Reading stories can benefit our kids in so many ways and there are millions of books out there but what about bike books for kids? I am not talking about a book that teaches you step by step how to ride or pull your bike apart but books that tell stories that will capture a kids imagination. We know about the educational benefits of books but they also offer so much on an 
emotional level. They allow our kids to visualise themselves in the story and to relate to what is happening in the book. Books help share values and explain why those values are important. They introduce and acclimitise kids to new experiences. They also help initiate new ideas or concepts and provide inspiration.
Looks like sharing bike books for kids is a great, relaxed way to introduce and expose them to biking experiences – like riding a bike for the first time or going on a biking adventure. They get to see the fun, the friendships made and what can be achieved on a bike. They are discreetly exposed to many great values embedded in biking like determination, resilience and perserverence.
Here is a selection of some fantastic bike books for kids or grandkids. They make great Christmas and birthday presents. I am sure YOU will also enjoy the stories and sharing them with the special people in your life.
Toddlers
Duck on a Bike – David Shannon
One day down on the farm, Duck spies a red bicycle and gets a wild idea ‘I bet I could ride a bike!’. At first it wasn’t easy, he was slow and he wobbled but it was fun. In no time at all he was biking around the farmyard passing by his farmyard friends (cow, sheep, dog, cat, horse, chicken, cow, pig and mouse) who all greet duck politely however they all have private thoughts about Ducks zany idea. Then a herd of kids rides down the road in a blur of dust; they park their bikes and head indoors. A wordless page shows the wonderful moment when the animals all gather with identical wide-eyed looks and sly smiles – you can see what they’re thinking. Sure enough Duck has inspired his farmyard friends and they all find a bike to ride. We then get to see the joy and fun the animals are having as they zip around the farm on their borrowed bikes.
Pre-school/Juniors
Monsieur Albert Rides to Glory – Peter Smith – Illustrations Bob Graham.
A poetic story that captures the spirit of Paris and France as Monsieur Albert, in his later years, decides to take part in the Grand Cycle Race (a take on the Tour De France). He will be racing against Francois, the champion of France – could he possibly win? A story that shows you can do anything at any age and you are never too old to have a dream or the courage to pursue it. A comical outcome might just help the underdog come through in the end.
For kids a little older
(8 – 13yrs if reading on their own or 6yrs plus if they love adventure and being read to)
The Boy Who Biked the World – Alastair Humphreys – Illustrated by Tom Morgan-Jones.
A three part book series:
Book 1: On the Road to Africa
Book 2: Riding The Americas
Book 3: Riding Home Through Asia
Tom is a school boy with a dream, a dream to be an explorer and discover all the countries of the world. Tom tells his classmates of his dream only to be laughed at. So Tom decides to prove them wrong and follow his dream. Tom cycles around the world. You get to follow Tom through his amazing adventures (we used maps to help follow his journey), his challenges and all his discoveries and rewards. A book that encourages you to follow your dream and unleashes the explorer and the adventurer in you.
We plan to introduce you to bike books for kids on a regular bases so let us know what your favourite biking books are so we can share them with others!! Remember to also check out all the fantastic real life bike stories in our inspiring riding section that includes kids…
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Thanks for reading. Used together our stories and resources support you to achieve and develop as a rider.
goRide is a shared journey, so we would like you to assist in guiding it along the way. Contact goRide. Your thoughts, comments or feedback are welcome. Thank you for being a part of the goRide way.
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