The Bike Ride

Daily summer bike rides near a seasonal beach house provide young Dave and his father a chance to connect with each other as well as a beloved outdoor location in this uneven eco-interested work from Reading Rainbow producer Goose. Opening spreads see the human pair, portrayed with pale skin, gleefully wheeling through electric-colored landscapes under the gazes of doe-eyed wildlife, including a handful of crown- and hat-wearing blue jays and a goose that bears resemblance to the book's author. But when they arrive at their most cherished spot, they hear not "the familiar rumblings of the ocean" but a "big yellow bulldozer digging up trees, moving dirt around, and changing their favorite place." After the two return to the city, Dave's worries about the construction's impact stay with him all year--until a return sees him befriending the occupants of the new structure and helping to plant trees to "take care of their favorite place." Smudgy, photo-realistic elements give a liquid, video game-like quality to this personal-feeling work relayed in lengthy text. Secondary characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 3-7. (June)