When I was little I was terrified of learning how to swim. I would not let go of the side of the pool, even if I was wearing my water wings, and even though I knew my water wings would allow me to float. Then a friend took the time to encourage me to swim freely. She made me feel that I would be fine and safe, and so I took that terrifying step and let go. I have loved swimming ever since. Today's picture book is about a little mole who take a similar step when he decides that he no longer needs training wheels on his bicycle.
Off We Go! A Bear and Mole Story
Off We Go! A Bear and Mole Story
Will Hillenbrand
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 6
Holiday House, 2013, 978-0-8234-2520-4
One day Mole decides that he no longer needs the training
wheels on his bicycle. He asks his friend Bear to help him remove the wheels.
Bear helps Mole take the wheels off, they make sure there is enough pressure in
the tires, Mole pulls on his boots, and they attach a flag to the bike. Then
Mole puts his library books in his bike pack and puts on his helmet. Finally
Mole is ready.
Mole kicks off and
Bear pushes him and after a series of wobbles poor Mole crashes. Miserable
Mole, tears streaming down his velvety face, announces that he is going to
“quit,” but Bear tells him that he thinks Mole can do it. Encouraged by Bear,
Mole decides to give it another go, never expecting that his bike ride is going
to be quite sensational.
In this
delightfully sweet and funny book we see how a little encouragement and a dash
of courage can go a long way when one is confronted with a daunting task.
Little children who are facing their own challenges will find Mole and Bear’s
story inspirational and supportive.
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