Gus and Grandpa and the Two-Wheeled Bike - Hardcover

Mills, Claudia

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0374328218 ISBN 13: 9780374328214

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 1999

Synopsis

Gus is unimpressed when Ryan coolly stops his sleek five-speed bike with the hand brake. But he's totally nonplussed when Daddy buys him a bicycle like Ryan's. Gus will never give up his training wheels. Enter Grandpa, who wisely removes Gus from the neighborhood and curious eyes for practice, digs out Daddy's old bike for the occasion, and patiently holds that bike as Gus rides it around and around. Gus's ultimate triumph belongs to Grandpa as well, and will be shared enthusiastically by reluctant riders and their supportive families. Claudia Mills and Catherine Stock contribute a gem to the bike-riding genre.

About this title

About the Author

Claudia Mills lives in Boulder, Colorado. Catherine Stock lives in New York City. Publishers Weekly called the first book in the series, Gus and Grandpa (see page 40), a "witty, warm offering."

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-Fans of the previous beginning chapter books in this series, which include Gus and Grandpa (1996) and Gus and Grandpa at the Hospital (1998, both Farrar), are sure to welcome this addition. When Gus balks at removing the training wheels from his bike, his dad tries to win him over with a fancy new bicycle that has five speeds, hand brakes, and a water bottle with its own holder. After more than a few crashes on his new wheels, Gus decides to return to his steadier old friend. Then Grandpa has an idea that leads the duo to spruce up Gus's father's old bike and head to an empty parking lot. Teamwork and practice blended with the boy's growing confidence soon have him riding on his own. Readers will identify with the youngster's fear and reliance on the training wheels. Gus's worries are never trivialized and his family and friends are supportive. Stock's muted watercolors nicely reflect both the plot's elements and the close bond between grandfather and grandson. A charming look at a rite of passage for many young children.
Maura Bresnahan, Shawsheen School, Andover, MA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0374328218
• ISBN 13: 9780374328214
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 48
• Illustrator: Stock Catherine