Elbow Grease

After I saw John Cena promoting the book on TV, I bought this for my 3-year-old grandson who loves monster trucks! The artwork in the book is amazing and the theme was inspirational; however the story is not well written for children. The “comments” from the other cars don’t make sense to a young child. My grandson loved the pictures, but I “made up my own story” as we went through the book. I love you, John Cena, but you may want to consult with a child development expert if you write another children’s book.

My 2yr old loved the family interaction between characters and how each truck had a persona (of course I tried to narrate with unique voices for each family member). He loved trying to sound out 'gumption'. At 2yrs old, I don't believe he could truly embrace the message of being different, being yourself and goal setting, but it gives him something to enjoy over the years. In addition to the family interaction, he loved the pictures, the storyline and the mud. I truly respect that the mechanic in the storyline was a female.

I decided to order the book after I saw Cena on Jimmy Fallon, for my 4 year old son, he is a huge Cena fan so telling him it was a book written by him it made him already interested in me reading it to him. He loved all the characters in the story especially Elbow Grease and his can do attitude and never giving up when facing troubles, the plot of the book speaks loudly to both children and adults to never give up when life got you down! Thank you for making such a wonderful book John Cena, I highly recommend this book for children of all ages.

My son bought this book after we saw John Cena on the Today Show for my 4 year old Granddaughter. This is a wonderful book with a positive message. Never Give Up. This is her favorite saying right now. She has a Cat and Jack shirt that has that saying. The pictures are amazing. This is a great read for both Girls and Boys. I will be purchasing another book for my Granddaughter's class room. It is well worth the $10.00. Thank you John Cena for the great message. Never Give Up!!

John Felix Anthony Cena Jr. was born on a sunny day April 23, 1977. He is a wrestler turned rapper, turned actor, turned tv host, turned author. As he once rapped, "for a min put the beef and the gats to da side," and let's take a dive into this literary work.

I visited the world of Elbow Grease recently and this may be a stretch to say literary genius, but Elbow Grease is a fun loving, yet in depth, look at the story of the little electric monster truck who could. The character development leaves something to be desired, and there was not much of an arc. Also, the names given to characters were a bit on the nose.

That said the general story is that of positivity and perseverance. At its core, is about not being discouraged no matter what anyone says. There is much to be said about the positive messages. I understand John Cena has 4 brothers and there is a message of family and he has spent a lot of time with the make-a-wish foundation and the children he speaks to generally have a lot of gumption regardless of the odds. I would like to point a few things with the message of this book that I feel should be said. 1: No one should ever drive while tired. 2: Sometimes a little planning and thinking ahead could help in the end. 3: No one should ever drive while tired.

All of that said, this is a great story and a fine choice for anyone big or small young or old. John Cena is a much better children's author then he is a rapper in my opinion. Gumption, perseverance, and never stopping is a story that will transcend time and space. For this reason, Elbow Grease will live on forever. That is something we can all be grateful for. 4 stars.

Chris Adkins

John Cena is Awesome!
Excellent Children's book, Parents should already be doing this, encourage, be you. You aren't bothering or hurting anyone. Determination is yours alone.
There is no other word.
Thanks John!

Just saw John Cena on Good Morning America talking about “Elbow Grease!” Had to order it,because it teaches youngsters about gumption,perseverance and being who you are! It is a gift!

I got this book because I am a trained school counselor working to teach my toddler character traits. We were working on following your dreams when this book came out. I quickly bought it. He was excited to get the book and likes reading it. The illustrations are bright and engaging.

Bought for grandsons, after seeing John Cena discussing this on a talk show. Once he explained it’s underlying message about bullying, I had to get it for them. My three grandsons are 7 and 5. They love this book!!! Good for you John Cena!!!!

I also just saw John Cena on “Good Morning America”. I ordered his book for our 2 year old Grandson, gift for Christmas. I was so inspired to know that he wrote a book to help kids feel better about themselves.