Zoe, Max and the Bicycle Bus
Reviewed By Grasshopper2 November 24, 2020
Author Steven Herrick
Distributor: UQP
ISBN: 978 0 7022 6300 2
Publisher: University of Queensland Press (UQP)
Release Date: October 2020
Website: https://www.uqp.com.au
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2020 deserves a book like Zoe, Max and the Bicycle Bus for young readers. It is a verse novel that is delightful to read and music to the ears. The verse is positive, hopeful, and about friendly interesting kids. Steven Herrick has written many award-winning books which acknowledge problems and issues, but also promote cooperation, resilience, and kindness. How refreshing!
The story revolves around a group of children who go to the same school. They each begin the book with a page or two of verse about themselves which allows the reader too instantly “Know” the character, their thoughts, and feelings.
Each child comes from a vastly different background and is nervous about starting a new year in school. They have a wonderful teacher who listens and is attentive to their needs. She rides a bike to school. There is a sticker on her bike that says, “Save the Earth, Ride a Bike.” Almost all the children in the class ride a bike to school and have chosen bike riding as a special activity for Friday’s.
There is a problem though. The bike lanes in their area are not safe and, in some places, not marked at all. The children have the intention of encouraging others to ride to school but must address the issue of safety. Each child gives this problem consideration, and collectively a group come up with a solution.
May Steven Herrick write many more wonderful stories about children, friendship, the environment, and a positive future!
“The sun is shining
and today feels like an adventure,
only one I can go on
whenever I want
because I have a bicycle.”