A Big Day for Bike

Contributors

By Emily Jenkins

Illustrated by Brian Karas

On Sale
Jun 18, 2024
Page Count
32 pages
ISBN-13
9780316340175

Travel with Bike as she explores the city as a community bicycle in this inspiring story that introduces the thrills of bike riding and first experiences and celebrates the rewards of helping others, for fans of Little Blue Truck.

"Jenkins and Karas’ collaboration is a strikingly original narrative concept book about bike-sharing programs . . . A pedal-powered primer that will surely inspire riders old and new." —Kirkus Reviews


Today is Bike’s first day on the job as a community bicycle. She’s parked on the street and ready to go. But what if nobody wants to ride her? Bike feels a little nervous. Then she meets her first rider—Sunita. Soon Bike is off, taking Sunita to her destination, and before long, many other riders to where they want to go.

Featuring a cheerful city bike with an infectious can-do attitude, this thoughtful picture book introduces the excitement of bike riding and navigation, and celebrates the jitters and joys of new experiences.

"(The) engaging text presents a heartfelt story. . . . Beautifully detailed and full of activity." —The Horn Book

"Adorable…. By finding joy in helping others and focusing on doing her personal best, Bike excels at her job and builds confidence in no time…. An engaging story." —School Library Journal


"Bike zooms through her first day on the job in this introduction to city bike-sharing systems.…. As readers learn about a transit alternative, stylish, vintage-style cartooning by Karas lends texture to Seattle scenes." —Publishers Weekly

"A fun story that promotes bike riding."
 —Booklist

  • Praise for A Big Day for Bike:

    "On Bike’s first morning on the job as a Beep Beep Bicycle, she worries that no one will want to ride her…. Jenkins and Karas’ collaboration is a strikingly original narrative concept book about bike-sharing programs... The anthropomorphic character design adds a dash of friendliness and kid appeal to these otherwise industrial bicycles…. A pedal-powered primer that will surely inspire riders old and new." 
    Kirkus Reviews
  • "On her first day as a rental bicycle . . . .Bike worries she might not be able to live up to riders’ expectations …. Karas creates cityscapes that are beautifully detailed and full of activity. Bike is . . . .at once endearing and comical. Jenkins’s lively, engaging text presents a heartfelt story, gives an informative tour of Seattle, and provides excellent reasons for city bike rentals." 
    The Horn Book
  • "With a smile on her front basket, Bike zooms through her first day on the job in this introduction to city bike-sharing systems.…. As Bike finds her place and readers learn about a transit alternative, stylish, vintage-style cartooning by Karas lends texture to Seattle scenes. Tips for safe biking conclude."
    Publishers Weekly
  • "Adorable …. By finding joy in helping others and focusing on doing her personal best, Bike excels at her job and builds confidence in no time. Bike gives readers a glimpse into the rich lives of all the strangers around them, inspiring empathy and conveying a sense of community…. An engaging story that illuminates the many threads that make up communities and the bikes that weave them all together."
    School Library Journal
  • "A Big Day for Bike introduces a personified young bicycle just beginning her career as an urban rental bike…. Big-eyed Bike starts out nervous, but she is reassured by a friendly older bicycle and soon begins helping a diverse group of riders… The back matter includes a page of tips for safe biking. A fun story that promotes bike renting and riding."
    Booklist

Formats and Prices

Price

$18.99

Price

$24.99 CAD

Format

Hardcover

Format:

Hardcover $18.99 $24.99 CAD

Emily Jenkins

About the Author

Emily Jenkins is the author of many award-winning books for children, including Water in the Park, a Booklist Editors’ Choice and a Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book; Lemonade in Winter, a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year; and two Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor Books: Five Creatures and That New Animal. She is also the author of the popular Toys Go Out trilogy: Toys Go Out, Toy Dance Party, and Toys Come Home. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, and invites you to visit her online at emilyjenkins.com.

G. Brian Karas has illustrated over fifty books for children, including Lemonade in Winter by Emily Jenkins, Tap Tap Boom Boom by Elizabeth Bluemle, and Are You Going to Be Good? by Cari Best, a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book. In addition to illustrating, he has written and illustrated many titles of his own, including The Village Garage and On Earth. Brian lives in the Hudson Valley of New York, and invites you to visit him online at gbriankaras.com.

Learn more about this author