Cycling has always been more than just a sport or a mode of transportation—it’s a gateway to freedom, adventure, and pure joy, especially for children. Yet, in today’s world, the simple act of riding a bike is often overshadowed by concerns over safety, regulations, and the ever-growing dominance of cars. Fortunately, Mark Wealand, a literacy specialist and author of over 80 children’s books, brings the magic of cycling back into focus with his delightful book, On My Bike. Aimed at young readers aged 5-7, this beautifully illustrated story captures the thrill of pedaling through the neighborhood, exploring new places, and experiencing the independence that comes with two wheels. More than just a story, On My Bike also offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of bicycles, reminding us how this simple invention has shaped generations of riders.
In cycling media there is an unsurprising emphasis on the glamour of racing and high-end equipment without often considering the grassroots appeal of riding a bicycle. This can be as a sport, of course, but also as daily transportation and, yes, even for just having fun. For many of us this discovery of cycling as children meant not just a new skill to take pride in but also a sense of freedom, of being not longer tethered as there was now the opportunity for exploration beyond your home and the street outside. But in our modern world bicycles are often looked on with suspicion and deemed so dangerous that there are schools that forbid children from riding to their classes, leaving them to arrive with their mothers in 2 ton SUVs. But the joys of cycling are not to be denied and an utterly charming book by literacy specialist Mark Wealand, author of 80(!) children’s books, is a reminder of this.
“On My Bike” is meant for children aged 5-7 and captures the facets of riding. The book features several children narrating their adventures,using their bicycles in different ways. Whether out to discover the neighbourhood or nearby countryside, travelling slowly or quickly, making your heart pump and your legs burn…
While there can be a social element too because it is fun to ride with friends but riding by yourself brings peace and lets your mind wander. In addition to these things nicely captured for today’s young rider, there is also a lovely section of the book illustrating where bicycles came from. There is Baron Drais’ first effort, the hobby horse, to be followed by the velocipede, the high wheeler and finally the safety bicycle, with its equal-sized wheels and pneumatic tires, not much different from what we have today. Although the adult bicycles of today have gone far beyond the simple technology of the now-ancient two wheelers illustrated, what with with electronic shifting, disc brakes, clipless pedals and so forth, a child’s bicycle is still a simple thing and it is easy for a boy or girl to comprehend how it functions. Although many of us who understand the science are still not entirely clear why bikes just don’t fall over.
With its relatable content (and the little bit of technology history), “On My Bike” is sure to delight a child and, one hopes, encourage them to discover the joys of riding so nicely shown. As the back cover notes: “For travel and adventure, nothing beats a bike!
“On My Bike” by Mark Wealand
Illustrated by Sergio Drummond
34 pages, softcover
Happy Hummer Press
Hollsopple, Pennsylvania, 2024
ISBN 979-8-89406-170-2
Suggested Price: US$14.99/C$21.33 (also available in Kindle format)
# “On My Bike” by Mark Wealand is available from AMAZON.COM. #
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