The Running Machine
The Invention of the Very First Bicycle
Published on 12. September 2024
Book
Hardback
40 pages
978-0-06-311982-6 (ISBN)
Description
A story of pluck and determination inspired by the real events of 1815-17, when a young man named Karl Drais invented the very first bicycle.
Before there were trains, or cars, or planes, people rode horses to travel from place to place.
Then came the Year without a Summer, when a cloud of volcanic ash blocked the sun and crops withered across half the world. With no oats to eat, horses grew too weak to walk. Everyone despaired-how would they get around?
But one day, a young forester had a bright idea in the darkness...
Inspired by true events, The Running Machine shows how resilience in the face of adversity can lead to something wondrous.
Before there were trains, or cars, or planes, people rode horses to travel from place to place.
Then came the Year without a Summer, when a cloud of volcanic ash blocked the sun and crops withered across half the world. With no oats to eat, horses grew too weak to walk. Everyone despaired-how would they get around?
But one day, a young forester had a bright idea in the darkness...
Inspired by true events, The Running Machine shows how resilience in the face of adversity can lead to something wondrous.
Reviews / Votes
"Appended with an author's note that clarifies the facts (and fictions) in the narrative, this will make a good companion to other bicycle-history picture books, including Sarah Nelson's Birth of the Bicycle (2024)." - Booklist"This fast-paced story will delight young readers, especially enthusiastic bike riders. An enticing glimpse into an inventor's process." - Kirkus Reviews
"An excellent choice for young readers, with outstanding illustrations and a thoughtful text that stresses resourcefulness and perseverance." - School Library Journal
"A terrific fictionalized narrative." - Horn Book Magazine
Praise for MARY WEARS WHAT SHE WANTS: "A young schoolgirl learns to follow her own rules despite opposition and pressure in this picture book inspired by Mary Edward Walker. An endearing delivery of a valuable message." - Kirkus Reviews
"Appended with an author's note that clarifies the facts (and fictions) in the narrative, this will make a good companion to other bicycle-history picture books, including Sarah Nelson's Birth of the Bicycle (2024)." - Booklist
Praise for MARY WEARS WHAT SHE WANTS: "A young schoolgirl learns to follow her own rules despite opposition and pressure in this picture book inspired by Mary Edward Walker. An endearing delivery of a valuable message." - Kirkus Reviews
"This is an empowering story with a sunny ending, and striking watercolor pencil and cut-paper artwork." - ALA Booklist
"This fast-paced story will delight young readers, especially enthusiastic bike riders. An enticing glimpse into an inventor's process." - Kirkus Reviews
"The writing is succinct and appropriate for reading aloud. Appended with an author's note that clarifies the facts (and fictions) in the narrative, this will make a good companion to other bicycle-history picture books." - Booklist Online
"Each page is a work of art."
- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From Preschool to Third Grade, Interest Age: From 4 to 8 years
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 284 mm
Width: 220 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight
431 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-06-311982-6 (9780063119826)
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
Keith Negley is the author and illustrator of A Lot Like Batman, The Boy and the Wild Blue Girl, Mary Wears What She Wants, My Dad Used to Be So Cool, and Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too). He has received multiple medals from the Society of Illustrators as well as recognition from American Illustration. His artwork has been featured in many publications, and he is a frequent contributor to the New York Times and the New Yorker. Keith lives in Bellingham, Washington.
Keith Negley is the author and illustrator of A Lot Like Batman, The Boy and the Wild Blue Girl, Mary Wears What She Wants, My Dad Used to Be So Cool, and Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too). He has received multiple medals from the Society of Illustrators as well as recognition from American Illustration. His artwork has been featured in many publications, and he is a frequent contributor to the New York Times and the New Yorker. Keith lives in Bellingham, Washington.
Keith Negley is the author and illustrator of A Lot Like Batman, The Boy and the Wild Blue Girl, Mary Wears What She Wants, My Dad Used to Be So Cool, and Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too). He has received multiple medals from the Society of Illustrators as well as recognition from American Illustration. His artwork has been featured in many publications, and he is a frequent contributor to the New York Times and the New Yorker. Keith lives in Bellingham, Washington.