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The Magical Bicycle

3.43
on Goodreads (14)

What’s inside...

When a young boy is given a new bike, he is delighted. But every time he tries to ride he gets thrown off. He imagines it must have something to do with magic. Then one day the magic becomes real and riding becomes easy.
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

7-10

Length

32 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

How would you feel if you had a magical bicycle like the one in the story?
What adventures would you go on with your magical bicycle?
Can you think of someone who might need help that you could give with a magical bicycle?
What other magical objects can you imagine, and what powers would they have?
How did the characters in the book change by the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm and inviting tone to make your child feel comfortable in expressing their own ideas and emotions about the story.
Encourage your child to imagine beyond the book by asking them what magical adventures they would like to have, harmonizing their creativity with the story’s theme.
Discuss the moral of the story and relate it to real-life situations, helping your child connect the dots between fiction and reality.
Take turns sharing what magical item each of you would wish for, explaining why and what you would do with it, to make the conversation interactive and inclusive.
Praise your child’s responses to affirm their thoughts and feelings, boosting their confidence and enhancing their engagement.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'The Magical Bicycle,' the protagonist builds strong relationships with peers during their adventure, emphasizing teamwork and trust.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value friendship and cooperation, applying these skills in school projects and playground activities.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: The main character embarks on an unpredictable journey on the magical bicycle, learning to navigate challenges bravely.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach new experiences, such as school transitions or trying new activities, with confidence and bravery.
Example Lesson: Imagination and creativity
Explanation: The story revolves around a magical bicycle, which symbolizes the power of imagination, enabling the character to journey through fantastical lands.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage creatively in play and academics, fostering innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and care
Explanation: As the keeper of the magical bicycle, the protagonist learns the significance of responsibility and looking after something valuable.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of being responsible for their belongings and duties, such as taking care of pets or maintaining their own bicycles.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Throughout their adventures, characters face numerous setbacks but continue to push forward, highlighting resilience.
Real-World Application: Instills the value of perseverance in overcoming obstacles, both in academic challenges and personal endeavors.

The Magical Bicycle by Berlie Doherty, Christian Birmingham