New readers will empathize with the endearing mouse in this easy-to-read story by Caldecott Medal winner Emily Arnold McCully. The race is today. Jake, Jane, Mom, and Dad are ready to leave, but where is Nate? He doesn't even want to race. But with Mom's encouragement, Nate enters the race and wins. It turns out that sometimes Nate likes to go slow. And sometimes he likes to go fast! Children will relate to Nate's fears and applaud his courage to try something new. Easy vocabulary, phonics practice, and, most important of all, a great story and the highest quality art make this book essential for every new reader's bookshelf. An I Like to Read(R) book. Guided Reading Level D.