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Together We Ride
Hair Love meets bike rides in this loving portrait of a father-daughter relationship.
Learning to ride is no easy feat! But with a little courage, a guiding hand from her dad, and an enthusiastic bark from her pup, one brave girl quickly learns the freedom that comes from an afternoon spent outside on a bike.
Experience the fear, the anticipation, and the delight of achieving the ultimate milestone in this energetic, warm story that celebrates the precious bond between parent and child.
THE JOY OF LEARNING TO RIDE A BIKE: Who can forget the first time they learned to ride a bike? This book is a nostalgic nod for parents and one they will be eager to share with their young one learning how to ride.
A GREAT READ ALOUD: This lyrical, upbeat text is a great fit for story-time in any household.
PERFECT GIFT FOR DAD: If you're looking for a Father's Day gift or a birthday gift for dad, look no further! He will love the child/parent relationship portrayed in these pages!
Perfect for:
• Anyone looking for the perfect Father's Day gift
• Anyone approaching the big milestone of bike riding
• Grandparents
• Parents
• Teachers and educators
• Librarians
Learning to ride is no easy feat! But with a little courage, a guiding hand from her dad, and an enthusiastic bark from her pup, one brave girl quickly learns the freedom that comes from an afternoon spent outside on a bike.
Experience the fear, the anticipation, and the delight of achieving the ultimate milestone in this energetic, warm story that celebrates the precious bond between parent and child.
THE JOY OF LEARNING TO RIDE A BIKE: Who can forget the first time they learned to ride a bike? This book is a nostalgic nod for parents and one they will be eager to share with their young one learning how to ride.
A GREAT READ ALOUD: This lyrical, upbeat text is a great fit for story-time in any household.
PERFECT GIFT FOR DAD: If you're looking for a Father's Day gift or a birthday gift for dad, look no further! He will love the child/parent relationship portrayed in these pages!
Perfect for:
• Anyone looking for the perfect Father's Day gift
• Anyone approaching the big milestone of bike riding
• Grandparents
• Parents
• Teachers and educators
• Librarians
36 pages, Hardcover
Published April 26, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
February 1, 2022
What a sweet story!
Together We Ride has few words but lots of heart. While the book's plot centers on a child learning to ride a bike, its greatest lesson is that persistence is the precursor to accomplishing hard things--persistence and sometimes a little grownup support.
Together We Ride has few words but lots of heart. While the book's plot centers on a child learning to ride a bike, its greatest lesson is that persistence is the precursor to accomplishing hard things--persistence and sometimes a little grownup support.
April 19, 2022
Brilliantly executed with heart to boot! I love this one.
January 29, 2022
This is one of those books that's so ingenious and deceptively simple, you feel like it must have been written before? But no, Valerie Bolling is capturing a brand new tale about the age-old feelings that come with learning to ride a bike. Sweet illustrations by Kaylani Juanita show a father helping his daughter through the falls and tears to conquer a new skill and fly. A perfect choice for fathers or children setting out to ride - or conquer any new challenge.
January 31, 2022
This is a short and sweet book with art that pulls at your heartstrings. I love how just a few rhyming words capture the experience and emotion of learning how to ride a bike. A perfect book for a kid who is learning! The representation of a beautiful Black family is a plus.
April 9, 2022
Together We Ride is perfect for little ones as young as 3 with gorgeous illustrations and fun rhymes. Such a sweet story of a father guiding and encouraging his little one as she conquers her fear, doesn't give up, and eventually celebrates her first bike ride.
This would make a great gift for Father's Day or for any little one who is hitting that milestone of learning to ride a bike. I will definitely be sharing this one with all my grandbabies 🥰
I sincerely appreciate Chronicle Books for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
This would make a great gift for Father's Day or for any little one who is hitting that milestone of learning to ride a bike. I will definitely be sharing this one with all my grandbabies 🥰
I sincerely appreciate Chronicle Books for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
February 3, 2022
Beautiful, joyful picture book that captures the struggle and victory of learning how to ride a book in simple, rhyming text! As a family who loves to bike-ride together, I loved the colorful illustrations and emotions shown through out by Kaylani. Valerie does it again! Must-have!!
