The Red Racer

by Audrey Wood

Nona, a little girl who wants a new bicycle more than anything else in the world, decides to eliminate her old bike so that her parents will have to buy her the much-coveted Red Racer. By the author of King Bidgood's in the Bathtub. Reprint.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Bicycles

40 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1995

About the author

Audrey Wood studied art and drama at the Arkansas Art Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. She has owned an operated a book and import store, taught chldren's drama and art, and traveled throughout Mexico and Guatemala studying Indian folk art. She now lives in Hawaii with her talented family (husband Don and son Bruce, who have both collaborated with Audrey by illustrating some of her books).

Reviews

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how her attempts to destroy her old bike in order to get a new one, was turned on its head by providing new parts to make an old bike like new

[Hallie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book and think that the lesson the character learns is a lesson maybe some students can take away from it in lower elementary grades.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This remains one of my all-time favorite books to read aloud with students.

[Brenda Lower · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the little girls perspective that is portrayed sometimes- where all the adults are tall and she's looking up at them. You get that feeling often through the illustrations of everyone else being super tall.
I also loved how the "bad idea" was portrayed, and how it would overtake her. Great way to illustrated what happens to people with bad ideas.
Overall, a fun book about intentions, ownership, and envy.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first started reading this book, I was not impressed. But, as it went on I began to enjoy the book and saw how children would enjoy it. I am sure all children go through stages of wanting something better and this story shows the consequences of not appreciating what you have.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm always on the lookout for stories about bicycles since my husband is a bicycle mechanic. This is a cute one about a little girl who wants a new bike and thinks she has come up with a surefire way of getting. (Which, as we all know, means trouble!)

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nona is embarrassed by her old, busted up bike and is determined to get a new one. In order to do so, she has to get rid of her old one first. All her efforts are thwarted, but in the end that proves to be for the best.

Neat illustrations.

[Holliann · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love this one! It is too bad it is out of print.

[Shawn Deal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by Audrey wood.

[Kelly Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not accustomed to this style of illustrations. Most of the books that I like by Audrey Wood have illustrations that are soothing. The story itself taught a lesson.

[Harry Griffin]

This is an awesome picture books for young readers. The book uses text and awesome illustrations to tell a story of young girl who desperately wants a new bike. The young girl does several extreme things in order to ruin her old bike, and have her parents buy her the bike she wants so badly. This book would be a great read for a classroom read aloud.