Two Wheels

by David Gibb, Brizida Magro (Illustrator)

When you’re the youngest child in a bike-loving family, two wheels are the prize in this jaunty story with special appeal for kids just learning to ride a bike.

Tricycles have three wheels and training bikes have four, but what this little boy wants most of all is a bike with two wheels! Dad has one for any occasion, and he knows just how to get his son ready. With practice, patience, and more than a little courage, the dream of a family who rides together—everyone on two wheels!—might just come true. David Gibb’s warmhearted text and Brizida Magro’s fresh, whimsical illustrations capture the magic moment when kids first tame two wobbly wheels and pedal off on their own.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Sports, Childrens, Transport, Bicycles

32 pages, Hardcover

Published May 7, 2024

About the author

David Gibb is a musician, theatre maker and author who has spent the last 10 years working with children and families. In 2011 he received the highly commended prize at the Young Story Teller of the Year Awards and in the same year was nominated for a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award.

Since then he has gone on to release six albums for families including a collboration with Grammy nominated USA children artist Brady Rymer, written and performed music and songs for numerous theatre projects, had his music played on radio stations all over the world including Sirius XM’s Kid’s Place Live, and written his debut picture book ‘Too Many Bubbles’, which was published August 2020 by Simon & Schuster. His next book for children, ‘Two Wheels’, will be published by Walker Books in 2023.

Reviews

[Aolund · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book about a kid in a family of bike riders who is eager to get his own bike. First he gets a tricycle, then a balance bike, then a bike with training wheels and, at last, the training wheels come off! Lots of nice counting of wheels seamlessly incorporated. Always thrilled to see another good book celebrating bikes and bike riders.

Themes: Bikes, New Experiences, Family
Age range: Toddler-Kindergarten

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central

A little boy is tired of riding in the baby seat on his father's bike, especially since his father is an avid cyclist with a variety of bikes. He tries his brother's old tricycle, which is an improvement, but still doesn't have two wheels. Next his father (who is always shown in biking clothing!) brings home a balance bike that he is able to use to get some practice at staying upright. Eventually, there is a beautiful two wheeler with training wheels. The boy practices every evening until his father finally takes him out to the top of a hill to coast down without the training wheels. Miraculously, the boy stays upright, and is able to bike home. Now, he is able to join his family and friends on biking expeditions... on TWO wheels.

I'm a huge fan of biking, and it's such a freeing experience for children to be able to bike around their neighborhood. I really appreciated that ALL of the riders are shown properly wearing helmets; when I grew up, an orange flag on the back of our banana seats was all the safety gear that was available, but helmets are a very important thing for young riders to wear in the approved manner. It was also good to see that the biking occurred throughout the year; one scene shows fall leaves. Biking isn't just for good weather!

The process of learning how to ride a bike is nicely laid out in the book, and the boy is shown working hard to practice his skills. This is an important message to young riders who might be frustrated at how long it takes to learn balance, pedaling, and the many facets of bike riding that must be mastered before removing training wheels.

Magro's digitally created illustrations are charming, and the red silhouettes of bicycles on the end papers would make a very attractive fabric! I have some questions about the mother's slacks with enormous polka dots, though! The houses and neighborhood are particularly appealing, and I sort of want to hop on my bike and travel there myself.

I'm slowly amassing a collection of picture books about bicycling. They usually address important concepts like perseverance and hard work, but also include the joy and freedom of bicycling. This is perhaps the top of my pile, which includes Lim's I Am a Bird, Medina's Elena Rides, Raschka's Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bike, Boldt's Cantaloupe and HoneyDo Ride a Bike Slater's Wild Blue, Mole's I Love My Bike, and Rinker's Joy Ride.

Musician and author Gibb has a fantastic album of songs out called Pedal Onward that has on the cover, I believe, a picture of him in a baby seat on a bicycle being pedaled by his father! Two Wheeling might well become my theme song; it's so peppy and has such a great message about riding a bike. His love for the sport certainly is very evident in both the book and in his music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SK2T...

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember pedalling your tricycle as a little kid, or that rite of passage when you graduated to a two-wheeler? David Gibb’s charming book, Two Wheels, is based on his own childhood memories and features first-person narration by a pint-sized observer who takes the reader on the journey from baby seat on the back of Dad's bike, to tricycle, to the ultimate prize - a big kid bike! Illustrator Brizida Magro’s digitally rendered illustrations, reminiscent of mid-century animations, pair gracefully with this story about the youngest member in a family of biking enthusiasts. An inviting palette of soft earth tones offers a backdrop of cozy neighborhoods and rolling landscapes dotted with whimsical foliage. Although we are introduced to Mom, Dad, and older brother, the gender of the narrator is never specified. The family and its neighbors present a variety of skin tones. This warmhearted tale of gentle encouragement and perseverance will appeal to aspiring bike riders everywhere. Recommended for ages 3 to 7 by the SEPA Book Reviewers.

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about growing up and getting bigger, but shown through a parade of bicycles. :) We start with our little lead in a baby seat as the family goes for a bike ride, but soon they say, "I don't want to go in the baby seat,' I say, 'I want a bike of my own." Our not-so-little lead then progresses from a tricycle, to a balance bike, to a bike with training wheels, until FINALLY, they are able to ride their bike with just two wheels like the rest of the family.

I like that the family, including the older brother and his friends, are so supportive along the way.

I enjoy looking to see how or with what the illustrations in picture books are made and I was surprised to learn that these were all made digitally. To me, they almost look like they're done in colored pencil or something. Oftentimes I'm not a big fan of purely digital work, but I like these.

[Becs · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of a little boy, and a very proud (bicycle enthused!) dad, who progresses from a balance bike, training wheels to his very own TWO wheel bike. I really liked seeing the relationship between father and son, the trouble navigating the flowers in the garden and the heartwarming nature of the story.

I think there will be very, very many cycling dads who would adore to read their future cycling buddy a story about riding bikes together. There's nothing particularly special about this story or its illustrations, but it really does have a lot of heart.

ARC provided from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

An appearing multicultural family love to take bike rides together. The youngest child does not want to sit in the child's seat anymore. They would like a bike of their own. Dad gets the child a strider, the new type of 2-wheel bike without pedals that helps children learn to balance. The child spends lots of time practicing on the strider until Dad brings home a bike with training wheels. Although the child is initially disappointed at the training wheels, they practice and practice until Dad takes off the training wheels. The child is overjoyed to have a 2-wheel bike just like the big kids and everyone else in the family.

A great story portraying perseverance.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little boy wants to ride a bike with two wheels like the rest of his bicycle-loving family.

This picture book follows a preschool age child as he learns to ride a bike, first on a tricycle (three wheels), then on a balance bike (two wheels but no pedals), then on a child bike with training wheels (four wheels), and finally on a child bike without training wheels (two wheels).

Readers of all ages will relate to the childhood rite of passage of learning to ride a bike.

The story also embodies of a love of the bicycle, showcasing many different styles of bike.

The illustrations were done digitally.

[Kiera Beddes · Rating 3 out of 5]

The youngest in a bike-loving family longs for a bike with two wheels. Dad has the perfect plan. First, they will start out with a balance bike, then a bike with training wheels, and finally a bike of their very own!

An adorable story highlighting one of the milestones of childhood, Two Wheels is a celebration of growing up and learning to pedal on your own (both metaphorically and literally). I think this would appeal to younger readers as they are the right age just like our narrator, but I also think it appeals to adults as they look back on their own biking memories.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is exactly as the title explains. It’s about a little kid going from being the passenger in a baby seat to having their own two wheels. This book is lovely. You don’t see kids riding bikes around neighborhoods anymore, like they used to once upon a time. To see a love for bicycles and the need to get out and ride one is lovely. The illustrations bring back the nostalgia of being a child riding their first two wheel bike.

[Afoma (Reading Middle Grade) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this with the biggest smile on my face. A child is eager to join his family of cycling enthusiasts but has to go from riding in the back to using a balance bike, then a trike, training wheels, and FINALLY, two wheels! Beautiful illustrations and a plot about mundane life, but utterly heartwarming and inspiring for kids who can't wait to ride on two wheels, too.

[Jame_EReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

👦🏻 reviews: what a refreshing story, just like the time when my dad took my training wheels off my bike. I can relate to the story because I thought I was ready to ride on two wheels when I first started. After a week of practicing, I was ready to go. Love this one because the illustrations are easy to follow even if the little ones have just started reading. Great book!

[Panda Incognito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This simple, straightforward picture book packs an authentic emotional punch because it convincingly portrays a child's growth experience from their own perspective, without getting saccharine. The illustrations are full of energy, and the family dynamics are sweet. Kids can enjoy this book as they experience a similar milestone of growing up and riding their own bike, and parents will appreciate the nostalgia and reflection tied into their memories and their parenting journey.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming and thoroughly entertaining story about the process of learning to ride a 2-wheeler. This is a very experience for kids and this will find an enthusiastic audience.

Illustrations by Brizida Magro are full of fun details about bicycles and pair wonderfully with the text.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty simple picture book, but it works really well. The youngest in a family sees that a they are the only one not riding a bike with two wheels and sets out to learn. Shows the perseverance that goes into learning a new skill.

[Children's Literature Centre at FSU · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Two Wheels” is a wonderful story about a little boy learning to ride a bike. Riding a bike is something that a lot of children struggle to do- mostly because of fear. This book captures how with practice and patience, you can do anything you set your mind to!

[R.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a very proud son of a bike mechanic, this book is awesome. It's amazing what riding a bike can do for a child's confidence and sense of independence--I am so lucky to have just as encouraging and supportive a dad as the one in this story!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learning to ride a bike with two wheels. Nice illustrations

[Rebekah Children's books · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your father is a bicycle-obsessed dad and your big brother and his friends are all bicycling , all you want is a bike with two wheels. Cute story of a boy and how he learns to ride a bike.

[Thomas Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fun watching the evolution of the young boy's bike-riding skills. And the older kids were incredibly nice. But altogether, the book was lacking anything special.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice, easy-going story.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great illustrations

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this story of learning to ride a bike (and adore the portrayal of a parent who owns LOTS of bikes, and fixes the neighborhood kids' bikes, and is generally all about bikes.) Highly recommend!

[Lorellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely beautiful book about fathers and learning to ride a bicycle.

[Mary Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply a wonderful story for little ones learning to ride a bike. A very encouraging and heartfelt tale of achieving an incredible milestone.

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

When you think of wheels does your mind go instantly to vehicles, of all shapes and sizes, do you think of transport? Cars, buses, vans, tractors - the list could go on and on! But if you are very small the very first thing you probably want to try for yourself is a bicycle, just like the little boy in this brand new picturebook by David Gibb. Two Wheels is a brilliant story, capturing the joy of a young child as they learn to ride their bike and it is filled with fantastically expressive illustrations by Brizida Margo. Be prepared for an exciting journey of learning, for lots of excitement, and adventure on two wheels. There may even be a little lesson in how to care for and fix up your very own bike too (for the grown-up readers of course!) It’s time to enjoy Two Wheels! Very much a book which will feel nostalgic for parents who will (hopefully) remember their own first tentative adventures on wheels and a book that will be exciting for young readers who can see what fun awaits them on two wheels.

The little boy of the story, the one who is about to learn to ride a bike, who lives with his mum, dad, big brother, and his dad’s bikes, loves bikes - which is fortunate! He tells us this because his dad has A LOT of bikes. There is a skinny one for being fast, then the one with knobbly tyres is, we learn, for riding in the mud. When mum and dad want to ride together there is a special bike called a tandem, and if dad is feeling tired, he even has one he can lie down on! In fact, everyone in the family has a bike of their own except for the little boy. Then comes the day that he is big enough to be given his older brothers no longer needed three wheeled tricycle to ride around the garden. Before too long another exciting day comes, the day that dad comes home with a bike for the little boy. This is one that has only two wheels but no pedals?! Of course, it is to help him learn balance. Having achieved that the bike with two wheels and stabilisers comes out, and then finally, one day, the little boy is ready to try and ride his very own two wheeled bike!
Available from all good bookshops, published by Walker Books

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you think of wheels do you think of transport? Cars, buses, vans, tractors - the list could go on and on! But if you are very small the very first thing you probably want to try is a bicycle, just like the little boy in a brand new picturebook by David Gibb with the most fantastically expressive illustrations by Brizida Margo. Be prepared for an exciting journey of learning, for lots of excitement, and adventure on two wheels. There may even be a little lesson in how to care for and fix up your very own bike too (for the grown-up readers of course!) It’s time to enjoy Two Wheels!

The little boy of the story, the one who is about to learn to ride a bike, who lives with his mum, dad, big brother, and his dad’s bikes. He tells us this because his dad has A LOT of bikes. A skinny one for being fast, one with knobbly tyres for riding in the mud, a tandem for riding with mum, and even one he can lie down on! In fact, everyone in the family has a bike except for the little boy until the day he is given his big brother’s old three wheeled tricycle to ride around the garden. Then the day comes that dad comes home with a bike for the little boy that has only two wheels but no pedals?! Of course, it is to help him learn balance. Having achieved that the bike with two wheels and stabilisers comes out and then finally, one day, the little boy is ready to try and ride his very own two wheeled bike!

[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Wheels is a children's book all about learning to ride a two wheel bike and the process of going through different bikes first, from a tricycle to a balance bike, then a bike with stabilisers before having them removed and learning to ride a two wheeler.

The book is filled with adorable illustrations that are quite old-fashioned looking. They remind me of the illustrations in the likes of the Ladybird books.

The story is very sweet and I'm sure children will love reading about something that they will probably be going through soon.

This would make a lovely bedtime story.