Bikes For Rent [Hardcover]

Isaac Olayleye (Author), Chris Damarest (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2001 | Age Level: 5 and up

Lateef, a poor young boy living in a village in western Nigeria, works hard so he can rent a bicycle and ride with the other boys.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Lateef, "a determined and hardworking lad" who lives in western Nigeria, gathers firewood and mushrooms to sell at the village market so he can afford to rent a bike from Babatunde. Despite his friends' taunts, Lateef finally learns to ride sufficiently well that Babatunde agrees to rent him a big, new bike rather than the usual small, older model. After the boy succumbs to his peers' dare to ride downhill without holding onto the handlebars, he predictably crashes. Lateef asks Babatunde for a job to work off his debt and, after having done so, stays on the job to earn his own bicycle. Though the author offers some insight into Nigerian culture, his writing is often mannered (e.g., "His friends teased him. `You will never be a good rider. Yea!' they crowed. His friends laughed, `Ha-ha, ho-ho, ha-ho!' "). Demarest (If Dogs Had Wings) turns in less than his best work with these watercolor illustrations: figures are oddly foreshortened and their features sketchy. The setting, which is the strength of the story, seems generic in the art. Ages 5-9.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-Lateef passes the bicycle stall every day on his way home from school and longs to rent a bike like the other boys in his Nigerian village. He saves money by gathering firewood and mushrooms from the rain forest to sell at the market. At last the day arrives when he can rent a bike for the afternoon. With practice, Lateef masters the art of riding a two-wheeler. One day, the owner of the stall rolls out a new red bicycle that the youngster longs to ride. However, he must first prove to Babatunde that he is capable of taking care of the larger bike. Both characters learn the value of hard work and forgiveness when Babatunde allows him to ride the bike, only to have it returned in a bent and riddled condition. The richly hued watercolor illustrations infuse the landscape with jungle greens, burnt sienna, and buttery yellow backgrounds. However, the real details to be savored are in the warm facial expressions of Babatunde and Lateef, both of whom jump out of the background and into the heart of this charming story. Don't relegate this offering to the multicultural book list. It can be used anytime a smile is in order.
Lisa Gangemi Krapp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Orchard (May 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531302903
• ISBN-13: 978-0531302903
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,046,838 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Children's story from Western Nigeria, October 15, 2007

By 

Lynn Ellingwood "The ESOL Teacher" (Webster, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bikes For Rent (Hardcover)

It's great to have books that take place on the African continent. This is a nice story about a boy who wants to rent a bike so he can have transportation. This basic problem with the story is a lack of story and interesting characters. Still it may mean something to a child who can relate to the situation.

5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable lessons here., January 31, 2011

By 

G. Keith (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bikes For Rent (Hardcover)

I love this book, as it offers mature lessons that I value but haven't seen in other picture books at this level. The main character is resourceful and finds a way to earn the money to do what he wants most -to rent a bike. He learns that riding a bike takes practice, and he applies himself to the task. In time, he earns the bike stall owner's trust, and ultimately, forgiveness. And in forgiveness, the owner apprentices the boy and teaches him to build his own bike. I like to see the boy asking forgiveness and for a chance to make amends by working off a debt. These lessons seem to be from another era, but they are lessons that will resonate for most parents. My three year old son is awakening to the question, "How do I get what I want in this world of adults?" and the lessons here clearly resonate with him. I highly recommend this book.