed horse to do? Become a great coach, and get his slowpoke companions to speed up, any way they can. Things seem to be going his way on race-day, until overconfidence leads to an upset...

I enjoyed Canadian author/illustrator Kelly Collier's earlier story about her equine hero, finding it heartwarming and entertaining, although not particularly funny. As mentioned in my review of that book, humor is very idiosyncratic, and my funny-bone can be difficult to reach. That said, I actually found myself chuckling aloud on a number of occasions, while reading Team Steve. The story is amusing, and the artwork droll. I particularly liked the tolerance and compassion demonstrated by Duck, Turtle and Snail, in the face of Steve's peccadilloes. The final page, on which Steve photobombs the snapshot of the race winners finishes the book on a hilarious note. Recommended to anyone who enjoyed the first story about Steve, and to anyone looking for children's stories about teamwork, competitiveness, and good sportsmanship.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go Steve, Go!!! I loved the first book, and this was no exception. This is a great book teaching team work and caring for others. This book had some great teaching moments for adults to talk to children about. I love my man Steve!!!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know those folk tales of the tortoise and the haire. You might think that is where this story is going, except for the fact that Steve has an ego the size of a planet.

And the fact that the relay race he is going to be running is with a snail, a duck and turtle.





But despite what seem like deficits, the turtle wins her part of the race because of her shell. The snail wins their part of the race because of their shell, and the duck can get to through the muck.

And Steve? He is so caught up in it all, he loses the reach for them, because, like the tortoise and the Haire, he waits to long to complete the race.

Cute story.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Jeimy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. Steve is self-centered, clueless, and incorrigible. In spite of this, the book is adorable.

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve returns in his second picture book, the first being A Horse Named Steve.

Steve loves spring since that means it's time for the annual Race-a-Thon. As he anticipates the upcoming race he admires the wall hangings showing the various races that he came in 1st place.

Because Steve is who he is, he doesn't hold back on listing his wonderful qualities.

"LONG NECK THAT CAN STRETCH ACROSS THE FINISH LINE. BIG CHEST FOR DEEP BREATHS. SUPER-LONG LEGS. LONG LEGS MEAN THAT STEVE HAS A LONG STRIDE."

But . . . holy cow the Race-a-Thon rules have changed according to a sign that's posted on a tree! This year the race is to be a relay race. Steve doesn't panic, not yet anyway.

"NO PROBLEMO!" SAYS STEVE. "I WILL BE ON A TEAM WITH DEER, RABBIT AND . . . HMM, WHO ELSE IS FAST? . . . OH, AND FOX!"

Not so fast, Steve the horse. To make the race fair, names were chosen to determine who would be assigned to each team. Steve's team will consist of himself, a duck, turtle, and snail.

"WAIT A SEC . . . " SAYS STEVE. "A DUCK WADDLES, A TURTLE WALKS AND A SNAIL . . . IS A SNAIL! HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO WIN?"

Looks like this proud, winning horse might have a problem to deal with. But, wait a minute, Steve might possibly have come up with a brilliant idea, or is he just repeating what his teammates have been trying to tell him?

My Thoughts

What Concerned Me: This definitely has a different feel than many picture books, since the illustrations are not colorful but rather a simple ink and watercolor. Amazon lists the age range from 4 - 8, however, I would lean toward the upper portion of that range.

What I Liked Most: These illustrations and tex have such humor and emotions conveyed even though they are quite simple. The story provides lots of discussion points:

Steve's pridefulness
Characteristics of a team
Teammates tolerance of Steve
Opportunity to discuss new vocabulary words
Winning and Losing attitudes (sportsmanship)

It's a fun story for both adults and kids.

http://www.pickagoodbook.com/2018/11/...

[Storytime With Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone’s favourite horse is back in a new story, Team Steve written by the hilarious Kelly Collier, published by Kids Can Press. There is so much to like about Steve. He’s a good horse, built for racing. Each year he is the winner of the big Spring Race-a-Thon but this year things are different. This year the race is a relay. To keep things fair Steve is on a team with snail, duck, and turtle. Even though Steve’s teammates are not exactly the fastest racers he is not deterred and is determined to coach his team to victory.

