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Practice Makes Better
This is a beautifully illustrated children's book about determination, identity, and self-confidence. It's great for elementary-aged children who struggle in school. They'll relate to Stephen's inner battle. They'll find inspiration in his determination. They'll root for his success! Stephen was a good athlete. No, Stephen was a GREAT athlete. But Stephen felt like he was not a great student. He disliked school. No, he DESPISED school. Stephen felt like he was a terrible student. Will Stephen find the determination to keep practicing and give school one more try? •Join Stephen as he learns that Practice Makes Better!•
33 pages, Paperback
Published July 24, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 14, 2025
Another helpful tale by Ruthie Godfrey. This story is pointed towards kids that are slightly older than her usual readers; perhaps 4-6th graders.
Stephen is really good at sports but not so great at school work. After a particularly difficult day with a math test, his teacher uses his enthusiasm and skill with sports to encourage Stephen to try the same techniques on his schoolwork. That effort is the bulk of this story.
Helen Ayle is noted as the illustrator for this book. I’m usually a big fan of Godfrey’s artwork partners but this companion effort looks very much like it’s AI generated and doesn’t hold the usual warmth and emotion I’m used to seeing. This is especially evident in the eyes and expressions of the characters.
As is typical with Godfrey, there is a free book and free bookmarks available for download at the end of this book. That’s a very generous premium readers are sure to enjoy.
Recommended for school and home libraries. Excellent opportunities to discuss the main theme: PRACTICE MAKES BETTER or as I said when teaching, Practice Makes Progress📚
Stephen is really good at sports but not so great at school work. After a particularly difficult day with a math test, his teacher uses his enthusiasm and skill with sports to encourage Stephen to try the same techniques on his schoolwork. That effort is the bulk of this story.
Helen Ayle is noted as the illustrator for this book. I’m usually a big fan of Godfrey’s artwork partners but this companion effort looks very much like it’s AI generated and doesn’t hold the usual warmth and emotion I’m used to seeing. This is especially evident in the eyes and expressions of the characters.
As is typical with Godfrey, there is a free book and free bookmarks available for download at the end of this book. That’s a very generous premium readers are sure to enjoy.
Recommended for school and home libraries. Excellent opportunities to discuss the main theme: PRACTICE MAKES BETTER or as I said when teaching, Practice Makes Progress📚
August 31, 2020
Children are encouraged not to give up but to continue practicing their craft!
According to Lucius Annaeus Seneca or Seneca the Younger (c. 4 B.C. - 65 A.D.), virtue depends partly upon education and partly upon practice; first, you must learn, and then strengthen your learning by doing (Jordan, J.L., & Jordan, D.N. (2020). THE ANCIENT WISDOM OF THE STOICS: The Art Of Harnessing The Power Of Thought. Murrieta, CA: Deja Jord, Inc.).
As with virtue, success in reading, writing and arithmetic depends partly upon the instruction of the teacher and partly upon self-study by the student.
In the book, Stephen was a great athlete but not a great student. He puts in a lot of time practicing his favorite sports but not a lot of time when it comes to his academics. Luckily, Stephen had a teacher who took the time to talk to him, point out his deficiency and encourage him to do better. Listening to his teacher and applying what he learned from his other mentor (his basketball coach), Stephen was able to overcome his weakness in multiplication. Indeed, practice helps one get better, not only in multiplication but also, in other courses or endeavors.
Our compliments to the illustrator for the charming and colorful illustrations! Our praises to the author for writing a book that encourages children not to give up but to continue practicing their craft - as practice really makes better!
James L. Jordan, PhD, PhD and Deovina N. Jordan, PhD, MD
According to Lucius Annaeus Seneca or Seneca the Younger (c. 4 B.C. - 65 A.D.), virtue depends partly upon education and partly upon practice; first, you must learn, and then strengthen your learning by doing (Jordan, J.L., & Jordan, D.N. (2020). THE ANCIENT WISDOM OF THE STOICS: The Art Of Harnessing The Power Of Thought. Murrieta, CA: Deja Jord, Inc.).