June 21, 2022
Simple text and rich illustrations wonderfully convey the joy (and some of the apprehension/trials) of learning to ride a bike and having your Dad by your side as you do it. The text is really, really simple but it accompanies the illustrations wonderfully.
The illustrations, at first glance, are not very complex but as I looked back through the book a second and then a third time I realized there are all sorts of fun details going on in the background, like birds in a nest that the dog is looking up a tree at, squirrels under a bush, sidewalk chalk drawings, and other pets watching from the background. I also really like that once the daughter gains more confidence the family ventures out on their bikes to go on a picnic!
The illustrations, at first glance, are not very complex but as I looked back through the book a second and then a third time I realized there are all sorts of fun details going on in the background, like birds in a nest that the dog is looking up a tree at, squirrels under a bush, sidewalk chalk drawings, and other pets watching from the background. I also really like that once the daughter gains more confidence the family ventures out on their bikes to go on a picnic!
June 14, 2023
Simple story (with a few word phrases per page) about family and learning to ride a bike
April 26, 2022
A sweet picture book, full of the ups and downs that come with learning to ride a bike! Together We Ride is written in a simple format that will encourage the youngest of readers, while providing them with sight words. I love that this story promotes getting back up on ones feet after a (literal) fall. The father/daughter dynamic is beautiful to witness and will reflect to joy of so many fathers, daughters and caregivers who pick up the book. A must have for any child learning to do something new!
February 21, 2022
The nearly universal childhood milestone of learning to ride a bike (a two-wheeler!) is at the center of this joyous, rhymed text with lively illustrations. Using fewer than thirty rhythmic words, Bolling captures the sequence of eager excitement and preparation, tentative attempts, troublesome struggles, and eventual, jubilant success in TOGETHER WE RIDE.
By featuring the young child and her father from beginning to end, this is a relationship story, an homage to the invaluable role of dads in such life experiences. Along with the evident emotions of the little biker, Dad's reactions express the ambivalence of instilling confidence while remaining safely positioned to extend help and provide cheers. The ultimate scene with the whole family on a bike trek through the neighborhood provides a deeply satisfying conclusion.
With only a word (or two or few) per page, young audiences will be chiming in quickly, in requested repeat readings or even in the first round. Sparse text is perhaps the most challenging kind of writing, sine each word carries huge importance. Bolling accomplishes this with text that is expressive, active, and delightfully rhymed and never burdensome.
Note the release date is April, 2022. With a book that's as ideally suited for spring weather (AND FATHER'S DAY!) you'll want to preorder to guarantee availability when the time is right. Make sure to share this welcome contribution to outdoor stories, joyful Dad-kid experiences, and inviting early reading offerings. If you've heard that "BLACK JOY" is a much needed theme to expand book offerings to the publishing world, this is a superb example. For every reader, everywhere.
(I received a digital copy to preview before release with no promise of a review.)
By featuring the young child and her father from beginning to end, this is a relationship story, an homage to the invaluable role of dads in such life experiences. Along with the evident emotions of the little biker, Dad's reactions express the ambivalence of instilling confidence while remaining safely positioned to extend help and provide cheers. The ultimate scene with the whole family on a bike trek through the neighborhood provides a deeply satisfying conclusion.
With only a word (or two or few) per page, young audiences will be chiming in quickly, in requested repeat readings or even in the first round. Sparse text is perhaps the most challenging kind of writing, sine each word carries huge importance. Bolling accomplishes this with text that is expressive, active, and delightfully rhymed and never burdensome.
Note the release date is April, 2022. With a book that's as ideally suited for spring weather (AND FATHER'S DAY!) you'll want to preorder to guarantee availability when the time is right. Make sure to share this welcome contribution to outdoor stories, joyful Dad-kid experiences, and inviting early reading offerings. If you've heard that "BLACK JOY" is a much needed theme to expand book offerings to the publishing world, this is a superb example. For every reader, everywhere.
