Well we all love our bikes. Don’t we? This charming picture book tells the story of why this is. From the first push down on the pedal to the independence of making your own journey “I get to decide if I turn left or right. Not Dad. Just me.” The travails of the young (and old) cyclist - the ‘big huge hills’ where the bike gets lazy and the inevitable tumble after which ‘I’m never ever riding the stupid bike again’ - are endured and overcome. The greater joys of achievement, scenery and connection with the landscape will be familiar to everyone who has ever turned a pedal. “This is my place now all because of my bike”.
Sam Usher’s illustrations capture the exhilaration and occasional panic of self-propelled speed and the rhythm of the writing echoes the rotation of the pedals and the whirring of the wheels and makes it perfect for reading aloud. ~ Sam Huby, Bikemonger
I Love My Bike tells the story of a girl's first experience with her bike, and is filled with beautiful illustrations and a heartwarming message of perseverance.There's a flame on the frame and I love how it feels from my head to my heels when my feet push the pedals and the pedals turn the wheels. I love my bike. I Love My Bike is a picture book about a daughter learning to ride a bike with the help of her father. It's also about that exhilarating feeling you get when you succeed at something for the first time as a child. And, most importantly, it's about learning that when you fall off, the best thing to do is get back on again! The story is told through wonderful watercolours from critically acclaimed artist Sam Usher, with words from children's poet Simon Mole. Celebrating both family relationships and being outdoors, this is the perfect read for families everywhere.
A warm read-aloud story of family relationships and the joy of getting outdoors. -- Fiona Noble -The Bookseller
Author
About Simon Mole
Simon Mole is an acclaimed children's poet (and sleep deprived dad) who has shared stages with Michael Rosen, Kae Tempest and John Hegley. His first picture book Kites was published in 2019 followed by I Love My Bike in 2021. Simon is a National Poetry Day Ambassador, with over ten years' experience using rap and poetry in community and education settings, including projects with Great Ormond Street Hospital and Arsenal Football Club. The tutorial videos on his YouTube channel are used by hundreds of thousands of children and teachers across the world each year, and have been featured on BBC Bitesize.
Simon is also one half of kids comedy rap duo Mole & Gecko (you can probably guess which half).
