"The Big Race" by David Barrow (Hodder Children's Books)

Time for a modern update of a classic fable now, and an underdog (or should that be under-aardvark) story solidly delivering a message that's important to everyone - never give up!
"The Big Race" by David Barrow may, on the surface, feel a little bit too close to the age-old fable of "The Hare and the Tortoise" - particularly in the opening scenes where an eclectic group of animals gather together for a grand annual race across the African plains.

Cheetah is of course lightning fast. Water Buffalo has great strength and great power.

Crocodile? Well, a quick side-snap and your rivals are goners.

But what of tough little Aardvark? She has always wanted to run in the race and is determined to enter at all costs. But with heavy armour and short stumpy legs (as well as the weirdest nose you've ever seen), can this decidedly odd creature win through?

Aardvark is determined not to be bullied.

When the race begins the more powerful animals streak off, and it looks like it's all over before it's started...

Lining up at the start.

David Barrow's story is beautifully illustrated, and though you may have seen the core message here dozens of times before, this is a particularly nice version of a story trope that will hopefully inspire children to give everything their all, no matter what they're taking part in.

Cheering Aardvark on!

"The Big Race" by David Barrow is out now, published by Hodder Children's Books (kindly supplied for review).