It starts with a clash (a very human and realistic one) between two friends—William (a dog) and Bobby (a panda). Their quarrel escalates, sending Bobby out the door and onto his bike. Bobby travels on winding city streets and out to the Dutch countryside.
For the youngest child, Bobby will have to be pointed out, especially in the first sketchy cityscape. The book is teaming with animals reminiscent of Richard Scarry's Busytown.
In each lively spread you can find Bobby passing vibrantly varied groups of animals. To name just a few, there are deers on bikes, bears on scooters, pigs in dapper suits and picking tulips, and bunnies on boats.
Calming down as he rides, Bobby bikes over a canal, and back to a forgiving William.
Calming down as he rides, Bobby bikes over a canal, and back to a forgiving William.
Get On Your Bike is written by Joukje Akveld, and illustrated by Philip Hopman (illustrator of the wonderful Mikis and the Donkey).
Loved it!
(Review copy from Eerdmans)
