The text is really simple and easy for early learners and readers. We all know that riding a bike takes practice – falling, getting on and off again – to be able to ride independently and successfully.

I think these memories are embedded within me though, which is why I was able to portray the experience and feelings in this book. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the exact moment when I learned how to ride a bike. We’d ride up and down my street and also over to my elementary school playground, which was around the corner from my house. I remember that I enjoyed riding my bike with my cousins and friends. You perfectly capture the glee, inevitable falling, and decision children face of “do I get back on or forget about this.” Did you draw from your own childhood memories when writing this book? Learning to ride a bike – without training wheels – is such an exciting milestone for children that I decided to write a story about that experience.īike riding is a rite of passage for young people and one I clearly remember as a child. In particular, during our daily walks, I witnessed a girl who had just learned how to ride a bike I noticed her progression as she became a better, more confident rider. The inspiration for Together We Ride is the children my husband and I saw riding bikes in our neighborhood during the COVID shutdown.

Congratulations on your new book, Together We Ride! Please tell us what inspired you to write this picture book?

Together We Swim by Kaylani Juanita