The True Story of Zippy Chippy: The Little Horse That Couldn't

by Artie Bennett, Dave Szalay (Illustrator)

Overview

Zippy Chippy is descended from the leading legends of horse racing. He is destined for greatness and glory.

But . . . when the starting bell rings, it’s anybody’s guess what Zippy will do. Will Zippy go for a gentle trot around the track or stop and smell the roses? Or, perhaps, never even leave the starting gate?!

With mischief in his makeup, he’s known to stick his tongue out at people and chew up the hats of passersby. And he’s always trying to break out of his stall. What’s an owner to do? Try and try again! After all, he believes in Zippy—and, besides, the horse is now a part of the family. But as Zippy’s losses mount, a funny thing happens. People start to take notice of the hapless, cupcake-eating horse. Could it be that they’re betting on Zippy to win?

This remarkable story of the famed racehorse who lost every race is sure to win your heart!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780735843967
Publisher:	NorthSouth Books
Publication date:	02/25/2020
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	672,987
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 11.30(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Artie Bennett is an executive copy editor by day and a writer by night. He is the author of many children's picture books, as well as two riotous joke and riddle books. When Artie stumbled upon the story of Zippy Chippy, he found himself champing at the bit to introduce young readers to this remarkable, inspiring tale of whoa! He lives with his wife in Brooklyn, New York. Visit ArtieBennett.com. . . before someone else does! "It appears there is no topic Mr. Bennett can't make funny and educational."—The Huffington Post

Dave Szalay is an award-winning illustrator, aspiring author, and college professor. Dave, his wife, and three cats live along a steam that runs through the nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio. They have two adult sons and a granddaughter. Visit daveszalay.com for more information.

Editorial Reviews

The True Story of Zippy Chippy: The Little Horse That Couldn’t” is a perfect choice for school libraries and classroom bookshelves. Children will love Zippy’s quirky personality and the sweet story of determination — not to win but to enjoy the race.

Pamela Kramer

It takes all kinds to make the world go round, and Zippy Chippy is a horse like no other...Showing that you don't always need a trophy to be a winner, this fun book will make you love Zippy Chippy and all horses for who they are.

Page 158 Books, Wake Forest NC - Suzanne Lucey

01/01/2020

K-Gr 3—Bennett tells the story of Zippy Chippy, a racehorse born in 1991 who never won a race in his entire career yet still garnered legions of fans. Though a poor runner, he became depressed when he didn't race. After Zippy Chippy was sold in 1995, his new trainer Felix kept working with him despite his difficult behavior. Felix was ready to give up until his daughter managed to befriend the animal. Zippy Chippy kept racing and even gained popularity among gamblers and racetrack visitors despite his abysmal record (0–100). His perseverance in the face of the odds endeared him to the public. Even after he retired and moved to a farm for retired racehorses, he was the most beloved horse among the lot. The cute cartoon illustrations match the amusing narrative, making this a fun story for sharing. VERDICT For general purchase where horse books are popular.—Heidi Grange, Summit Elementary School, Smithfield, UT

School Library Journal

2019-10-09
The true story of a racehorse that failed to win a single contest.

Thoroughbred racehorse Zippy Chippy comes from exalted bloodlines. But racehorse genes notwithstanding, Zippy is slow on the track and, the narrative implies, not terribly competitive. "Instead of running, Zippy sometimes stood perfectly still." However, when he did (finally) finish a race, he "would prance off the course, head and tail held high." So it's confusing when the story then tells readers that his owner, Felix Monserrate, "felt that Zippy needed a win…to boost his morale" and tries various ways to turn Zippy into a winner. Zippy continues to race, and the quirky, pokey horse becomes a crowd favorite. At Zippy's last race, his 100th, he takes a moment—after the starting bell—to bow to the crowd. (He finishes last.) Author Bennett's ending salvo, "it takes guts to compete [and] courage to dream.…[Y]ou can lose…and still be a winner," is rallying, but the body of the story doesn't quite get there, instead placing more emphasis on Monserrate's attempts to turn Zippy into a winner rather than validating Zippy's quirky personality. Szalay's full-color illustrations have a lively, angular appearance with well-thought-out perspectives and effectively utilize both full-page and double-page spreads. Monserrate is Puerto Rican, and other humans depicted are diverse.

Humorous enough in both text and illustrations, but the message is muddled. (author's note, bibliography) (Informational picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews