Inch and Miles: The Journey to Success

I was looking for peanut butter. I opened a skippy jar of peanut butter, and the book was in there. I ate it and it tasted nothing like peanut butter. Now my stomach hurts.

Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese

As a Principal of an elementary school I gave this book to each of my teachers this Fall and we read the book together round-robin style. What an experience! Their enthusiasm has carried through the whole school as our students have all had discussions of the various blocks, the value of hard work and being a person of integrity whatever your path. We so appreciate that Coach Wooden put his successful system into a kid-friendly venue to reach even our kindergarteners. A must-have book for adults as well as children to assist in returning to the basic roots of a successful society. Yes, enthusiasm is important, but staying the course, inch by inch, with confidence and poise, hard work and determination will ensure great accomplishments. So, "hootie-toot-toot" to a rival Bruin we will always be indebted to! Fight on!

What a wonderful book! The illustrations are colorful and filled with interesting characters. Each block in the "pyramid of success" describes a value in an animated and fun format. A great inspirational book that teaches everyone to to be their best! A terrifically well written that should be shared with everyone you love. I bought a batch of "Inch and Miles" and gave the book away as presents to my family and friends. "Inch and Miles" is our favorite book in our home library. We recommend this book to parents, educators, and coaches.

I read this story to my daughter when she was 5 and when she started reading on her own it was one of her favorites. Now at 8, she not only still loves reading about inch and miles but she certainly understands the concept of trying her best and giving 100% no matter the outcome. There are so many vauable lessons that can be learned by reading this book by both children and adults who sometimes forget that competing shouldn't really be about just winning.

I love this book and you will, too. I read it to my 5-year-old as he's doing his homework (kindergarteners? homework??). He and I both find it to be an especially calming activity at the end of each school day. The delightful writing style brings to life Coach Wooden's proven philosophy on the achievement of success and happiness. My son enjoys following the learning adventures of the characters, Inch and Miles, and studying the beautiful, brilliantly rendered illustrations found on each page. Wooden's no-nonsense thoughts on achieving "100% personal best" are appropriate for children of all ages. I truly believe that introducing these concepts to my young son now will give him an early advantage in his lifelong journey to success. (Try this: For variety, try reading aloud just the BOLD-face rhyming sections on each page. The rhythmic flow of the writing will allow you to cover all the "pyramid blocks" in one sitting more quickly!)

As a parent of 2 children who are involved in competitive sports, I cannot say enough about this book. There are times that even parents get invested in the score and forget the process. I would be lying if I said I do not want my kids to win every competition, but Coach Wooden, with the help of Ms. Harper and Mr. Jamison ,reminds us all of what is important and helps keep us grounded. My son is on a Crew team and my daughter ice skates individually and on a synchronized team. I cannot recount how many times I have quoted Coach Wooden's philosophy this past year stressing team work, responsibility and pride in doing your personal best. In a culture that teaches win, win, win, [ especially in light of new allegations in sports everyday concerning steroid and other drug use] this book is a refreshing breath of air.