NEWS: Cycle into summer with poet Simon Mole

I Love My Bike’ family events take place throughout July and August

If the Olympic cycling has got your family excited about pedal power, join poet and children’s author, Simon Mole for a series of family events marking the publication of his picture book, I Love My Bike, which is illustrated by award winning artist Sam Usher.

I Love My Bike is about a daughter learning to ride a bike with the help of her father. It’s also about that exhilarating feeling you get when you succeed at something for the first time as a child. And, most importantly, it’s about learning that when you fall off, the best thing to do is get back on again!

Nobody forgets the thrill of riding a bike for the first time, even if it can feel like an uphill battle to begin with. Join Simon to celebrate that excitement, or start the quest towards it.

Credit: James White Photography

Perfect for 4-7 year olds, these 45-minute family events begin with Simon performing I Love My Bike, followed by some fun (and quite silly) games during which children are supported to ‘build’ their own bike poem with him. They can spin the word wheel and take part in the pedal power challenge to unlock their creative powers! For little word wizards who don’t need stabilisers, Simon can shift gears quickly to introduce some mega metaphors and super similes. All participants will also have the opportunity to attend a FREE follow-up poetry workshop online.

There’s a flame on the frame
and I love how it feels
from my head to my heels
when my feet push the pedals
and the pedals turn the wheels.

I love my bike.

Simon Mole, who is excited to be bringing these fun creative events into the heart of communities, said: “I love reading with my kids, so hearing about other families enjoying a book that I’ve written is absolutely amazing. These events are a great way to bring books to life and to have fun playing with words. I can’t wait to take this tour out on the road!”

Credit: James White Photography

The I Love My Bike tour kicked off at Norden Farm, Maidenhead, and will return there on 14 August 11.30am. You can also catch it at 1pm today (27 July) at Discover Story Centre, Stratford, London (27 July 1pm).

For those looking for a more active version, head to Deptford Lounge, London (28 July at 10am) where the session will be followed by a bike lesson with a Cycle Instructor (28 July 10am). For those in Hertfordshire, you can also head to Herts Libraries on 2 August (10am at Oakmere Library followed by a session with Bikeability or 2pm Hoddesdon Library). 

For more information and to book tickets, contact tour venues directly or visit Simon’s website: http://www.simonmole.com/projects/i-love-my-bike/.