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Elena
Elena Rides
Beginning readers—and beginning riders—will be drawn to this bright, buoyant story of a determined elephant and her loyal sidekick, from the award-winning creator of Juana & Lucas.
Elena wants to ride her bike. She steadies, she readies. She wobbles, she bobbles . . . KA-BANG! Learning to ride a bike is hard. But Elena can do it. She just has to try, try again. With this reassuring story of childlike persistence, Juana Medina, creator of the acclaimed Juana & Lucas series, introduces Elena, a plucky elephant, and the little red bird who is Elena’s faithful cheerleader. Simple, energetic text and bold, brilliant artwork convey a relatable tale of the ups and downs of learning something new (not without protest or tears) and the final thrill of mastery that will have children rooting for Elena and ready for her next adventure.
Elena wants to ride her bike. She steadies, she readies. She wobbles, she bobbles . . . KA-BANG! Learning to ride a bike is hard. But Elena can do it. She just has to try, try again. With this reassuring story of childlike persistence, Juana Medina, creator of the acclaimed Juana & Lucas series, introduces Elena, a plucky elephant, and the little red bird who is Elena’s faithful cheerleader. Simple, energetic text and bold, brilliant artwork convey a relatable tale of the ups and downs of learning something new (not without protest or tears) and the final thrill of mastery that will have children rooting for Elena and ready for her next adventure.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published March 14, 2023
3 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Juana Medina
25 books68 followersJuana Medina was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia. She is the illustrator of Smick! by Doreen Cronin and the author-illustrator of One Big Salad. Juana Medina has studied and taught at the Rhode Island School of Design and now teaches at the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design at George Washington University. She lives in Washington, D.C.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 27, 2023
Read for my toddler's bedtime. A great learning curve story about an elephant named Elena as she learned to ride a bike. She failed but tried again and again and again. A fantastic book for kids!
Thank you Candlewick Press for the opportunity to read and review!
Thank you Candlewick Press for the opportunity to read and review!
April 16, 2023
A bright color palette and an economy of words (and illustration) makes for a wonderful beginning reader. Appealing to any child who has tackled or will soon tackle this near-ubiquitous rite of passage.
August 4, 2023
Great book about not giving up and learning to ride a bike!
April 1, 2023
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central
Elena is a young elephant who is determined to ride her bicycle without training wheels. Suitably clad in her helmet and accompanied by her friend, a small red bird, she hesitantly pedals, only to crash. She tries again, with similar results. She cries, and her friend comforts her. Not willing to give up, she gets on the bike again and again until she successfully stays upright. She enjoys her new freedom until her excessive speed causes another crash. This is enough to make her hesitant to get back on the bike, but the friendly and supportive bird tells her that she can do it. Elena dusts herself off and tries again, finally getting the hang of this new mode of transportation.
This has a quirky color palette that is rather appealing; while Elena is purple and the background is only white and a bright, sunny yellow, there are touches of green in her helmet and red in her friend the bird. The font is a bold easy-to-process san serif one, with the "ka-punk" of the crashes in a larger, decorative font for emphasis.
This reads very much like one of the Random House Bright and Early books; think P.D. Eastman's classic Go Dog Go. If this were a HarperCollins I Can Read book, it would be a level one. The rhyming words will help beginning readers through this simple tale, and Elena's facial expressions will amuse them. Hopefully, this will inspire young bicycle riders to keep going until they, too, are successful riding with two wheels.
It took my children an inordinately long time to learn to ride a bicycle, and books like this one, along with Slater's Wild Blue, Raschka's Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle, and Bolling's Together We Ride would have been helpful in motivating them to keep at this sometimes difficult process. I especially appreciated that even after she got the hang of riding, Elena still had an accident. One of my first bicycle trips ended in a collision with a neighborhood mailbox, and I would have felt very reassured had I been able to see a book character that struggled much as I did!
Elena is a young elephant who is determined to ride her bicycle without training wheels. Suitably clad in her helmet and accompanied by her friend, a small red bird, she hesitantly pedals, only to crash. She tries again, with similar results. She cries, and her friend comforts her. Not willing to give up, she gets on the bike again and again until she successfully stays upright. She enjoys her new freedom until her excessive speed causes another crash. This is enough to make her hesitant to get back on the bike, but the friendly and supportive bird tells her that she can do it. Elena dusts herself off and tries again, finally getting the hang of this new mode of transportation.
This has a quirky color palette that is rather appealing; while Elena is purple and the background is only white and a bright, sunny yellow, there are touches of green in her helmet and red in her friend the bird. The font is a bold easy-to-process san serif one, with the "ka-punk" of the crashes in a larger, decorative font for emphasis.
This reads very much like one of the Random House Bright and Early books; think P.D. Eastman's classic Go Dog Go. If this were a HarperCollins I Can Read book, it would be a level one. The rhyming words will help beginning readers through this simple tale, and Elena's facial expressions will amuse them. Hopefully, this will inspire young bicycle riders to keep going until they, too, are successful riding with two wheels.
It took my children an inordinately long time to learn to ride a bicycle, and books like this one, along with Slater's Wild Blue, Raschka's Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle, and Bolling's Together We Ride would have been helpful in motivating them to keep at this sometimes difficult process. I especially appreciated that even after she got the hang of riding, Elena still had an accident. One of my first bicycle trips ended in a collision with a neighborhood mailbox, and I would have felt very reassured had I been able to see a book character that struggled much as I did!
May 31, 2025
Elena Rides by author and illustrator Juana Medina is a lively tale of challenge and persistence that is sure to produce giggles in beginning readers.
Elena, the elephant, is determined to learn how to ride her two-wheeler, but success doesn’t come easy. Falls and tumbles lead to tears, but she’s not alone. A little red bird is with her at every turn offering encouragement. She tries again and goes, goes, goes… right into her biggest crash yet! She’s ready to quit! And then…she gives it one more try. AND ELENA RIDES!
Bold artwork—this is a purple elephant after all—sets the tone and fully embraces the storyline. The crashes fill double-page spreads and seem to leap off the paper with each surprising scene. And Elena’s determination is fully on display!
Children and their parents will recognize and appreciate Elena’s struggle to master a new skill and enjoy some giggles along the way.
Recommended for home and school libraries.
Elena, the elephant, is determined to learn how to ride her two-wheeler, but success doesn’t come easy. Falls and tumbles lead to tears, but she’s not alone. A little red bird is with her at every turn offering encouragement. She tries again and goes, goes, goes… right into her biggest crash yet! She’s ready to quit! And then…she gives it one more try. AND ELENA RIDES!
Bold artwork—this is a purple elephant after all—sets the tone and fully embraces the storyline. The crashes fill double-page spreads and seem to leap off the paper with each surprising scene. And Elena’s determination is fully on display!
Children and their parents will recognize and appreciate Elena’s struggle to master a new skill and enjoy some giggles along the way.
Recommended for home and school libraries.
December 7, 2023
Pura Belpre award winner Juana Medina introduces us to Elena the Elephant as she learns to ride her bicycle with the help of her friend bird. When things don't go well, she is encouraged to keep trying and displays persistence in learning a new task. This new easy reader is a charming addition to the genre and format.
With its low word count, lots of rhyming word pairs, and repetition of phrases this book will surely be a favorite for both pre and newly emerging readers. The word choice is simple yet vibrant and exciting with lots of movement. This is one of three language formats for this title- English, Spanish, and dual English/Spanish.
The digitally created images feature a limited, but vibrant color palette of yellow, green, red, and purple on high gloss white paper. The images also create movement with the yellow field of color flowing as if it were a riding path for Elena as she rides her bike. The text often changes size and format to emphasize the action which makes reading the text dramatically fun.
I am hopeful that we will see more of Elena and her friend bird in more adventures soon!
I would highly recommend this book for purchase by school and public libraries.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
With its low word count, lots of rhyming word pairs, and repetition of phrases this book will surely be a favorite for both pre and newly emerging readers. The word choice is simple yet vibrant and exciting with lots of movement. This is one of three language formats for this title- English, Spanish, and dual English/Spanish.
The digitally created images feature a limited, but vibrant color palette of yellow, green, red, and purple on high gloss white paper. The images also create movement with the yellow field of color flowing as if it were a riding path for Elena as she rides her bike. The text often changes size and format to emphasize the action which makes reading the text dramatically fun.
I am hopeful that we will see more of Elena and her friend bird in more adventures soon!
I would highly recommend this book for purchase by school and public libraries.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
April 5, 2024
Children's fiction, beginning reader level. Juana Medina, author of the Juana and Lucas first chapter series, wrote this lovely story about an elephant riding a bicycle. Physics aside, this story is easy to relate to as Elena has to try multiple times to get anywhere without falling. Those falls are quite dramatic though, with whole-page text adding the sound effects: Ka-bang! Ka-plunk! Ka-rash! Though she wants to give up, after encouragement from her friend, she dusts herself off and tries again. This time Elena rides.
The illustrations, also done by Medina, are simple and consistent. There is Elena, a red bird friend, the bicycle, and a shape-shifting yellow splotch that serves as a background. The text is clear, with some rhyme and repetition to support the beginning reader. This story is also available in Spanish and can be found in a dual-language flip format.
The illustrations, also done by Medina, are simple and consistent. There is Elena, a red bird friend, the bicycle, and a shape-shifting yellow splotch that serves as a background. The text is clear, with some rhyme and repetition to support the beginning reader. This story is also available in Spanish and can be found in a dual-language flip format.
May 7, 2023
Elena Rides by Juana Medina is a beautifully illustrated and engaging children's book that tells the story of a young girl who embarks on a magical bike ride through her vibrant hometown. The book is filled with colorful illustrations that capture the essence of Elena's adventure, and the author's use of onomatopoeic language creates an immersive reading experience that is sure to delight young readers. The book is not only entertaining but also educational, as it teaches children about the joy of exploration and discovery. Overall, Elena Rides is an excellent addition to any children's book collection, and it's sure to become a favorite for both parents and kids alike.
Thank you to Candlewick Press for this gifted copy! It’s always a joy reading one of your Children’s Titles.
Thank you to Candlewick Press for this gifted copy! It’s always a joy reading one of your Children’s Titles.
September 1, 2023
This dual edition of two languages is such fun! From one bright cover, you can read the lively story in English. Flip it over and a duplicate cover starts off the same story, all in Spanish. The two stories meet in the middle with clear kid-friendly directions on how to read them. Both have the same cute illustrations. Elena, a persistent purple elephant is learning to ride a bike, and like all children, it takes several tries (and crashes!) before she finally feels confident enough to enjoy the wonder of riding her bicycle. Great for children who might be learning to read in both languages (or learning to ride a bike!) or for anyone who enjoys expanding their knowledge.
April 28, 2023
The first time one succeeds balancing while riding on a two wheeler is an unfogettable, joyful experience! The bold digital illustrations of Elena the brave purple elephant attempting to ride a bike show a bevy of spills. Yet with the help of her cardinal friend's reassuring, "You can do it!" messages she perseveres. The bright expressive illustrations, and simple spare font in a variety of sizes, tell a relatable tale kids will love. This story is pure fun, I hope sequels about exuberant Elena will follow.
May 8, 2023
Perfect for beginning readers - and beginning bike riders - Elena tries and tries and tries again to ride her bike. After several very expressive falls, success! But then - oh - did YOU see those rocks on the road?? Elena did not. KRASH! again. This time, she is very discouraged. But a small friend encourages her to try again -- and she does! As everyone who has ever learned to ride a bike (or do anything, really...) it takes practice, practice, and more practice. Along with a few disappointments and falls. Elena does not give up, though! Especially since she has a friend to encourage her.
June 8, 2023
First sentence: Elena wants to ride. Elena buckles her helmet. She readies, she steadies...she pushes, she pedals! She wobbles and bobbles...KA-BANG!
Premise/plot: Elena (the elephant) is trying her best to learn how to ride a bicycle. Will she bue successful? Will her hard work and and dedication pay off?
My thoughts: I love this one so much. This one had me at hello. The cover. The end pages. Every perfect word of this perfectly-perfect narrative. (The language is SO delightful). The illustrations. This beginning reader is so charming. I loved everything about this one!
Premise/plot: Elena (the elephant) is trying her best to learn how to ride a bicycle. Will she bue successful? Will her hard work and and dedication pay off?
My thoughts: I love this one so much. This one had me at hello. The cover. The end pages. Every perfect word of this perfectly-perfect narrative. (The language is SO delightful). The illustrations. This beginning reader is so charming. I loved everything about this one!
October 11, 2023
Elena is a purple elephant who is trying to learn to ride a bicycle. "She wobbles and bobbles...KA-BANG!" Elena almost gives up, but when a bird tells her to try again, she does and she succeeds! With illustrations taking up the whole page, large simple text, and only a few words per page, this is a perfect title for those who are just learning to read. Medina manages to tell a story about something that many kids go through while keeping it short. Perseverance is the moral of this story and it was done extremely well.
May 20, 2023
Similar to an early reader book in that the vocabulary is limited and there is a lot of repetition. The basic story of getting on and falling off of the bike during the process of learning to ride is simply told.
Essentially, this is a happy book about a happy elephant learning to ride her bike.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.
Essentially, this is a happy book about a happy elephant learning to ride her bike.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.
November 10, 2023
Elena the elephant tries and tries again to learn to ride a bike. After many crashes, she succeeds. The text is very simple, with an easy-to-read font for beginning readers. Bold illustrations help the reader understand the words. Especially enjoyable the onomatopoetic words for Elena's falls, rendered in very large print: KA-BANG! KA-PLUNK! KA-RASH!
A good addition to emergent reader collections.
Tie-in with SEL discussions of perseverance.
A good addition to emergent reader collections.
Tie-in with SEL discussions of perseverance.
October 23, 2023
Elena Rides is a cute story featuring learning to ride a bicycle. However my kids and I didn't connect with the character. We felt reading it once was enough. My three old enjoyed the book yet my five year old was wanting more from the story. I did enjoy the story pointing out trying again, as everyone falls down on a bike.
June 20, 2023
Fun easy read story that features an elephant trying to learn to ride a bike. Good lesson on “try, try, try again” until you succeed. Toddlers and beginner readers will like the bright and vivid illustrations.
July 20, 2023
A high energy early reader picture book about Elena, a young elephant, learning to ride her bike. The bright and colorful pictures, easy-to-read text, very likable Elena, and the cheerful message about perseverance will make this a fun book for young beginning readers and their parents.
October 13, 2024
3 stars ( I liked it)
This easy reading picture book tells of an elephant main character who is riding a bike. She prepares, struggles a bit to get started but preserves. Then she crashes and want to give up but is encouraged to try again. A nice message in this simple story.
This easy reading picture book tells of an elephant main character who is riding a bike. She prepares, struggles a bit to get started but preserves. Then she crashes and want to give up but is encouraged to try again. A nice message in this simple story.
March 25, 2023
So perfect for beginning readers and bicycle riders. Adorable with an important message.
March 30, 2023
Beginning readers book about learning to ride a bike. Really adorable. Not sure about buying for the library.
April 2, 2023
Adorable!
April 26, 2023
This is a darling easy reader about an elephant learning to ride. A good one for newer readers but also works as a read aloud with preschoolers.
April 27, 2023
Cute story for an early reader.
May 4, 2023
Excellent new early reader. Perfect for readers who enjoyed the 2023 Geisel winner.
May 16, 2023
Elena tries and tries and tries again until she can ride her bike.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2023
Adorable if all to familiar.
May 31, 2023
Elena the Elephant learns to ride a bike.
June 4, 2023
A young elephant triumphs over several falls while learning to ride a bicycle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2023
Cute story about perseverance
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews