Title: The Amazing Bike Ride
Author: Lorin Nicholson
Illustrator: David Emerson
Publisher: Wombat Books, $12.95 RRP
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781921633126
For ages: Primary school
Type: Non-fiction
About: Looking for an inspirational story to share with your child? Something to help convince them that they can do anything – anything at all – if they put their mind to it?
Well, here it is.
This is the true story of Lorin Nicholson. Lorin is almost blind, but decides to do a bike ride from his home in the country all the way to the beach.
When he tells his friends about his idea, they laugh at him. ‘It’s impossible!’ they say. ‘You can’t do that!’
Instead of being put off the idea, this makes Lorin even more determined. Together with his dad, who follows along in his truck with a bit of camping gear and a whole heap of support, he does it. Lorin makes it to the beach.
Presented in semi-cartoon style, this book is brightly illustrated, with lovely touches like the cute parrot who comes along for the ride.
There are a couple of pictures that give us an idea of Lorin’s view of the world – colourful, yet blurry and distorted – and my only criticism is that I would love to have seen more of these. This perspective gives children and adults alike some indication of just how mentally and emotionally tough this ride would have been for Lorin (on top of the more obvious physicality of it).
This is a book that shows people really can achieve anything. It’s a message that is so wonderful to be passed to our children, especially in a way that is so accessible, relatable and real.
This book is available online
Author website
