Sam was number one! He was number one at speed, number one at taking turns, and number one at winning races. But when he unexpectedly lost to his friend Maggie, who displayed some driving skills of her own, he wasn't sure what to think or to do next. If he wasn't number one, what was he? Terribly nervous before the next race, Sam started out poorly but soon gained ground. Then a group of chicks wandered into his path and Sam was confronted with a choice: go around them and risk the other drivers not noticing the little birds, or stop and help them, thereby forfeiting the race...

An amusing tale of a little dog who experiences an existential crisis when he discovers that he can't always be the winner, Number One Sam offers a gentle lesson about what is truly important and what really makes someone number one. As with The Watermelon Seed, the first picture-book from author/artist Greg Pizzoli that I read, the artwork here is bold and bright, featuring vivid colors and a fun cartoon-like sensibility that works very well with the story. Recommended to anyone looking for picture-books about winning and losing, and about staying true to your own better nature. ( )

Sam always wins, but then he doesn't win because he refuses to run down some ducklings and everyone treats him like a hero anyway? Why are we supposed to care about Sam again? ( )

You can be number one in more ways than one, and some of those ways are much more important than others. ( )

This picture book easily became a favorite just by seeing it from the corner of my eye while standing in line at BEA. The cover alone instantly caught my attention - the classic look, colors and illustrations reminded me of my own childhood. I just knew that I had to have this book!

NUMBER ONE SAM is about a pup named Sam who is used to always being the best race car driver and coming into first place in all the races. On the day of the biggest race yet, Sam is not worried that he will excel and win the trophy again. His overconfidence keeps him right up front right next to his best friend, Maggie. They ride beside each other right to the end... and Maggie wins!
Sam doesn't know what to do. He's the best racer, how could this have happened? He doesn't even know what to say to Maggie; so he doesn't say anything at all...
And during the next race, Sam has to make an important decision that will cause him to lose again.
Sam has never lost before? What will he do? Can he risk losing again?

Sam will teach our kids what it is to be a good sport, that winning isn't everything and whether you win or lose, your friends will always be there for you.

Adorable story with the cutest illustrations! I highly recommend this book to everyone that has little ones (preschoolers/kindergartners) and all those who adore and collect picture books - this one is sure to brighten up your day and your bookshelf!

*A signed hardcover copy was obtained at BEA for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. ( )

Great colors with a retro vibe, this race car adventure incorporates sound and drama into a story young children will follow.

Great for preschool read-a-louds.