TOGETHER WE RIDE
By: Valerie Bolling
Illustrated by: Kaylani Juanita
Published: April 26, 2022
Publisher: Chronicle Kids
Fiction
Minimal words on the page are enough to tell the sweet relationship of a father and his daughter out for her first bike ride. As she starts out, she is strong yet slow. Then a stride turns into a slip and slide. As she decides whether to try again, she knows without a doubt that her father will be right by her side.
The ending words rhyme with the words on the next page but even though they are few, the illustrations take the stage here showing the excitement, the joy of finally riding the bike, the defeat when she falls, and the beaming pride from dad when she tries again. Their loyal dog friend is also close by enjoying the beautiful day outside visiting the birds, finding sticks, and cheering on his friend.
Mom and little brother want to join them and soon the whole family is out for a beautiful ride and maybe a picnic in the park. With just a few words in this story, young kids will soon be able to read this one on their own and want to go out and try to ride their bikes all by themselves.
Valerie Bolling has been an educator for twenty-seven years. Valerie serves as the co-chair of the NESCBWI Equity and Inclusion Team and is a member of SCBWI, the Authors Guild, and NCTE. She lives in Stamford, CT, and you can check out her website, HERE.
Kaylani Juanita illustrates inclusive picture books, such as Ta-Da!, When Aiden Became a Brother, and Magnificent Homespun Brown, for which she received the 2021 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award. Her mission as an artist is to support the stories of the underrepresented and create new ways for people to imagine themselves. She currently lives in Fairfield, CA.
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Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to make a purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.
Posted Under Book Review, Children's books, fiction, Kaylani Juanita, parenting, Valerie Bolling