(I received a digital copy to preview before release with no promise of a review.)
March 14, 2022
Few words are needed for this tale to capture listeners' attention and have them nodding at a very familiar situation.
A little girl and her father take her bike out of the garage so she can ride. But learning how to balance and steer is something which takes patience, time, and determination. Luckily, the father is there to help.
Each page is laid out with a bright, bold scene. It starts in a garage and soon heads out into the neighborhood and beyond. The little girl's emotions are easy to connect with, and having her father at her side is warming and encouragement pure. There are few words, allowing this to have almost a poetic atmosphere as the illustrations call forth emotions from the listeners through their familiar scenes. Anticipation and excitement turn to disappointment, and with a little care, turn back into hope, achievement and more.
This book isn't only about riding a bike...although that's certainly a theme. The love a parent has for a child beams from every page. Then, there's the message of not giving up and trying again. All of this is wrapped up with a sense of care and security.
I received a complimentary copy and am giving this one 4.5 stars while rounding up.
A little girl and her father take her bike out of the garage so she can ride. But learning how to balance and steer is something which takes patience, time, and determination. Luckily, the father is there to help.
Each page is laid out with a bright, bold scene. It starts in a garage and soon heads out into the neighborhood and beyond. The little girl's emotions are easy to connect with, and having her father at her side is warming and encouragement pure. There are few words, allowing this to have almost a poetic atmosphere as the illustrations call forth emotions from the listeners through their familiar scenes. Anticipation and excitement turn to disappointment, and with a little care, turn back into hope, achievement and more.
This book isn't only about riding a bike...although that's certainly a theme. The love a parent has for a child beams from every page. Then, there's the message of not giving up and trying again. All of this is wrapped up with a sense of care and security.
I received a complimentary copy and am giving this one 4.5 stars while rounding up.
April 28, 2022
Minimal words on the page are enough to tell the sweet relationship of a father and his daughter out for her first bike ride. As she starts out, she is strong yet slow. Then a stride turns into a slip and slide. As she decides whether to try again, she knows without a doubt that her father will be right by her side.
The ending words rhyme with the words on the next page but even though they are few, the illustrations take the stage here showing the excitement, the joy of finally riding the bike, the defeat when she falls, and the beaming pride from dad when she tries again. Their loyal dog friend is also close by enjoying the beautiful day outside visiting the birds, finding sticks, and cheering on his friend.
Mom and little brother want to join them and soon the whole family is out for a beautiful ride and maybe a picnic in the park. With just a few words in this story, young kids will soon be able to read this one on their own and want to go out and try to ride their bikes all by themselves.
The ending words rhyme with the words on the next page but even though they are few, the illustrations take the stage here showing the excitement, the joy of finally riding the bike, the defeat when she falls, and the beaming pride from dad when she tries again. Their loyal dog friend is also close by enjoying the beautiful day outside visiting the birds, finding sticks, and cheering on his friend.
Mom and little brother want to join them and soon the whole family is out for a beautiful ride and maybe a picnic in the park. With just a few words in this story, young kids will soon be able to read this one on their own and want to go out and try to ride their bikes all by themselves.
May 4, 2022
It's a rite of passage - learning to ride a bike. For many of us, learning this childhood skill was a milestone. And it taught us many life lessons at an early age: taking risks, overcoming fear, perseverance in the face of adversity, and finally - the joy of accomplishment! Learning how to ride a bike offered a bonding experience between the young rider and those who taught them. "Together We Ride" expresses all of so many important things - but uses few words; and the book still manages to share the joy of this momentous time in a child’s life. The upshot is that the story is accessible to young children, yet offers another bonding opportunity between an adult and child - reading time. Bravo Valerie Bolling for doing all of these things in “Together We Ride!” Kaylani Juanita’s colorful illustrations offer the perfect complement to this story of childhood glee - which every young child should read in anticipation of and in preparation for the momentous occasion of his/her first bike ride!
