I was recently sent a copy of a new children's book entitled "Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle" by Caldecot Medalist Chris Raschka.
The book is good, but it hasn't worked it's way into one of our favorites. It's possible that Trike - at just under 3 - is a little young for the book, which is recommended for those 4 to 8.
The story is about the childhood rite of passage surrounding how to ride a bike. The message is that it's difficult but if you stick with it, you can do it, and once you do you can enjoy it your whole life - which is a pretty good lesson for a kid, but it's a little dry. There's nothing really funny or silly to it, and that's what Trike tends to like. That said, Trike enjoys Rashka's "A Ball for Daisy."
The art is watercolor, which while impressive, is limiting. There's no way to do details with it, and so our little one kind of breezes over the pictures. Right now he's really into facial expressions and watercolor just doesn't allow for that, but again, maybe when he's older.
This may be a good book for a kid on the cusp of learning to ride, as it could prepare them for the process (unless you discourage training wheels) or make them excited about learning. It could be a crutch if they get frustrated, to remind them about trying again and again.
Comments