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The Girl and the Bicycle

Illustrated by Mark Pett
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About The Book

From the creator of The Boy and the Airplane, a touching wordless picture book about a little girl, a shiny bicycle, and the meaning of persistence—with an unexpected payoff.

A little girl sees a shiny new bicycle in the shop window. She hurries home to see if she has enough money in her piggy bank, but when she comes up short, she knocks on the doors of her neighbors, hoping to do their yardwork. They all turn her away except for a kindly old woman.

The woman and the girl work through the seasons, side by side. They form a tender friendship. When the weather warms, the girl finally has enough money for the bicycle. She runs back to the store, but the bicycle is gone! What happens next shows the reward of hard work and the true meaning of generosity.

Wordless, timeless, and classic, The Girl and the Bicycle carries a message of selflessness and sweet surprises and makes an ideal gift for graduations and other special occasions.

About The Author

(c) Mark Pett

Writer and illustrator Mark Pett has practiced his craft in Philadelphia, Prague, the Mississippi Delta, and Cambridge, Massachusetts. In addition to illustrating several books, Mark is the “authorstrator” of The Boy and the Airplane and The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes. He is also the creator of the syndicated comic strips Mr. Lowe and Lucky Cow. He lives in Salt Lake City. Visit him at MarkPett.com.

About The Illustrator

(c) Mark Pett

Writer and illustrator Mark Pett has practiced his craft in Philadelphia, Prague, the Mississippi Delta, and Cambridge, Massachusetts. In addition to illustrating several books, Mark is the “authorstrator” of The Boy and the Airplane and The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes. He is also the creator of the syndicated comic strips Mr. Lowe and Lucky Cow. He lives in Salt Lake City. Visit him at MarkPett.com.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (April 29, 2014)
  • Length: 40 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781442483194

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Raves and Reviews

"Like an old black-and-white movie, this companion to The Boy and the Airplane (2013) will remain charming and relevant--the old story about what you get when you give never really gets old."

– Kirkus Reviews

"It's not easy to celebrate simple virtues in an age of irony, but Pett succeeds."

– Publishers Weekly

"Pett is a refreshing presence in children's literature . . . [The Girl and the Bicycle] resonate[s] with a warmth and sincerity that is real and rewarding."

– Julie Danielson, Kirkus Reviews

Awards and Honors

  • NYPL 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
  • Beehive Award Master List (UT)
  • Texas 2x2 Reading List
  • Kansas NEA Reading Circle List Starred PrimaryTitle
  • Nevada Young Readers' Award Nominee
  • A Baker's Dozen Title (PA)
  • MSTA Reading Circle List
  • Cybils Award Finalist
  • Wisconsin State Reading Association's Reading List

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More books from this author: Mark Pett