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Flying Fergus #1
The Best Birthday Bike
The first in a fantastically fun, magical cycling adventure series from Sir Chris Hoy.Fergus Hamilton, a boy who always dreams big, gets a rusty old bike for his ninth birthday from his mum and granddad. It's not the flashy Sullivan Swift he'd longed for - but when it's all cleaned up and he takes it for a test run, he discovers something amazing. When the pedals turn backwards, Fergus and his dog, Chimp, are magically transported to Nevermore, a land where cycling is banned by the wicked King Woebegot. He meets the ever enthusiastic Princess Lily, has an amazing adventure bunny-hopping on his bike over the Swamp of Certain Death and outwitting the Knights of No-Nonsense and their Hounds of Horribleness, and lands back in the real world with a bump. Fergus still has to complete the time trial to join the local cycling team though - can Grandpa Herc and his best friend Daisy help him realise that he doesn't need magic to succeed, and that hard work, a bit of patience and some help from his friends can do the trick?
101 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2016
8 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Chris Hoy
36 books13 followersSir Christopher Andrew Hoy is a former track cyclist and racing driver from Scotland who represented Great Britain at the Olympic and World Championships and Scotland at the Commonwealth Games.
On 18 April 2013, Hoy announced his retirement from competitive cycling. He said he was very proud to have taken part in the transformation of the sport.
Abridged from Wikipedia
On 18 April 2013, Hoy announced his retirement from competitive cycling. He said he was very proud to have taken part in the transformation of the sport.
Abridged from Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 8, 2021
3.5
Lovro Horvat je sasvim običan dječak koji sanja o tome da postane najbolji biciklist na svijetu. Dar koji je htio za svoj nadolazeći rođendan bila je Munja, najnoviji trkaći bicikl. No, kako to obično biva, za rođendan je dobio stari hrđavi bicikl, koji su si, za razliku od Munje, njegova mama i djed mogli priuštiti.
Cijeli osvrt pronađite ovdje: https://knjige-u-svom-filmu.webador.c...
Lovro Horvat je sasvim običan dječak koji sanja o tome da postane najbolji biciklist na svijetu. Dar koji je htio za svoj nadolazeći rođendan bila je Munja, najnoviji trkaći bicikl. No, kako to obično biva, za rođendan je dobio stari hrđavi bicikl, koji su si, za razliku od Munje, njegova mama i djed mogli priuštiti.
Cijeli osvrt pronađite ovdje: https://knjige-u-svom-filmu.webador.c...
August 24, 2021
A cute first story from the series! Congrats to Fergus but also to Sir Chris Hoy, as well, who became the second most decorated Olympic cyclist of all time. Sir Christopher Andrew Hoy won seven Olympic medals, six gold and one silver. Therefore it is not surprising that its protagonist is also involved in cycling and he's magically flying.
July 26, 2016
A fast moving story about a football loving, fun kid called Fergus. He loved to cycle but he's grown out of his bike. His birthday's coming up and maybe, just maybe, he'll get a new bike so he can try out for the best cycle team in town - Wallace's Winners.
He get's a bike, but it's far from new - it was his dad's old bike. His Grandpa tells him that when he rides this bike, don't backpedal. Fergus doesn't take much notice and is super surprised when he back pedals without thinking.... he ends up somewhere magical. Or was it just a bump on his head when he fell off?
This is the 1st in a series - Looking forward to reading the next one!
He get's a bike, but it's far from new - it was his dad's old bike. His Grandpa tells him that when he rides this bike, don't backpedal. Fergus doesn't take much notice and is super surprised when he back pedals without thinking.... he ends up somewhere magical. Or was it just a bump on his head when he fell off?
This is the 1st in a series - Looking forward to reading the next one!
September 9, 2021
Da je Lovrina priča zanimljiva, ne moram posebno naglašavati. No reći ću zato da je usto još i popraćena brojnim crtežima koje je izradila Clare Elsom. Osim toga, roman je pisan fontom Open Dyslexic koji je iznimno lak za čitanje i prigodan čak i djeci kojoj čitanje inače predstavlja izazov.
Čitajući o Lovri i njegovu biciklu naišla sam na brojne, djeci korisne poruke o kojima uspješan olimpijac svjedoči iz prve ruke. Naučit će tako o tome da novac nije mjerilo bogatstva, te da uspjeh leži u nama, našem trudu i upornosti. Naučit će da bezobrazno ponašanje nikuda ne vodi. Saznat će i da je najveća vještina znati prepoznati vrijednost ljudi koji nam pružaju podršku, bodre nas i vjeruju u nas pogotovo u trenucima kada sami namjeravamo odustati.
Više o ovoj krasnoj dječjoj knjizi naći moćete ovdje https://kljuczaknjigu.com/djecje-knji...
