Charlie Rides

March 27, 2017
“This is Charlie and he loves to ride.../ bikes with Dad when it’s sunny outside.” That’s how debut author-illustrator Bianchini introduces his young, vehicle-loving protagonist. In the pages that follow, readers see him competing in a soapbox derby, sledding “down Gooseberry Hill,” and taking to the skies in an airplane and hot-air balloon—always accompanied by his equally eager father. Bianchini’s cartooning telegraphs the strong bond between father and son, as well as their evident joy in getting out and seeing the world, by any means available. It’d make a fine Father’s Day gift but has broader appeal, too. Ages 3–5. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties.

July 1, 2017
It's a happy day with Dad! Charlie loves to ride...his bike, a race car, a rocket ship, a sled, a boat, a plane, a hot air balloon, a train, even a sidecar--but especially on his dad's shoulders. Wearing appropriate safety gear and a broad grin, this little boy is clearly loving his life. His proud papa is right there with him, as well as a nameless white dog. Sometimes an obviously female figure or two are included (sis? or mom?), but always the focus is on Charlie and Dad. Only four or five faces shown are brown; Charlie and his dad are white. Bianchini's black-outlined drawings on thick board pages are strikingly consistent. Charlie's face always is round; his father is square-jawed; both are always smiling. The matte palette is predominantly shades of blue and green, lending an old-fashioned feel. Red highlights draw attention to the speeds of the various vehicles and add interest. The center spread shows Charlie and Dad peering out of a white airplane zipping through white clouds in a pale blue sky. Not coincidentally, Bianchini's son is also named Charlie. Families with similar loving, supportive relationships as well as those who are striving for this happy, evidently carefree reality will want to ride along. (Board book. 2-4)

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July 1, 2017

Toddler-PreS-Charlie is a boy on the move. He loves to bike with his father, zoom down a hill in the snow, go fishing on his grandpa's boat, and ride on planes and subway trains. Whether Charlie is at an amusement park or soaring in a hot-air balloon, his dad is always by his side, and the boy's favorite ride of all is on his papa's shoulders. The boldly outlined graphic style artwork is fresh, appealing, and fun. A perfect selection for toddlers and preschoolers on the go.

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