Don't Let Go (Hardcover)

by Jeanne Willis (Author), Tony Ross (Illustrator) "Teach me to ride and I'll ride to you, From Mom's house over to yours..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-Megan wants to learn how to ride a bike so she can get from her mother's house to her father's all by herself. Her dad tells her that it is difficult to learn, "But the view when you get to the top of the hill,/And the feel of the wind in your hair!/And the freedom to go wherever you please/And to know you can get yourself there-/That must be worth a few little knocks/And maybe a bruise or two-." Megan gathers up her courage and gives it a try but warns her father not to let go. As they fly down the hill, Megan takes off by herself. Dad is a bit sad until she returns and gives him a great big hug. The whimsical watercolor illustrations are humorous and create a sense of movement throughout. This is a feel-good story that will be perfect for family storytimes as it reminds loved ones that it is necessary to let go of children and let them grow up, but that the love between parents and children will always remain.
Kristin de Lacoste, South Regional Public Library, Pembroke Pines, FL
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
Megan is understandably nervous about learning to ride her bike. What if the bike goes too fast and she falls? Daddy is patient and encouraging, letting her know she can wait until she's ready. And then it's time-Daddy lets go and Megan is off.

Now Daddy is the nervous one. What if Megan doesn't come back? It's a big world out there, and he isn't ready to let her go. But Megan understands:

"Daddy, I'm here. I won't let go. Not until you say.
Hold on tight. I love you, so we'll do this together, OK?"

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (May 12, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039924008X
• ISBN-13: 978-0399240089
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,117,808 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Teacher Mom, November 19, 2003

By A Customer

... This book is not simply about a girl learning to ride a bike, it is more about the way a parent feels when they may no longer be needed. I heard it read aloud by a storyreader and I, as a parent of mostly grown children, cried at the touching sentiment in this story. If you are in the same "life place" that I am, you'll understand. I will purchase this book for soon to be "empty nest" friends.

3 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Strange, August 8, 2003

By A Customer

I found this book to be disturbing.
After the little girl DOES learn to ride a bike,
the father says "...it's difficult letting you go,
I was scared too today -- scared you would never come
back to me now that you can ride away."
Huh? And then....
the daughter says, "Daddy, I'm here. I won't let go.
Not until you say. Hold on tight. I love you so
we'll do this together, okay?"
Who is the parent here?
This poor girl might need counseling when she grows up.
Seriously, this view is way too mixed up. I took the
book back. That's all I needed, my daughter learning to
ride a bike, thinking her dad is scared she'll "never
come back?!" Pass on this one.