Čitajući o Lovri i njegovu biciklu naišla sam na brojne, djeci korisne poruke o kojima uspješan olimpijac svjedoči iz prve ruke. Naučit će tako o tome da novac nije mjerilo bogatstva, te da uspjeh leži u nama, našem trudu i upornosti. Naučit će da bezobrazno ponašanje nikuda ne vodi. Saznat će i da je najveća vještina znati prepoznati vrijednost ljudi koji nam pružaju podršku, bodre nas i vjeruju u nas pogotovo u trenucima kada sami namjeravamo odustati.
Više o ovoj krasnoj dječjoj knjizi naći moćete ovdje https://kljuczaknjigu.com/djecje-knji...
May 14, 2017
Fun and charming, there's adventure and lessons galore in this story for young readers...
When Fergus wakes up to see that his dream birthday bike is more scrapheap challenge than raceworthy challenge, his disappointment runs deep. But when he takes it for a spin, he finds himself in a magical world where everything is unexpectedly stranger - and deadlier - than life back home. But can this adventure give him the courage he needs to fight for his dreams back in 'the real world'?
A joyous read, with the children lapping up the tuneful prose and the adventurous plot. The characters are wonderfully quirky, the story believable (well, the bit set in the real world is at least), and the pace fairly fast. Well-written and beautifully illustrated, this is a fun read for all the family. Recommended.
When Fergus wakes up to see that his dream birthday bike is more scrapheap challenge than raceworthy challenge, his disappointment runs deep. But when he takes it for a spin, he finds himself in a magical world where everything is unexpectedly stranger - and deadlier - than life back home. But can this adventure give him the courage he needs to fight for his dreams back in 'the real world'?
A joyous read, with the children lapping up the tuneful prose and the adventurous plot. The characters are wonderfully quirky, the story believable (well, the bit set in the real world is at least), and the pace fairly fast. Well-written and beautifully illustrated, this is a fun read for all the family. Recommended.
August 23, 2020
Miss 6 enjoyed listening to it - mainly because of the sojourn to the magical land and realizing that the people there looked similar to the people in the real world. I did need to edit as I read though as there was a fair amount of minor verbal bullying in the book and Fergus also gets very much into an 'I'm a loser' mentality early in the book before finding himself as the book progresses.
Miss 6 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
Miss 6 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
April 27, 2020
Book 1 of Chris Hoy's 10 part series of Fergus and his flying bike. My son gave it 5* but was sad about his Dad not being around, I give it 4* as a nice story to read with a 6 year old but I don't think the story or characters are as strong as some other childrens books. We'll certainly read the next 9 though and sure we'll enjoy them all.
November 15, 2022
It would be nice to know what happens next. I know there's a follow on book but it feels like an unfinished story.
Otherwise I REALLY enjoyed this book. Fergus is into bikes like I am. I like that he changes his mind about how he feels about his new bike. I like all the characters in the book.
I would recommend this book to my friends. I think they would enjoy it.
AJH - Age 8
Otherwise I REALLY enjoyed this book. Fergus is into bikes like I am. I like that he changes his mind about how he feels about his new bike. I like all the characters in the book.
I would recommend this book to my friends. I think they would enjoy it.
AJH - Age 8
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2025
Yes its a children's book but i quite enjoyed it. I only found it in my local library as I was looking for the Horrible Histories by Terry Deary who i had previously read a book by. And yes it was written by Sir Chris Hoy the Olympic Cyclist from my home town of Edinburgh. I look forward to visiting more of Nevermore and to find out what happened to Fergus's dad. It reminds me a bit of Roald Dahl.
August 7, 2020
Eurgh what a whiny child! Other than have a really annoying and whiny main character this book has a good moral to teach child in that this aren’t just handed to you, you need to work for them. I imagine children would enjoy it more than myself.
December 27, 2022
Light, fun and lively. A great short, easy-reader about a boy, his family, his bestie, his dog and of course his bike. Loved the parallel to The Wizard of Oz. Nice collaboration between a talented author and celebrity cyclist. How it should be done.
February 16, 2024
Meni je knjiga bezveze ali bratu kojem je čitana je predobra.
Nikad nisam bila Fan radnje koja je pola stvarna a pola u mašti, pogotovo ako je taj svijest masti tako slabo razvijen. Djed i margareta su slatki.
Nikad nisam bila Fan radnje koja je pola stvarna a pola u mašti, pogotovo ako je taj svijest masti tako slabo razvijen. Djed i margareta su slatki.
December 21, 2024
I actually quite dislike the tone of this writer. And although I’m nothing to sniff at, I don’t find his writing all that good. Even some awkward sentences you’d expect to have been weeded out prepublication. Rather dull, honestly.
Well, at least I can say it’s another book read. Moving.
Well, at least I can say it’s another book read. Moving.
August 4, 2020
Loved listening to this book so positive too.
March 28, 2021
Fun little read about Fergus and his biking adventures with a whole hot of characters, good and bad and just a silly but fun ride, so to speak.
January 8, 2023
Bit complex for a 4 year old but we are going to stick with the series.
January 21, 2024
This touch deep though in short pages only. Hope I can read the next books in this series.