February 18, 2022
In this new book by the 2021 Crystal Kite winner Valerie Bolling, we follow a young girl as she attempts to ride her bicycle for the very first time. With help and encouragement from her Dad, she is off and riding until. . . uh-oh, look out! There's a slip, a wobble and a fall. That hurt! After a healing hug from Dad, the young girl has to decide whether to get back on and try again, or not. Knowing that Dad is right there beside her helps make the decision, and soon she is back up and soaring! With sparse, rhyming text, every word counts in this heartfelt and empowering story. Coretta Scott King honoree Kaylani Jaunita's illustrations are vibrant and fun, and highlight perfectly the angst and exuberance of trying something for the first time. Together We Ride is a wonderful celebration of family, courage, trust, and that amazing feeling of freedom when you spread your wings and fly for the first time! For ages 3 - 5
March 18, 2022
A beautiful depiction of all the joy and pride and freedom that comes from learning how to ride a bike! Children will be able to see themselves in the story here, from the slow starts to the crashes and the sheer pride of accomplishing such a feat. It's all there in the text but also depicted beautifully through the illustrations.
This makes for a great read aloud for children ages 3-5.
Beyond the celebration of the little girl learning to ride her bike for the first time, this book also celebrates positive parenting and the value of family together-time. I love that the Dad is the one depicted gentling encouraging and helping his daughter, and in the end the entire family (Mother and younger sibling) are shown riding their bikes together.
It's beautifully told to celebrate not just the milestone but also the loving bonds that see us through those milestones. We've never alone!
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Chronicle Books. Opinions are my own.
This makes for a great read aloud for children ages 3-5.
Beyond the celebration of the little girl learning to ride her bike for the first time, this book also celebrates positive parenting and the value of family together-time. I love that the Dad is the one depicted gentling encouraging and helping his daughter, and in the end the entire family (Mother and younger sibling) are shown riding their bikes together.
It's beautifully told to celebrate not just the milestone but also the loving bonds that see us through those milestones. We've never alone!
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Chronicle Books. Opinions are my own.
August 4, 2022
Learning to ride is no easy feat! But with a little courage, a guiding hand from her dad, and an enthusiastic bark from her pup, one brave girl quickly learns the freedom that comes from an afternoon spent outside on a bike.
Experience the fear, the anticipation, and the delight of achieving the ultimate milestone in this energetic, warm story that celebrates the precious bond between parent and child.
THE JOY OF LEARNING TO RIDE A BIKE: Who can forget the first time they learned to ride a bike? This book is a nostalgic nod for parents and one they will be eager to share with their young one learning how to ride.
A GREAT READ ALOUD: This lyrical, upbeat text is a great fit for story-time in any household.
PERFECT GIFT FOR DAD: If you're looking for a Father's Day gift or a birthday gift for dad, look no further! He will love the child/parent relationship portrayed in these pages!
Experience the fear, the anticipation, and the delight of achieving the ultimate milestone in this energetic, warm story that celebrates the precious bond between parent and child.
THE JOY OF LEARNING TO RIDE A BIKE: Who can forget the first time they learned to ride a bike? This book is a nostalgic nod for parents and one they will be eager to share with their young one learning how to ride.
A GREAT READ ALOUD: This lyrical, upbeat text is a great fit for story-time in any household.
PERFECT GIFT FOR DAD: If you're looking for a Father's Day gift or a birthday gift for dad, look no further! He will love the child/parent relationship portrayed in these pages!
February 26, 2024
This is a book about learning to ride a bicycle. A little girl learns to ride her bike with the help, love, and guiding hand of her father, who is always there by her side, and encouraging her to give it a try.
With dad's support, she experiences and tackles her fear of riding, and experiences the exhilaration, freedom, and joy of achievement. When she falls down, like all kids will do, beginners or not, it is not dad who makes the decision for her to get back up and at it, he leaves that to her, will she or won't she? Guess you will have to read it to your little one to find out.
This is a great little book about the bond between parent and child. The words are few, but carry the book along in a way that is easy to understand for your youngster.
The illustration by Kayla Juanita is superb, as one would expect from a Coretta Scott King Award Honoree. The colors are vibrant and rich in detail, and definitely helps tell the story.
