The Bicycle
Published on 13. February 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
32 pages
978-0-00-872039-1 (ISBN)
Description
The true story of how a simple act of kindness changed a young refugee's life - from award-winning author Patricia McCormick with Mevan Babakar.
For generations, Mevan and her family lived in their beloved Kurdistan. But when they are forced to flee by the Iraqi government, Mevan must leave everything behind. Her family travels from country to country in search of safety; and with each stop, Mevan feels more and more alone. Until ... a stranger's gift changes everything.
Based on Mevan Babakar's own childhood, this is a moving reminder of how powerful just one act of kindness can be.
SHORTLISTED! Oxfordshire Book Awards - Picture Books category
For generations, Mevan and her family lived in their beloved Kurdistan. But when they are forced to flee by the Iraqi government, Mevan must leave everything behind. Her family travels from country to country in search of safety; and with each stop, Mevan feels more and more alone. Until ... a stranger's gift changes everything.
Based on Mevan Babakar's own childhood, this is a moving reminder of how powerful just one act of kindness can be.
SHORTLISTED! Oxfordshire Book Awards - Picture Books category
Reviews / Votes
"[An] absorbing, moving picture book" - The Guardian"A powerful story of resilience and hope" - Scope for Imagination blog
"A beautifully heartwarming story of the power of kindness." - My Shelves Are Full blog
"I really, really loved this book. [...] My Mummy and I talked about how one simple act of kindness can change a person's life. I hope I can continue to be this kind when I am a grown up." - Noah, age 6, Books Up North
"This poignant tale reminds us of the life-changing impact of kindness, offering young readers an inspiring glimpse into the refugee experience and the healing power of human connection" - Inis magazine
"This moving story is definitely one of 2025's essential picture books... It truly shows the power of kindness and will generate such rich conversations in the classroom or in homes whilst reading. With beautiful illustrations too, this is a book you must read!" - Tom Griffiths, Check 'Em Out Books
"[A] very special book to share and one that... primary schools should add to their library shelves." - World's Smallest Library
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
HarperCollins Publishers
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: From 3 to 7 years
Product notice
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Picture book
Dimensions
Height: 276 mm
Width: 247 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Weight
200 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-00-872039-1 (9780008720391)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Patricia McCormick is a former journalist and a two-time National Book Award finalist whose books include Cut, Sold, Never Fall Down, The Plot to Kill Hitler, the young readers edition of I Am Malala, and the award-winning picture book Sergeant Reckless: The True Story of the Little Horse Who Became a Hero. Patricia lives in New York, USA.
Mevan Babakar is a social entrepreneur, writer, and poet. She was born in Kurdistan and is a former child refugee. Mevan serves as trustee for the UK for UNHCR, the UK arm of the UN refugee agency, and was selected as a 2023 European Obama Leader for her work in protecting democracy.
Yas Imamura is the acclaimed artist of picture books such as Love in the Library by Maggie Tokuda-Hall, and The Very Oldest Pear Tree by Nancy I. Sanders. She currently lives and works in Portland, Oregon, USA.
Mevan Babakar is a social entrepreneur, writer, and poet. She was born in Kurdistan and is a former child refugee. Mevan serves as trustee for the UK for UNHCR, the UK arm of the UN refugee agency, and was selected as a 2023 European Obama Leader for her work in protecting democracy.
Yas Imamura is the acclaimed artist of picture books such as Love in the Library by Maggie Tokuda-Hall, and The Very Oldest Pear Tree by Nancy I. Sanders. She currently lives and works in Portland, Oregon, USA.