Team Steve is an especially silly story with fabulous illustrations making it an excellent read aloud. You could really dive in and come up with voices for the characters and read it with tremendous enthusiasm. Steve proves to be a great coach and with an underlying message of sportsmanship and gumption, readers will hopefully come away with a better appreciation of how to be a great teammate and how to be a positive problem solvers.

Once again, the illustrations make this story completely come to life. With the simple black drawings on a beige background, you wouldn’t think this story would be a lively and full of humour as it is given the colour choice. However, it’s just right. The illustrations are able to stand on their own merit and do not need any other colour to come to life and grab your attention. With the same little asides and hilarious facial expressions as in the first Steve book, you will be happy to read this book again and again. I know as I have already had to read it three times today and it’s not even lunch time. We love how Kelly Collier is not afraid to use some big words to help the story along, also aiding in expanding everyone’s vocabulary. This book does not talk down to readers but instead invites them into the race.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the series about Steve the Horse, this one has him coaching the relay teammates, Duck, Snail, and Turtle, for the forest's annual Race-a-Thon. Quirky and laugh out loud funny in places, this picture book/graphic novel will have fun root, root, rooting for the team!

Collier continues to develop stories about Steve that leave the reader asking, when will he ever learn? Steve comes off as good-hearted character that places the focus of everything on him. The answer to the question is a resounding -- never! Artwork is in the same ink and watercolor (2-color) style as the first book. Collier includes some tough vocabulary, with explanations of the meaning of the words (things like "hindquarter", "long stride", "flabbergasted" -- all words that kids love to parrot and show off what big words they know!)

Those who enjoyed the first, will love this one just as much.

Recommended for PreSchool-grade 3

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious story! Kids 4 and up will enjoy this tale of Steve- the horse never loses a race! Well, almost never....! A new race is announced which sort of levels the playing field- a relay race and teams can't pick team mates. Names are drawn out of a bag. Steve gets turtle, duck and snail. Sounds like a team destined to lose, even with Steve's long legs and neck. Illustrations were a hoot! Even adults will enjoy this twist little tale!

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Steve the Horse and hope the author keeps writing them. This time Steve is going to be in a race. But they change the rules, so now it’s a relay race and his teammates are a duck, a turtle, and a snail. Is there any possible way for Steve’s team to win? Only way to find out is to read this book. And trust me, it’s worth it.

[Franci · Rating 3 out of 5]

#8 of 2023

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book about not being selfish and rooting for the team.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hubris has often been a subject of stories for the young, but never quite like this. Steve the Horse has never failed to win the race of the animals, with his powerful bum muscles and long legs and neck. But this year it's a relay, and he's been lumbered with a team of rank outsiders. What could possibly happen? I'm not sure I was really a fan of the bitty structure of things here – the way the illustrations can sometimes have a caption, dialogue and even a caption captioning the caption, all on the same black and white page. But on the whole it works, the text is fluid, and the illustrations certainly are fun. Ultimately, then, this is well worth a look.

[Julian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve is a bit of a jerk. While preparing for a relay race, he takes credit when none is deserved and doesn't recognize his teammate's skills. Ultimately, they lose the race because of his arrogance...and he still has the nerve to think he coached the winning teams! He didn't learn his lesson at all.

Realistic characters (we all know that guy), nice drawings, interesting vocabulary, and a good discussion topic about the lesson that was never learnt.

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

I was quite excited about this book, I love races, and I love horses, so what more can I want? Sadly, Steve is mean, egotistical. It just annoyed me to no end how he kept going on and on how he was so fabulous.

Thankfully he does show that he can also think other things, and he did train his team well. Yes, I have to give a compliment to Steve. He does a lot of things wrong, but training and motivating he can do. OK, a bit over the top at times (was that toothbrush comment necessary?), but at least he tries.

I had a laugh that the forest animals got tired of Steve and instead of letting him win by default, they changed the race and gave him the slowest animals. I can totally understand that the animals changed the race, they also want a chance to win, and with Steve around…

I also liked to see that while the animals Steve got weren’t fast, they were handy in the places the relay took them. If only Steve… Oh no, I am not going to tell you anything. I almost did, but I stopped myself in time.

The art was quite fabulous, and I loved that, even if one wouldn’t have text, you would still understand what was going on. Plus I liked the way the animals were drawn. Still pretty on point with how they should look, but also just a bit more special/different.

All in all, even with Steve’s annoying attitude I enjoyed this book. Though maybe not as much as I had hoped given it combines two favourites of mine.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all have strengths in different situations, and we all lose sometimes...Nice to have a book where the main character did NOT win!

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Steve from A Horse Named Steve is back, and this time instead of wanting to be special, he wants to be a winner.

Steve is the reigning champion of the annual Race-A-Thon, but when the rules change, transforming it into a relay race in which teams are assigned by a random drawing, Steve is upset. And after learning that duck, snail, and turtle will be his teammates, he despairs of winning. This, of course, makes Steve very sad because he wants to be a "winner." So much for good sportsmanship, and it doesn't matter if you win or lose, it's how you play the game goes right out the window.

This book illustrates the black and white thinking prevalent not only in young people, whose underdeveloped prefrontal cortices make abstract reasoning difficult, but in also adults. For a significant number of people in contemporary society, the world is divided into "winners" and "losers." Winning is everything. In fact, it's the only thing.

Although Steve devalues his teammates because they are slower animals, they show more character. Despite the odds against them, they have a positive attitude about the race and ask Steve to coach them. This strokes Steve's ego, and he agrees. Then on the day of the race, weather conditions are such that Steve's slower teammates actually have a natural advantage. A plot twist that suggests the messages don't judge a book by its cover and every dog has its day.

Ironically, it is Steve who blows it for his entire team. Rather than taking the baton and running when it's his turn, Steve stands around bragging about his own greatness. He only realizes his danger of losing the race once it is too late for him to overtake his competitors. I read an allusion to Aesop's fable The Tortoise & the Hare into this, but that may be my projecting into the text.

Steve is crestfallen, but his teammates once again show themselves to be superior to the former racing champion by their pride in having done their best. Steve consoles himself by having helped his teammates through his coaching and by helping the other teams win by losing himself. The other characters marvel at the ridiculousness in the logic of the last point but go along with it since it makes Steve feel better, and pointing out the truth would serve no purpose.

As A Horse Named Steve with I'm not sure of the moral or if there even is one. I'm equally unsure about the intended audience. This seems like another picture book written for amusement of adults rather than for children. Team Steve makes less sense than A Horse Named Steve, which I interpreted as a satire on fashion, and children could possibly pick up on the implied caveat don't follow the crowd. The story is a spoof on something, but I'm not sure on what. Perhaps it's only on the empty pop culture phrases littered throughout the text.

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve the horse is full of self-confidence and he doesn't mind reminding everyone (constantly) how great he is. Steve is a winner!

It's time for the annual Race-a-thon and he is super excited and ready to win again because he wins every year. He is a powerhouse (or should I say powerhorse) that is built for success. Every part of his anatomy sets him up to be a winner. He eagerly trots over to sign up for the race and finds out that the rules have changed.

This year the race will be a relay race and the teams have already been established. He discovers that he is stuck with a Turtle, a Duck and a Snail, the slowest animals in the forest. Oh my! Poor Steve's confidence is shattered. How can he possibly be a winner with this sad team? Can he rally his troops and coach them to be winners too just like him? What will happen to Steve's self-assurance and morale if he loses for the first time ever?

