Common Sense Media Review
Boy strives to make his mark in funny family tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
As one of seven kids, fourth-grader Teddy Mars has to dream big if he wants to stand out. Intent on breaking a world record, Teddy won't let his pesky little brother, strict teacher, or harried parents get in his way. Frustrated by all these things that are out of his control, Teddy moves out of his overcrowded house and into a backyard tent, where he befriends the oddball next-door neighbor, known as Grumpy Pigeon Man. With some help from his friends and a new job provided by Grumpy Pigeon Man, Teddy is sure he can succeed in his quest to break a world record. The question is: Which one?
Is It Any Good?
TEDDY MARS: ALMOST A WORLD RECORD BREAKER is upbeat and amusing and will delight readers of all ages. Young readers likely will relate to Teddy's frustration with his lack of privacy and overbearing siblings, while adults will empathize with Teddy's parents, who are so busy dealing with the demands of a large household that they don't have the time or energy to deal with petty squabbles. Teddy is well-meaning even when he's misguided, and both adults and kids will be cheering him on by the end.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why it's important to have goals. Have you ever set a goal and strived to reach it? How did you go about it?
Teddy's obsessed with the Guinness Book of World Records. Have you ever checked out the book? Why do you think it's so popular with kids and grown-ups?
Does the way Teddy and his brother and sisters squabble seem realistic? How do you get along with the people in your family?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Trevor Spencer
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperCollins Children's Books
- Publication date : March 24, 2015
- Number of pages : 224
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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