Team Steve

In her follow-up to A Horse Named Steve, Kelly Collier strikes gold again with Team Steve. In his latest adventure, Steve the horse longs to win the local Race-A-Thon contest, one that he has successfully won every year previously. However, Steve becomes concerned when he learns that the rules have changed for this year; once a solo race, it has now become a relay race. Steve attempts to stack his team with the fastest runners (deemed to be a deer, rabbit, and fox) but learns that his team was already pre-picked and, unfortunately for Steve, consists of slower runners (the duck, turtle, and snail). Steve, pondering how they can possibly win, decides to become their coach as well as teammate. Even though the end result is not what Steve hoped for, he learns the value of mentoring his fellow animals and is ultimately able to put a positive spin on the event.

Team Steve is a hilarious and engrossing read, and its intended audience cannot help but root for the slow team, knowing all along that their odds of winning are nearly impossible. The true spirit of sportsmanship is captured in a way that young children will be able to relate to and be encouraged by. Despite his hardships and ultimate disappointment, Steve maintains a positivity that is truly inspiring. Of note are his facial expressions, drawn in a clever and amusing fashion, truly complementing the text.