This book is so fun to read and share. You will love Steve the horse even though he is full of pride and his ego is huge. Each page has interacting wordplay with the illustrations and introduces some challenging vocabulary also. It's a perfect read aloud and will spark great discussions on good sportsmanship and teamwork. This is the second Steve the horse book and I hope the author continues writing more books about him for his readers, both young and old, to enjoy. I love this guy! I highly recommend this book.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Team Steve by Kelly Collier. PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press. 2018. $17.00. 9781771389327

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Steve the horse always wins the yearly race, but this year there is a catch. It’s a relay and the teams are random –he can’t just pick the fastest team mates. He ends up with a duck, a turtle, and snail. But he doesn’t give up and thinks and thinks, until it finally sinks in that he is the perfect coach. Will his training be enough to win the race and is winning the most important thing of all. Features simple black, white and yellow illustrations.

This book features some neat lessons about not giving up, using what innate skills you have, being a good friend, and about winning –it isn’t everything. This is a great book to have in your school library because it subtlety combines those lessons with a story that students can relate to –they often encounter being in groups they may not prefer and with the odds against them. The illustrations keep the story simple and focused on the plot.

Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Arminzerella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steve the horse is built for speed and every year he wins the annual Race-a-Thon. This year, however, the rules have been changed and the race is now a RELAY, which means Steve is going to have to be on a team with other animals and share the glory (assuming they win - OF COURSE THEY WILL!). Teams have already been chosen by a drawing, and Steve's teammates are turtle, snail, and duck. Although it seems his teammates lack any of the abilities that have served Steve as a fast runner, they encourage him to share his wisdom and help them all train for the race. Steve embraces his role as a coach ENTIRELY, and on the day of the race, conditions are all in his team's favor! They're in the lead when it comes to the final length - Steve's portion of the race - but Steve is so distracted by their success, that he causes them to fall way behind and they end up losing. Still, his teammates are supportive and Steve is able to see how their LOSING helped two other teams WIN (the others tied for first place), so really, it's a positive outcome. Oh, Steve... A funny and fun story featuring a horse of Little Brain, but lots of Hubris and Heart. His friends seem to accept and appreciate him anyway.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s time for the annual Race-a-thon in the woods. Steve is really excited because he always wins. But this year they’ve changed the race into a relay, and Steve’s teammates are Turtle, Snail, and Duck. Can Steve help his teammates become winners?

I like the creative circumstances in this that helped make Turtle, Snail, and Duck have positive experiences at their lengths of the race. I also like that Steve is a good sport and learns a bit about teamwork. He may not quite get everything he should (he’s kinda slow on the uptake sometimes, and he’s still a little full of himself), but he does make progress and the book manages to end on a happy note for all the critters involved in the race in a way that isn't cheesy. I really appreciated the subtle humor in the illustrations. Those may be in black, white, and sepia, but they still manage to be very lively and entertaining. Recommended for readers looking for a good teamwork book or a humorous animal or sports book.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda Sanders · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steve, the horse, expects to win every race in the forest. Unfortunately, he is paired with turtle, snail, and duck for a relay race. The animals suggest to him that he coach them with all of his racing knowledge. Steve ignores their suggestions and decides he should coach them with all of his racing knowledge. Steve is a bit obtuse. His obtuseness comes back later in the story for the climax. I do not find his obtuseness endearing. I do like the Brer Rabbit-like situations with the other racers on his team.

[Sarri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve on metsän nopein hevonen, joka voittaa vuotuiset juoksukilpailut mennen tullen. Mutta tänä vuonna onkin uudet säännöt: lajina onkin viestijuoksu! Tämä ei huoleta Steveä, sillä hänellä on jo suunnitelma joukkueeksi: metsän nopeimmat eläimet. Suunnitelmiin tuleekin muutos, kun joukkueet arvotaan ja Steven joukkueeseen päätyvät ankka, kilpikonna ja etana. Ja kuinkas sitten kävikään...

Viehättävä ja paljon huumoria sisältävä kuvakirja ei ensikatsomalta näyttänyt voittajalta, mutta lukukokemus oli hieman väsyneenä kyllä neljän tähden arvoinen.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steve is the fastest animal in the forest and loves entering races every year. The only problem is, this year the forest decides to put on a relay, and he gets stuck with duck, turtle, and snail. Will his coaching be able to take them to first place?

With hints of the folktale the hare and the tortoise, this race has lessons about secret strengths, and about staying focused.