The First Marathon: The Legend of Pheidippides Hardcover – Picture Book, January 1, 2006

I ordered this book for a kids' running class. This was best for age groups 2nd to 8th grade. It has beautiful illustrations and a map on the inside cover that helps to understand how big Persia is in comparison to Athens, Greece, as well as to see the distances that Pheidippedes ran. In the back few pages, the author explains how she researched for the book. She even explains what a legend is. In the past, I have just told this story. This year, the story came to life for the kids thanks to this book. I highly recommend this book for interest in running, legends, or history.

Wonderful story, the kids really enjoy hearing this many times over.

Got to say I love this book. The artwork is bright and cheerful and kid-friendly, and Susan Reynolds does a great job of retelling the classic tale of the Greek runner, Pheidippides.I'm reading it with my kids (currently 8 and 10) to fill out our studies of ancient Greece. And I particularly like the pains with which the Mr. Minter went to make sure that the 'costumes' and settings were correct. I also just love how Ms. Reynolds takes the sad ending -- Pheidippes sort of overdoes the running -- and turns it into a positive by showing that the man is still honored today, thousands of years later with the modern Marathons that take place all over the world.Pam T~mom/blogger/ancient history lover

Great map in this book, gives kids a clear idea of the places and distances, if not the mountainous terrain. This one will inspire your kids to keep going, although it may freak them out that Pheidippides' heart burst. But really, 306 miles is pretty far for any young kid to run.

I read this book to my six-year-olds and they were spellbound. By the end of the story I was bawling, but the author did such a wonderful job describing the hero and his courage that they understood why and felt the emotion, too.I love the story of Phidippides and through this book, my boys now love it. The illustrations are a bit cartoonish, but it holds their attention and doesn't detract from the story. They have asked for it to be read many times and when we go to the gym they 'run a marathon'.I'm so glad there's a book which makes the courage, bravery and nobility of Phidippides accessible to children. Most teens and adults would enjoy this book as well as it easily explains the story without dumbing it down.Read it. And then go running!