Today, the Olympic marathon is a painstakingly organized contest of endurance among well-trained international athletes. This was not the case in The Wildest Race Ever (Simon & Schuster, $17.99), better known as the Olympic marathon of 1904. The rag-tag group of contenders seemed a bit out of shape and employed some dubious race strategies (strychnine cocktail, anyone?); one questionable character even took an illegal lift in an automobile. American Thomas Hicks, the eventual champion, collapsed over the finish line with an unimpressive time. Author/illustrator Meghan McCarthy’s expressive acrylic paintings will certainly appeal to young readers and future competitors. Ages 4-8.