A good book for your 3-6-year-old.
With dad's support, she experiences and tackles her fear of riding, and experiences the exhilaration, freedom, and joy of achievement. When she falls down, like all kids will do, beginners or not, it is not dad who makes the decision for her to get back up and at it, he leaves that to her, will she or won't she? Guess you will have to read it to your little one to find out.
This is a great little book about the bond between parent and child. The words are few, but carry the book along in a way that is easy to understand for your youngster.
The illustration by Kayla Juanita is superb, as one would expect from a Coretta Scott King Award Honoree. The colors are vibrant and rich in detail, and definitely helps tell the story.
A good book for your 3-6-year-old.
May 1, 2022
Together We Ride is a sweet book about learning to ride a bike and then going on a bike ride as a family. The text is rhyming, short, and simple, which makes it impactful for young readers, and the gorgeous illustrations will captivate readers of all ages. I love the focus on the father/daughter relationship depicted in the book, although I have been reading this with my son in hopes that he’d get over his nervousness to get on a bike - and he did! We’ll be revisiting this again next year when he’s ready to take off the training wheels. This book would make a great addition to preschool libraries and a great Father’s Day gift!
Thanks to Books Forward and Chronicle Books for the gifted copy of this book.
Thanks to Books Forward and Chronicle Books for the gifted copy of this book.
September 3, 2023
Together We Ride is a book about family, learning, disappointment, trying again, success, and enjoying life together. What’s amazing is that author Valerie Bolling is so talented she can relay such a complex message with so few words and get many of them to rhyme.
In this adorable picture book with illustrations by Kaylani Juanita, a young girl is learning to ride her bike with the help of her father. The characters have no names, but that allows young readers to see themselves in the process that is unfolding. Juanita’s artwork is the perfect compliment to Bolling’s text, showing emotion and feeling as the reader follows the girl and her father along the way.
Such a great story! I look forward to reading more by Bolling soon.
In this adorable picture book with illustrations by Kaylani Juanita, a young girl is learning to ride her bike with the help of her father. The characters have no names, but that allows young readers to see themselves in the process that is unfolding. Juanita’s artwork is the perfect compliment to Bolling’s text, showing emotion and feeling as the reader follows the girl and her father along the way.
Such a great story! I look forward to reading more by Bolling soon.
January 31, 2022
Sometimes the shortest of books can be the most powerful. I loved this beautiful picture book by Valerie Bolling. The youngest of readers to the oldest are going to enjoy this book about learning to ride a bike. Adults are going to nod along, smiling at the words and the pictures. Children are going to take it all in, word by word as the excitement builds up from one page to the next. It is a perfect read-aloud book at 30 words! I especially loved the bond between a father and his daughter; the illustrations by Kaylani Juanita are gorgeous. I love books with happy endings and this one made me smile big and wide!
February 17, 2022
With simple, yet impactful rhyming text, Bolling takes the reader on a fun and adventurous journey of a young girl learning to ride her bike and her father who is by her side to guide her with love and support. Juanita’s colorful and detailed illustrations perfectly capture the emotion in the story and bring the read along for the ride. A wonderful and relatable book that touches upon familial love and the joys and challenges of learning a new skill while encouraging the reader to never give up! Thank you to the author and Chronicle Kids for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2022
All the thrills and spills of that first ride! On a sunny day, a girl and her father embark on an outdoor adventure. Learning to ride a bike isn't easy, but it's a whole lot of fun--and so is this story! Bolling's rhyming text of fragment phrases pairs nicely with Juanita's bright and airy illustrations. There's lots of room for the characters to MOVE! The simplicity of both text and image invites early readers to flex their muscle with words that may be new to them. This book is perfect for kids who may be pursuing something for the first time, encouraging them to try and try again, while emphasizing the importance of friends and family.
November 22, 2022
What a beautiful book -- both the text and the illustrations! I love how we see Dad lending a hand in the first four spreads, from inside to outside, as the young girl prepares to try to ride her bicycle alone for the first time. When she falls, there is a lovely moment where we see Dad standing by, giving her time and space to think about whether or not to try again--and when she does try again and is successful, the story doesn't end. Soon, Dad and the rest of the family are outside, on bikes, riding alongside the girl, all together. A lovely celebration of persistence, supportive love, and family spirit!
March 3, 2025
Together We Ride is a simple story of a girl and her father as she is learning how to ride a bike. There are not many words, but the words that there are help to tell the story really well. The pictures are also helpful to tell this story.
This book was interesting because there weren't many words but it still told a complete story. The words also had a lot of rhyming going on, so this could be a great book to use to talk about that. I could also use this book to show students that not all books need to have a lot of words to tell a story, so this could give them more confidence in their own book writing.
This book was interesting because there weren't many words but it still told a complete story. The words also had a lot of rhyming going on, so this could be a great book to use to talk about that. I could also use this book to show students that not all books need to have a lot of words to tell a story, so this could give them more confidence in their own book writing.
January 31, 2022
Ah, the adventure of learning to ride a bike! It's such an emotional journey filled with excitement, fear, frustration, disappointment, pride, and then joy! TOGETHER WE RIDE captures this universal experience with clear, simple language (great for reading together time, or also perfect for emerging readers building confidence), beautiful illustrations (as a former bay area resident, I loved seeing the golden gate bridge in the background!), and a focus on gentle family encouragement and support. Pairs well with books like JABARI JUMPS.
February 1, 2022
Learning to ride a bike isn’t easy, and Valerie Bolling has captured its ups and downs in a simplistic and lyrical way in TOGETHER WE RIDE. I enjoyed the wordplay (hug-cried) and the emotional arc the main character undergoes while trying to accomplish this rite of passage. I studied the beautiful and detailed illustrations by Kaylani Juanita that add that special touch to this story. Together We Ride is a superb choice for your home and school libraries. Children of all ages will enjoy it, especially babies, beginning readers and, of course, those learning to ride a bike.
April 26, 2022
With sparse rhyming text, TOGETHER WE RIDE captures the childhood milestone of learning to ride a bike. The pairing of Valerie Bolling's words and Kaylani Juanita’s illustrations complement each other perfectly to display the range of emotions, spanning from apprehension to pride, that we all feel when approaching a new activity.
This is the perfect story for families and classrooms to send the positive message of trying new things and not giving up. Kids will be asking to hear this story again and again.
This is the perfect story for families and classrooms to send the positive message of trying new things and not giving up. Kids will be asking to hear this story again and again.
May 23, 2022
A super cute story of learning to ride a bike independently! Full of determination and supported by her dad (Black with an undercut and short dreads on top of his head), a young girl (Black with awesome afropuffs) try-tries again even after she falls. Ultimately, the whole family, with mom and little sib accompanying, all go for a ride together. Text is simple and rhymes, Kaylani Juanita's illustrations are, as always, delightful.
Themes: Try New Things, Determination, You can Do it, Dads, Bicycle
Age range: Toddler-Kindergarten
Themes: Try New Things, Determination, You can Do it, Dads, Bicycle
Age range: Toddler-Kindergarten
June 22, 2022
After I read this book, I immediately purchased copies for three of my daughter's friends who are all getting ready to learn how to ride a bike and are of the age who could probably tackle reading this sweet, simple story on their own! A wonderful book that highlights the persistence of a young girl and the strength she pulls from herself and the support of her father, coupled with the lovely illustrations—dare I say this will become an instant classic for any child who's about to hop onto that bike for the first time??
September 30, 2022
Together We Ride is a celebration of family, love, learning—and of course bike riding. Valerie Bolling’s sparse, elegant text is perfectly paired with Kaylani Juanita’s richly detailed illustrations, creating a story that embodies first bike rides over the ages. The repeated rhyme glides along like the soft turn of a wheel. Readers will want to linger over the illustrations as Bolling’s words take them from anticipation to the inevitable bumpy ride to family victory and celebration. In just over thirty words, Bolling captures it all! It already feels like a classic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews