Editorial Review
Is there really a human race?
Is it going on now all over the place?
When did it start?
Who said, "Ready, Set, Go"?
Did it start on my birthday?
I really must know.
With these questions, our hero's imagination is off and running. Is the human race an obstacle course? Is it a spirit? Does he get his own lane? Does he get his own coach?
Written with Jamie Lee Curtis's humor and heart and illustrated with Laura Cornell's worldly wit, Is There Really a Human Race? Is all about relishing the journey and making good choices along the way—because how we live and how we love is how we learn to make the world a better place, one small step at a time.
Cached date: AWS Called=true
Customer Reviews
Clever book for thinkers 
2008-04-28
Jamie Lee is very clever with her wordings and rhymes. The illustrations are very eye-catching. Always looking for a new way to challenge and stimulate children's minds....this is it!
Most of it's great. 
2008-01-29
Jamie Lee Curtis, Is There Really a Human Race? (Joanna Cotler Books, 2006)
Man, this book started off so well. Of its thirty-two pages, fully twenty-six of them are great stuff. Playing on the multiple meanings of the word "race", Curtis asks all sorts of amusing questions about humanity. While it does get a tad overbearing at times with the moralizing ("If the race is unfair, will I succeed?" comes flying out of nowhere, for example), it's quick, funny, and wonderfully illustrated by Laura Cornell. Unfortunately, then come the last six pages, where Curtis tosses away the metaphor and dives straight into the moralizing. Show Don't Tell is gasping by the wayside, obviously not having the lung capacity to finish. Sense of Subtlety got knocked over the head by an unscrupulous racer and is lying in the gutter, quietly sobbing. Not Talking Down to Kids lost his jockey and bolted for the track bar. Moralizing and Sanctimoniousness hit the wire in a dead heat.
Still, the first bit's worth it. **
A picture book for grown-ups, too 2007-02-23
While I don't usually review picture books, I highly recommend this charming book for adults who need to be reminded to slow down. I bought a copy to purchase for a youngster -- but was so moved by the message that I plan to keep it myself and will have to buy another. Curtis's important message is sure to strike a chord with over-scheduled adults who happen to be reading the book aloud to children. Cornell's whimsical illustrations (I loved the girl who's got the biggest hair "without product") make you pause for a closer look as you follow the text, which is exactly what a good picture book should do. This book makes a great gift for anyone -- regardless of age. -- Cindy La Ferle [...]
GREAT BOOK 2007-02-20
I love reading this book to my son. It not only gets him thinking about the human race, but me as well. Jamie Lee Curtis did a fantastic job with this one.
A message we all need to hear 2007-01-13
This is a lovely little book for both children and adults alike. Three weeks before christmas I picked it up in the bookstore and couldn't put it down. I bought that copy right there then went home and bought ten more off Amazon and sent them to all my close friends for Christmas. For me it ranks right up there with the Lorax by Dr. Suess as a children's story with heart and wisdom. Read it to your children, read it for yourself.
Short Book 
2007-01-10
Is there really a human race?
Is it going on now all over the place?
When did it start?
Who said, "Ready, Set, Go"?
Did it start on my birthday?
I really must know.
With these questions, our hero's imagination is off and running. Is the human race an obstacle course? Is it a spirit? Does he get his own lane? Does he get his own coach?
Written with Jamie Lee Curtis's humor and heart and illustrated with Laura Cornell's worldly wit, Is There Really a Human Race? Is all about relishing the journey and making good choices along the way—because how we live and how we love is how we learn to make the world a better place, one small step at a time.
Beautiful (and overlooked) lesson for children 2007-01-10
This book emphasizes the importance of the process of life, not just the achievement of milestones or goals. Considering today's culture, this is an important lesson to impart to our children, and I was thrilled to find such an excellent, thoughtful book with such an important message.
Wonderful Book! 2007-01-09
I heard an interview with Jamie Lee Curtis on the Diane Rheem show on NPR so I got the book for my kids. Jamie Lee had been talking about how society has put so much pressure on kids to be the best and the first and have all the newest things. It has such a wonderful message about competition and doing what is right instead of grabbing all you can. It is written in clear language - even my first grader can read it herself.
The illustrations are great because everytime you look at the book, you see something different. The kids aren't all beautiful and all of their clothes don't match. I loved it so much I ended up buying several copies as Christmas gifts this year.
It's my favorite kids book.
Children's Book: Is There Really a Human Race? 2007-01-09
I love this book! It has a great message. It is quick read and the illustrations are fabulouus. I would highly recommend it.
Good Choice 2007-01-07
This book was purchased for our granddaughter. She has enjoyed having it read to her and when she can read on her own, hopefully she will continue to appreciate the message.
