On a Bike (First Sports Science)

Introduces basic physics concepts such as force, resistance, and friction while describing bicycling skills, techniques, events, and safety issues

Gr 1-2-These two titles attempt to use bike riding and playground activities to introduce basic principles of safety, physics, and biology, but they fail to meet the challenge. There are numerous points that are confusing because of insufficient explanations or poor organization. For instance, when discussing safety in On a Bike, Bundey suggests using hand signals but doesn't include any. In a photo that accompanies the text about wearing proper clothing while biking, a boy sits on a bicycle with a helmet that is unfastened. The meaning of the words in bold-faced print is not always incorporated into the text, forcing readers to flip to the glossary to find the definition. At one point, the text directs children to use a tire iron to patch a flat tire but the accompanying drawing of this process does not show one being used. Some of the same information is also included in In the Park, such as how the inner ear is necessary for balance. This title is just as poorly done. For instance, the term "fulcrum" appears in bold print near a photo of two girls on a seesaw but Bundey fails to label the fulcrum in the photo and the connection is lost. Pass on these two titles and stick with Gail Gibbons's Bicycle Book (Holiday, 1995) if you want an introduction to bicycles and look elsewhere for an introduction to physics or biology.-Katherine Borchert, Arlington Central Library, VA

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