As with virtue, success in reading, writing and arithmetic depends partly upon the instruction of the teacher and partly upon self-study by the student.
In the book, Stephen was a great athlete but not a great student. He puts in a lot of time practicing his favorite sports but not a lot of time when it comes to his academics. Luckily, Stephen had a teacher who took the time to talk to him, point out his deficiency and encourage him to do better. Listening to his teacher and applying what he learned from his other mentor (his basketball coach), Stephen was able to overcome his weakness in multiplication. Indeed, practice helps one get better, not only in multiplication but also, in other courses or endeavors.
Our compliments to the illustrator for the charming and colorful illustrations! Our praises to the author for writing a book that encourages children not to give up but to continue practicing their craft - as practice really makes better!
James L. Jordan, PhD, PhD and Deovina N. Jordan, PhD, MD
August 5, 2020
A delightful tale with a universal truth.
This is a short book for children and/or young readers. The illustrations are beautifully done and the text is clear and easy to read and understand.
Stephen loves sports and is a great athlete. But he's less confident when it comes to his schoolwork, particularly math.
With the help of a compassionate, caring teacher he learns to overcome his doubts by coming to realize that practice helps everyone improve. And that while no one is perfect, we can always do better than we did before if we keep at it.
This is a short book for children and/or young readers. The illustrations are beautifully done and the text is clear and easy to read and understand.
Stephen loves sports and is a great athlete. But he's less confident when it comes to his schoolwork, particularly math.
With the help of a compassionate, caring teacher he learns to overcome his doubts by coming to realize that practice helps everyone improve. And that while no one is perfect, we can always do better than we did before if we keep at it.
August 5, 2020
A Lesson on Perseverance
What an amazing story on one of the toughest things a kid has to go through, doing something they don’t like or they are not good at and become better.
Love the life lesson!
What an amazing story on one of the toughest things a kid has to go through, doing something they don’t like or they are not good at and become better.
Love the life lesson!
August 8, 2020
Precious little book both in content and illustration. It reminds me of my first grade teacher who rescued me from a failure to prepare!
I would recommend this book to any child who is insecure and parents and teachers or anyone wanting to help those with insecurities.
I would recommend this book to any child who is insecure and parents and teachers or anyone wanting to help those with insecurities.
August 9, 2020
Great read to help kids believe in themselves
Loved how the story made a connection with things kids love to do and things they may struggle with. Showing how principles applied in sports relate to the classroom is something most kids can relate to.
Loved how the story made a connection with things kids love to do and things they may struggle with. Showing how principles applied in sports relate to the classroom is something most kids can relate to.
August 15, 2020
A great book, with an important message!
What a great little book with very cute, modern and appealing illustrations. It sounds out a good, clear message, particularly to boys, about the whole sports versus study thing.
What a great little book with very cute, modern and appealing illustrations. It sounds out a good, clear message, particularly to boys, about the whole sports versus study thing.
August 4, 2020
Healthy messages
Good example of using a child’s strength to help with a skill that is challenging. Realistic scenarios kids can relate to.
Good example of using a child’s strength to help with a skill that is challenging. Realistic scenarios kids can relate to.
August 5, 2020
Great book with powerful message
Great book for kids who may lack confidence in their ability as a student. No one is a natural at everything... it takes practice.
Great book for kids who may lack confidence in their ability as a student. No one is a natural at everything... it takes practice.
August 26, 2020
Practice does make better
A great story that explains how the more you practice the better you get with examples that children can easily relate to.
A great story that explains how the more you practice the better you get with examples that children can easily relate to.
June 14, 2021
Another great story
I enjoy books by Ruthie Godfrey!
These books are inspiring for young readers and always a reminder for adults as well.
Great illustration.
I enjoy books by Ruthie Godfrey!
These books are inspiring for young readers and always a reminder for adults as well.
Great illustration.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews