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Originally used as a trail for transporting lifesaving medicine during a dangerous epidemic, the Iditarod is now a grueling 938-mile sled dog race run in early March between Anchorage and Nome, Alaska. Born in 2006, littermates Fred, Barney, Wilma, and Betty are a malamute/German shorthaired pointer mix bred for the fortitude, energy, and endurance required for sled racing. The puppies spend their early months playing under their mother’s watchful eye. As they grow, they are closely observed by the musher Catherine (the human who leads the sled team and cares for the sled dogs) and by the top lead dog Hero.
Sled dogs must also genuinely love the snow, take direction, and possess focus and intelligence. There are different positions on the sledding team, and Betty’s strength quickly sets her apart as a potential wheel dog. But preparing for the Iditarod takes years of training and hard work. Will the puppies achieve their dreams of running in the ultimate sled dog race, or will they be more suited for life as a pet?
Joyful imagery of frolicking puppies, coupled with vividly colorful illustrations, brings this children’s book to life. Rotifer uses personification and a narrative writing style to provide a wealth of information about sled dog racing without coming across as overly academic. His plain style is reader-friendly and appropriate for all ages. The book emphasizes the value of always doing your best, setting this as a higher standard of success than coming in first place. Another recurrent theme is the importance of finding joy and a sense of purpose while working hard and pursuing goals. This is an extremely powerful and necessary message to instill in youth as the pressure for academic success steadily increases. Young readers will learn valuable lessons while enjoying this informative yet fun-loving and heartwarming tale.