Monsieur Albert Rides to Glory
on Goodreads (56)
What’s inside...
Monsieur Albert Larousse, a cycling enthusiast living in a tiny Parisian attic, discovers a cycling race with a fabulous prize while reading the newspaper during breakfast. The poetic and humorous text, paired with Bob Graham's charming illustrations, tells the heartwarming story of how Monsieur Albert wins the world's most exciting bike race. This picture book, which is Bob Graham's first illustrated book and has never been published before, offers a delightful and humorous take on the Tour de France, captivating both young and old readers. There's a hush in the crowd as the mayor lifts his gun, then an ear-splitting Bang! and the race has begun, with a flashing of goggles and pale cyclists' knees, and a murmuring sound like the bumble of bees. Monsieur Albert enters the Grand Cycle Race, but he's up against Francois, the champion of France. Can he possibly win? Witty text by Pete Smith and gentle, funny illustrations by Bob Graham make this story a classic, ideal for reading aloud to young and old.
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Monsieur Albert
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Monsieur Albert to enter the race?
How do you feel about the choices Monsieur Albert made during the race?
What would you have done differently if you were in Monsieur Albert's shoes?
How do the illustrations help tell the story of Monsieur Albert's adventure?
What do you think the story teaches us about trying new things?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the race and discuss the emotions and decisions involved.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why it stands out to them.
Connect the themes of the book to your child’s own experiences, such as a time they tried something challenging.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and sportsmanship, as demonstrated by Monsieur Albert.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and determination
Explanation: Monsieur Albert demonstrates perseverance in the face of adversity as he takes part in a challenging bike race, never giving up despite the obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence and striving to achieve their goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Sportsmanship
Explanation: The story highlights the value of fair play and respect for competitors, as Monsieur Albert competes with integrity and honors the spirit of the competition.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to engage in healthy competition, teaching them to win graciously and lose gracefully, fostering respect in all interactions.
Example Lesson: The joy of shared experiences
Explanation: Through the communal excitement of the race, the book showcases the happiness that arises from shared experiences and collective participation.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of community involvement and experiencing joy with others, which can be applied in collaborative projects at school or family activities at home.
Example Lesson: Overcoming age stereotypes
Explanation: Monsieur Albert, being older than typical competitors, breaks stereotypes about age and ability, demonstrating that passion and endeavor have no age limits.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to respect and appreciate diversity in capabilities among people of all ages, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Importance of preparation
Explanation: The book illustrates how Monsieur Albert's meticulous preparations for the race contribute to his performance, emphasizing the impact of preparation on success.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the benefits of preparing thoroughly for any task they undertake, enhancing their chances for success in school exams, sports, or other activities.