Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Gus and Grandpa and the Two-Wheeled Bike
Illustrator: Catherine Stock
Fiction Series
For ages 5 to 7
Square Fish, 2001 ISBN: 978-0374428167
Gus has a bike with training wheels and he is quite happy to go around town riding it. At least he is until his friend Ryan gets a five speed with hand brakes and a water bottle holder. The thing is that Gus is does not like the idea of trying to ride a bike without those reassuring training wheels in place. Without them what will keep him up?
Gus’s father gets him a brand new five speed of his own but alas Gus has very little success learning to ride the thing. Soon all he has to show for his hard work are band aids on each knee. It is a very depressing situation and that is a fact.
Then Gus goes to see Grandpa, and it is Grandpa who comes up with a possible solution to Gus’s problem. Using the "old old bike" which Gus’s daddy learned to ride on, Gus and Grandpa get to work.
Trying something new and unfamiliar is often frightening for young children, and Gus’s situation is one that will be familiar to every child who encounters this story. Claudia Mills is sympathetic and understanding, and through Grandpa, she is supportive of Gus’s concerns. She finds a wonderful way to help this little boy face his fears with the help of his loving and patient grandfather.
