World Book Day: Top 10 cycling books for kids

Each year on World Book Day parents and educators are on the lookout for engaging and educational reads that can inspire young minds. So we thought it would be great to suggest books for children who have a passion for cycling or those looking to explore the world on two wheels.

We've compiled a list of the top 10 cycling books that are perfect for kids. These books not only foster a love for reading but also encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.

Let's take a journey through these captivating tales.

BOOK TITLE: Frank and Bert
AUTHOR: Chris Naylor Ballesteros
READER AGE: 2-5 years old

The hilarious fox and bear double act from bestseller Chris Naylor-Ballesteros is back for a second adventure.

Bert is certain he can ride his bike as well as Frank, but he is very wobbly! And even when they both try riding Frank's bike, it still goes very wrong! Will the best friends make it down from the big hill? Of course! All they need is a little bit of confidence and trust in each other! This warm and entertaining story about friendship is guaranteed to get children giggling!

Click here to read Frank and Bert reviews >>

BOOK TITLE: I Love My Bike
AUTHOR: Simon Mole (Author)
READER AGE: 3+ years old

"I Love My Bike" is a delightful children's book that takes young readers on an imaginative journey filled with the joy and freedom of riding a bike. The story follows a young rider who expresses their deep affection for their bike and the adventures it brings. The language used by Mole is rhythmic and playful, making it an engaging read-aloud experience for both parents and children. The repetitive structure of the text allows young readers to participate and anticipate the words, enhancing their language development skills.

Click here to see an ‘I love my bike’ preview >>

BOOK TITLE: Cycle City (City Books for Kids, Find and Seek Books)
AUTHOR: Alison Farrell
READER AGE: 3-5 years old

In "Cycle City," author Alison Farrell takes young readers on an interactive journey through a vibrant city dedicated to cycling. The book features engaging illustrations and challenges, encouraging children to find and seek various elements within the cityscape related to bicycles, cyclists, and urban life. When little Etta the Elephant goes to her Aunt Ellen's house, she takes a journey through a bicycle-filled Cycle City, a town filled with bikes of all kinds! At the end of the day, a special surprise awaits Etta, the most amazing bicycle parade imaginable. Detail-rich illustrations in this fun seek-and-find book paint the colours of this unusual town where everyone rides some kind of bike, whether a penny-farthing, a two-wheeled unicycle, or a conference bike, everyone is on wheels!

Take a look at ‘Cycle City’ here >>

BOOK TITLE: Bike On, Bear!
AUTHOR: Cynthea Liu
READER AGE: 4-7 years old

"Bike On, Bear!" is a wonderful story about a bear who discovers the joy of biking and the importance of friendship. Cynthea Liu's charming narrative and illustrations make this a must-read for young readers.

Bear can do almost anything. His one-paw pawstand is perfection. He can solve the trickiest of equations. He can even out-build a brigade of beavers. But the one thing Bear can't do? Ride a bike. Bear tries everything to help him learn: library books, training wheels and super-cheers from his fellow animal friends. But all of those fail to get poor Bear on two wheels. The situation is looking unbearable but an unexpected mishap might be just the thing that propels Bear to bike on!

Read ‘Bike on, bear!’ out loud with kids >>

BOOK TITLE: Duck on a Bike
AUTHOR: David Shannon
READER AGE: 4-8 years old

The entertaining story revolves around a duck who discovers a bike on the farm and embarks on an adventurous ride. Much to the surprise of the other farm animals, the duck pedals around, showing off to each of them. Eventually, the other animals become inspired by the duck's adventurous spirit and decide to try out the bike themselves. The book conveys a message of courage, individuality, and the joy of trying new things.

Read ’Duck on a Bike’ out loud with kids >>

BOOK TITLE: How to teach a little Monster to ride a bike
AUTHOR: Mark J Smith
READER AGE: 4-7 years old

Teaching a child to ride a bike is an incredible experience to be enjoyed by all however, so many struggle with the basics. This is a short story for both adults and children to enjoy, all about a little girl whose only wish is to learn to ride her wonderful bike. Peggy, our hero, discovers a new friend and together they set out to master two wheels.

This story is about friendships and discovering the joys that learning to ride a bike can bring. A step-by-step guide to help anyone successfully ride a bike for the first time!

Click here to read a sample of ‘How to teach a little monster to ride a bike' >>

BOOK TITLE: Mrs Armitage on Wheels
AUTHOR: Quentin Blake
READER AGE: 3-8 years old

This fantastic story follows the charming and eccentric Mrs Armitage as she embarks on a series of adventures with her trusty dog, Breakspear, and her ever-evolving bicycle. Mrs Armitage has a flair for making her bicycle even more extraordinary by adding various attachments and modifications, turning it into a truly unique and amazing mode of transportation.

"Mrs Armitage on Wheels" is not just a story about a woman and her extraordinary bicycle; it's a celebration of creativity, resourcefulness, and the joy of exploration. It's a book that encourages children to embrace their imaginations, think creatively, and appreciate the beauty of the unexpected.

Click here to read a sample of ‘Mrs Armitage on wheels’ >>

BOOK TITLE: The Boy Who Biked the World
AUTHOR: Alastair Humphreys
READER AGE: 7-10 years old

The Boy Who Biked the World follows the adventures of a young boy named Tom who embarks on a global bicycle journey with his family. As they pedal through different countries and continents, Tom learns about diverse cultures, meets interesting people, and discovers the beauty of the world. The books aim to inspire young readers to embrace curiosity, explore new horizons, and appreciate the interconnectedness of our planet.

Read a sample chapter of ‘The Boy Who Biked the World’ here >>

BOOK TITLE: Knights and Bikes - Wheels of Legend
AUTHOR: Gabrielle Kent
READER AGE: 7+ years old

"Knights and Bikes - Wheels of Legend" is a thrilling and imaginative adventure that captivates young readers with its blend of friendship, magic, and daring escapades. Written by Gabrielle Kent, this book takes readers on an unforgettable journey filled with mystery, excitement, and the power of imagination.

One of the standout features of the book is its celebration of creativity and imagination. As Demelza and Nessa embark on their quest, they use their imaginations to turn everyday objects into tools. This aspect of the story encourages readers to embrace their creativity and think outside the box.

Click here to view >>

BOOK TITLE: The Bicycle Spy
AUTHOR: Yona Zeldis McDonough
READER AGE: 8–12 years old

For readers aged 8-12 years, "The Bicycle Spy" by Yona Zeldis McDonough is a great read. It is a historical fiction novel set during World War II which follows Marcel, a young boy living in a small French village occupied by German forces. Marcel becomes an unwitting participant in the resistance when he discovers a secret code hidden in the spokes of his bicycle. As he deciphers the code, Marcel becomes involved in a dangerous mission to deliver messages and help the resistance movement. The novel explores themes of bravery, friendship, and the impact of war on ordinary people. Through Marcel's perspective, the author provides a compelling narrative that sheds light on the experiences of those living in occupied territories during wartime.

Click here to preview ‘The Bicycle Spy’ book >>

World Book Day, encourages young readers to pedal into the world of imagination with these fantastic cycling books. Whether it's learning to ride a bike, going on exciting adventures, or discovering the joy of friendship, these stories are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Happy reading and happy cycling!

Resources

Other bike books for kids >>
World Book Day >>
Online books to read >>
Author's Abroad school visits >>