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Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Ride Beside Me, written and illustrated by Lucy Knisley. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 



"There's Tyler, our neighbor. 
He rides way up tall.
From the top of his bike, 
he can see it all. 

That's Petey, 
our mailman, 
who rides 
sitting low. 

It helps him 
speed up, 
but he's still 
pretty slow.

In this sweet story, a mom and her child hit the streets for adventure when they join a community bike ride. They experience the sights and sounds of the city as they bike from home and join many riders along the way. There are those who are racers, and others on various types of bikes. Whether the two know the others or not, everyone is friendly and happy to be involved. 

It's breezy as they climb a hill, with Mom feeling the workout while the child just 'chills'. A family of six have room for all on their tandem, while the child's cousin has her own bike with training wheels. They share snacks and water alongside a rider blaring music from a speaker attached to the back of his bike. Everywhere you look someone is enjoying being a part of the group. 

"Alex helps Petey 
to fix up a flat. 

Petunia lends Tyler 
her cycling hat.
"

The road is filled with riders, with no cars in sight. Bicycles everywhere, and everyone riding together. What a picture it is. When they come to the top of the hill, all that is left to do is to ride back home.

The story is told by the child, who sits in front of his mom on a special seat. Its rhythmic text will appeal to all readers, and the gouache paintings show the many members of their community as they fully enjoy the day's outing. An ode to cycling. Love the endpapers! 

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