Vera Rides a Bike - Hardcover

Rosenberry, Vera

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0805071253 ISBN 13: 9780805071252

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 2004

Synopsis

Vera carefully strapped the helmet on. Father held the bike and she mounted the seat. Her feet fit the pedals perfectly. Vera felt very big.

Spunky Vera is back and riding a bike in a winning new adventure

Vera loves her shiny red tricycle, even if she is a little too big for it. When it gets stolen one day at the park, Vera is heartbroken, until she inherits her sister Elaine's old green bicycle, which Father paints purple-Vera's favorite color. As long as someone is around to help Vera start and stop, she's set to go. But what happens when Vera suddenly finds she's riding on her own? Will she be brave enough to use the brakes?

Once again, Vera Rosenberry offers a reassuring story about an exciting childhood experience-all through the lens of one indomitable heroine.

About this title

About the Author

VERA ROSENBERRY is the author and illustrator of four previous Vera adventures: When Vera Was Sick, Vera's First Day of School, Vera Runs Away, and Vera Goes to the Dentist. She is also the illustrator of The Bug Cemetery by Frances Hill, among other books for young readers. Ms. Rosenberry lives with her husband in Cambridge, England.

Reviews

PreSchool-Grade 2–In the fifth book about Vera, the child's beloved tricycle is stolen and her parents fix up her older sister's first bicycle for her. She learns to ride the two-wheeler without training wheels, calling out to her mother and father when she needs to stop. After a dare from a boy at the playground, Vera proudly rides her bike all by herself. Unfortunately, she ends up falling off when no one is around to help her and she tries to brake. She returns home bruised, but pleased with her newfound independence. While Vera does not learn to ride her bike in the traditional method, Rosenberry has presented readers with another believable and lively adventure relating a near-universal experience of childhood. The watercolor illustrations on Lanaquarelle paper are dramatic and lively and show Vera wearing a helmet whenever she is on her bike. While this book may not assuage any first-ride jitters, particularly fears about not being able to stop, children will identify with the young protagonist's excitement and drive to learn. Fans of the series will be pleased to see this plucky young heroine grow and develop.–Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

K-Gr. 2. Like other books in Rosenberry's series about the irrepressible Vera, this takes its cue from a common childhood milestone: the big transition from trike to bike. For Vera, it's not riding that poses the problem; it's starting and stopping. Heart-pounding drama ensues when a friend gives her a push at the schoolyard, then leaves without realizing she will need his help later. Vera circles until exhaustion and a palpable sense of the silliness of the situation spur her to make a great leap forward in both cycling skill and independence. The prelude to the main action--Vera's beloved red tricycle is stolen, thus forcing the switch to a big-kid bike--seems a little unnecessary. As usual, though, Rosenberry's watercolor-and-gouache paintings are color drenched, cheerful, and never saccharine. Don't miss the closing image of Vera tucked into bed, dream-self soaring overhead in two-wheeler freedom. Jennifer Mattson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0805071253
• ISBN 13: 9780805071252
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32