Wallie Exercises by Steve Ettinger (Illustrated by: Pete Proctor)
Review by: Chris Singer
About the author:
Steve Ettinger is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Personal Trainer. He currently runs his own private training company in New York City. Originally from Southern California, Steve has always enjoyed staying active. Forever an avid soccer player, he has earned several coaching certifications and has spent years working and volunteering in youth sports and physical education. He began training clients while earning a psychology degree from Boston University and worked as a children's behavior therapist before deciding to dedicate himself to fitness full time.
About the illustrator:
Pete Proctor graduated from Baker University with a degree in Elementary Education. He is a former middle school science teacher and current freelance illustrator. When not busy painting active animals, he enjoys music, fishing and travel. Pete is a Kansas City native where he still lives with his wife, Jennifer, and two kids, Ben and Sarah.
About the book:
Wallie is mostly a wonderful dog, but his super-laziness has become a problem. So his boy convinces him to go on an adventure to get fit. With a little help from a big friend, Wallie learns how to exercise. Will he enjoy the change from pudgy pup to healthy hound or will he return to his lazy ways? Learn important fitness concepts while following Wallie on his hilarious journey to get in shape. A special section with more information and original exercises (performed by Wallie) will get every kid (and pup) excited about exercise.
My take on the book:
Wallie Exercises is a wonderfully engaging and fantastic book for young children! Steve Ettinger's catchy rhymes had me laughing out loud, and I had a blast reading it aloud to my daughter. Here's a little sample:
Again Wallie worked without much success,
"Guys, I think I've had enough.
For an out-of-shape pup with a big ole gut,
This stuff is all way too tough.
While I was captivated by the author's rhymes, my daughter adored Pete Proctor's bright, boldly-detailed illustrations (complete with a fantastic centerfold illustration of Edwin the Exercising Elephant. Seriously, a must see!!!) which matched the action in the story brilliantly.
I think preschool and young elementary children will truly enjoy this light-hearted look at a pivotal issue for our young children today: obesity and fitness. With a little help from his friends, Wallies comes to the conclusion that exercise is fun and good for him. He reaches this conclusion without being lectured too or force-fed exercise regimes. Instead, Wallie sees for himself that exercise can be fun and something he enjoys. I appreciate how Ettinger and Proctor combined their talents to put together a memorable and motivating story about fitness and exercise without being preachy.
A special section is at the end of the book with more information and original exercises and games (performed by Wallie). This is an outstanding addition to the book which can add hours of fun and enjoyment for young children and their parents.
Wallie Exercises is a clear winner and a must-have for your home library or classroom!
I think I need to read this book. Will it make me love exercising? : )
I will have to pass this title on to our PE teacher- I don't think we have ever worked together on anything, and this could be a jumping off point! Thanks for participating in Book Talk Tuesday!
Kelly
Kelly,
I feel the same way about exercising, lol! I love to play sports but my days of playing sports competitively is pretty much over (I'm almost 39) and I detest going to the gym. I don't have any choice but to do the exercises in the back of this book with my daughter
Love your Book Talk Tuesday and will try and participate every week!