How Far Will a Rubber Band Stretch

by Mike Thaler, Jerry Joyner (Illustrator)

A curious little tyke tests the elasticity of a common rubber band, stretching it from his bedpost, out the front door, and finally to the moon

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction, Childrens

28 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Mike Thaler, born in Los Angeles, started his professional career drawing cartoons for adults. A children's book editor saw one of his cartoon stories in a national magazine and encouraged Mike to try writing for children. His first attempt met with success, and "The Magic Boy" was published in 1961.

Mike has produced over 220 published books and is known as “America’s Riddle King.” He has also been called “The Court Jester of Children’s Literature.”

Mike Thaler lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife Patty. He gladly welcomes all invitations to do church and school programs, and other book events.

Mike travels each year throughout the world helping children and teachers create their own stories, riddles, and books. He writes and teaches with creativity, inspiring his audiences with a love of language.

--from the author's website

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A painful question lots of little boys had to answer - this book took me back to the days when we would have 'rubber band wars' to see who would let go first. Surreal fun!

[a. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a simply delightful book with a simple premise, but which encompasses an enormous scope of imagination and creativity. Read again and again.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little boy decides to find out how far a rubber band will stretch.

[Abby Hays · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a super cute book. I thought that it really showed off kid's imagination and creativity abilities. Although it is a very old book with very minimalistic pictures, it still managed to keep me entertained and I think kids would really enjoy reading it.

[Siskiyou-Suzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun book with an interesting premise. Good to talk about what is possible and impossible and what could be. And also distances! I got it at a thrift store but of course got rid of it at some point. I always get rid of books I shouldn't.

[Ollie Skyba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuinely funny children’s humor that works for adults too? Honestly, a rare thing.
I still keep and treasure my old edition of this book; it has such a quirky charm and timeless silliness to it. Pure delight.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the story of my life. I am the rubber band, I hate that kid.

Definitely a fun book to read and make little ones laugh. The plot is simple, the premise entertaining.