Frank and Bert: The One Where Bert Learns To Ride A Bike by Chris Naylor Ballesteros

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Published by: Nosy Crow, 12th January 2023

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From the author of The Suitcase comes the second in the series of Frank and Bert. Their first picture book, Frank and Bert, saw the duo playing a rather hapless and hilarious game of 'Hide and Seek', whereas this time, Bert is learning to ride a bike...

Bert is learning to ride a bike but, dear me, he's not very good at it. Frank offers to help but when he lets go, Bert is cross. Soon Frank comes up with a solution but it's not long before he's the one who needs help. Can Bert save the day and get them down the hill?

Totally relatable to the activities children enjoy doing with their friends or their parents, this is a fun but heartwarming tale of two friends supporting each other and having each other's backs when things get tough. Learning to ride a bike is hard, especially when there are plenty of obstacles in the way, but if your best friend is right behind you, then what can go wrong?

This was a hit with all three of my children but especially with my eldest daughter. Having special needs means learning to ride a bike has been a huge challenge for her - one she has recently achieved with some special adaptations. The repetitive language, simple dialogue and entertaining pictures made the story accessible to her and the humorous ending made her laugh out loud and request the story on repeat. Certainly, while I read the story over and over, I saw her perseverance and determination echoed in Bert, while Frank is the championing friend that everyone needs. 

We're really hoping that there will be more titles in this series. Frank and Bert are a totally endearing duo and we look forward to them tackling other tricky rites of passage in a warm and entertaining way. 

A big thanks to Nosy Crow and NetGalley for allowing me a review copy. Frank and Bert: The One Where Bert Learns To Ride A Bike is available to buy from Jan 12th.