March 15, 2016
This is a really fun read for ages 5-8 years olds (and their parents!). To date, there are currently two books in the series and a third on the way. They are 104 pages long with a clear font and short chapters. Every page has some cartoon style illustrations- akin to that of Pixar Animation- making it a wining combination for both reluctant and confident readers alike. Clare Elsom has cleverly made the comic style pictures appropriate for younger readers but still trendy and entertaining enough to appeal to 8 year olds.
Fergus is an ordinary boy who "likes football (when his team won) liked fish fingers and chocolate cake (but not on the same plate) and didn't like broccoli (but he ate it)". He uses his excellent imagination to hide in and build a better life. He wants to join "Wallace Winner's" cycling team and beat bully Wesley Wallace.
The writing is fast, punchy, humorous and energetic. Fergus is a really engaging and likeable character. On the morning of his birthday, I loved the way he searched for the Sullivan Swift bike he was so sure of getting even though he couldn't find the "swift shaped package anywhere even after looking in the fridge!"
His friend Daisy is bright, optimistic and always full of encouragement. In answer to Fergus's reluctant "Well......" she wittily replies: "Wells are for falling down.....haven't you always said you want to build your own bike?" And so the adventure begins!
Without sounding patronising or condescending, the book is full of positive messages like "there's no such thing as magic, just hard graft," and to Fergus's assertion that he's a born loser the retort "No one's born a winner or loser....might have talent but that's just the beginning." Great messages from a professional athlete and gold medal winner. "You've got your imagination," says Granddad, "Dream big."
So Fergus takes his rusty second hand bike and transforms it. Then, on his first outing with it he discovers something magical. Suddenly transported to "Nevermore" where Chimp can talk and cycling is banned, Fergus is given the chance to prove to himself that he has what it takes to be a champion. His guide to Nevermore, Princess Lily (who is nothing but princessy - thankfully!) shows him the challenge. He has to do one lap of the Enchanted Forest. He has to beat the stealth shield, the smoke generator, the well of everlasting torment, the gruesome glade and the swamp of certain death..... Yes, this is a book of big imaginations!
Although reluctant to sound like my Great Auntie Beryl, the word that sums this book up is delightful. It is warm, funny, action packed and authentic. It is about dreaming big, holding on to hope and believing in yourself. I look forward to reading the next book with my two children (5 and 7 years old), once I have retrieved it from my 9 year old's bedroom! This is a series which is sure to become very popular with its entertaining balance of laughter, magical adventure and cycling!
Fergus is an ordinary boy who "likes football (when his team won) liked fish fingers and chocolate cake (but not on the same plate) and didn't like broccoli (but he ate it)". He uses his excellent imagination to hide in and build a better life. He wants to join "Wallace Winner's" cycling team and beat bully Wesley Wallace.
The writing is fast, punchy, humorous and energetic. Fergus is a really engaging and likeable character. On the morning of his birthday, I loved the way he searched for the Sullivan Swift bike he was so sure of getting even though he couldn't find the "swift shaped package anywhere even after looking in the fridge!"
His friend Daisy is bright, optimistic and always full of encouragement. In answer to Fergus's reluctant "Well......" she wittily replies: "Wells are for falling down.....haven't you always said you want to build your own bike?" And so the adventure begins!
Without sounding patronising or condescending, the book is full of positive messages like "there's no such thing as magic, just hard graft," and to Fergus's assertion that he's a born loser the retort "No one's born a winner or loser....might have talent but that's just the beginning." Great messages from a professional athlete and gold medal winner. "You've got your imagination," says Granddad, "Dream big."
So Fergus takes his rusty second hand bike and transforms it. Then, on his first outing with it he discovers something magical. Suddenly transported to "Nevermore" where Chimp can talk and cycling is banned, Fergus is given the chance to prove to himself that he has what it takes to be a champion. His guide to Nevermore, Princess Lily (who is nothing but princessy - thankfully!) shows him the challenge. He has to do one lap of the Enchanted Forest. He has to beat the stealth shield, the smoke generator, the well of everlasting torment, the gruesome glade and the swamp of certain death..... Yes, this is a book of big imaginations!
Although reluctant to sound like my Great Auntie Beryl, the word that sums this book up is delightful. It is warm, funny, action packed and authentic. It is about dreaming big, holding on to hope and believing in yourself. I look forward to reading the next book with my two children (5 and 7 years old), once I have retrieved it from my 9 year old's bedroom! This is a series which is sure to become very popular with its entertaining balance of laughter, magical adventure and cycling!
July 1, 2016
Livro infantil muito bonitinho.
Conta a história do menino Fergus, que quer ser corredor de bicicleta... ele vive com a mãe e o avô e passa por uma grande aventura. :)
Indico para crianças até 10-12 anos.
Conta a história do menino Fergus, que quer ser corredor de bicicleta... ele vive com a mãe e o avô e passa por uma grande aventura. :)
Indico para crianças até 10-12 anos.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews