Justin Potemkin and the 500-Mile Race

by Peter J. Welling

"The watercolor-and-ink illustrations bubble with a goofy spontaneity."
--Publishers Weekly

"A few laughs to go around."
--Booklist

"The real 500-Mile race was never this funny."
--Jane Lichtenberg, Indianapolis Star

The 500-Mile Race is more than just a race for Justin Potemkin. The grandson of the losing hare in the well-known Tortoise-Hare Race years ago, Justin is the hero of this clever story about a Russian peasant who takes on the czar, Mos Romoonoff, and a tortoise named Lenin in an attempt to win back the honor of hares. After losing a clearly rigged race to the tortoise and czar, Justin and his two friends, Flamingo Joe and Bob Potamus, leave Russia and move to America, where they settle down and build a racetrack. However, something is missing for Justin Potemkin, who still has scores to settle with the tortoise and Czar Mos.

Justin's ambitious attempts to out-race those who have mocked him are inspirational. When the czar comes to America, he will no longer have the power to cheat and determine the outcome of the race. If Justin beats the tortoise, he will never again be teased for the shameful history of his ancestor. Will his second race against Lenin and the czar be a successful one? Will Justin save his pride and regain honor for rabbits everywhere? Peter J. Welling cleverly alludes to well-known fairy tales and aspects of political history and foreign culture. Children will be able to draw connections to other stories they have heard and gain knowledge about the history and culture of countries outside of their own.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1589801490
• ISBN13: 9781589801493
• Release Date: February 2004
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.73 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 9.0" x 8.7"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Justin Potemkin and the 500 Mile Race

Justin Potemkin and the 500- Mile Race takes a creative look at the Russian beginnings of the Indianapolis 500. For years, Czar Mos Romoonoff sponsored and won the Russian 500-Mile Race, usually by cheating. Justin Potemkin has made it his goal to beat Czar Mos Romoonoff once and for all. Justin Potemkin and the 500- Mile Race is best read aloud so that you get the full effect of the clever names. Like other books by Peter J. Welling, Justin Potemkin and the 500- Mile Race combines a little bit of culture and history with a good deal of humour. Throughout the pages, the author has scattered various Russian words. The translation and pronunciation of these words as well as various animal sounds in Russian are found at the back of this book.

Who knew?

I'm willing to bet that most people think the Indy 500 was organized by car people. Shows what they know. Any addition to Peter Welling's delightful series of picture books is welcome, and his whimsical story of how a frustrated Russian hare manages to break a tsarist version of the Babe's Curse is no exception. Colorfully illustrated by the author, it contains enough puns, wordplay and his signature language lessons to entertain tots, teens and anyone else. Enjoy!

Another winner

I have read all of Mr. Welling's books and bought them for my nieces and nephews. While the writing is directed at children, many of the illustrations have such subtle nuances that an adult can take great pleasure in reading the books along with their children. (For example, in Justin's home there are books on the shelf. An adult will understand the humor being conveyed, especially those familiar with Mr. Welling's other works.)Justin Potemkin starts as fast as an Indy race; from the first page to the middle of the book, the reader enjoys brilliant writing and skillful illustrations, weaving a fictional story of the origins of the Indianapolis 500 Race from, of all places, Russia. The irony and play on words keep the adults captivated along with their children. The story wraps up nicely with Justin prevailing here in the States with the creation of the Indy 500 Race.As much as I like Justin Potemkin I still think Andrew McGroundhog was Mr. Welling's crowning achievement. You just can't improve upon perfection but Potemkin is still a great book and its premise, writing and illustrations deserve 5 stars. Buy it and you will not be disappointed.

Best release by Mr. Welling to date

I have been a big fan of Mr Wellings childrens books since a local grade school turned my daughter on to a copy of 'Andrew McGroundhog and his shady shadow'. I was then in touch with the author via his website (http://www.peterjwelling.com), and he notifies me of upcoming projects. This book, his latest, is my facorite to date because of my love for indy-car type racing. Although I am primarily a CART fan, this book is more 'general', and references 500 history in general, including a touching dedication to Tony Bettenhausen. His works are so refreshing compared to most childrens books, which are repetitive and boring. A must have for anyone with children, and a thirst for challenging reading that teaches AND entertains, something that is hard to accomplish and rare to find. A five star read. Cant wait to find out whats next.........

Justin Potemkin and the 500-Mile Race

What a great book. As a race fan with a 4 year old this is an easy pick at bed time. This is easy to read, extremely funny and very well illustrated with great colors that kids and adults will love.I love how Mr. Welling wove historical and culture fact into the racing story line. With writing like this the book will be read for years and years and appreciated in a different way everytime it's read. Keep an eye out for all of the little signs and characters and racing / cultural reference in the background! It's like literary "I Spy".Happy Reading!