Bibi Steps Out!

A shy, artistic girl comes out of her shell—and finds her community—as she helps transform an ignored rail trail into a place of recreation and beauty.

It’s spring at last, and the residents of Longview Lane are starting to creep out of their cocoons to enjoy the world outside. Among them is Bibi, whose shyness has her hiding under her hoodie, clutching her sketchpad, hoping she doesn’t have to talk to anyone. Bibi is making a beeline for her special place: the Old Rail Trail, where she can sit alone under a tree and draw the birds, ignoring the litter all around her. But today she has unexpected company—neighbors putting up birdhouses and inviting her to make a poster showing what the trail could look like if it were all cleaned up. What if Bibi put her art toward making that dream a reality, decorating benches while others planted flowers, patched up paths, or cleared away trash? From author Roni Schotter and illustrator Christy Hale comes an ode to the transformative effects of community on both the natural places we share and the individuals who love them. Back matter offers more on the history of the rails-to-trails movement and some ways that kids can get involved in their local scene.

Roni Schotter is the award-winning author of some thirty books for children, ranging from picture books to young adult novels. Her books are concerned with the power of imagination and the courage of children who think for themselves and “dare to reach out to the larger world.” Roni Schotter lives in a small village north of New York City with her husband.

Christy Hale is the author and illustrator of several acclaimed children’s books. An art director, designer, and educator, Hale offers programs for all ages. Like Charles and Ray Eames, she loves to blend work with play, designing and making all kinds of things. She lives with her husband in Palo Alto, California. You can visit her online at christyhale.com.