Synopses & Reviews
Bob Graham's first ever illustrated book, never before published, is a gently humorous take on the Tour de FranceThere'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 and gentle, funny illustrations by Bob Graham make this story a classic, ideal for reading aloud to young and old.
Review
"There's so much wonderful whimsy here, it's hard to know what to praise first. As always, a major treat is Graham's detail-filled artwork." —Booklist, starred review of April and Esme Tooth Fairies
Review
"A distant cousin to 'The Tortoise and the Hare' in loosely sketched watercolors and delicious dactyls." —Kirkus Reviews
Review
"[A] perfectly silly story. . . with magnifique illustrations." —New York Times
Review
"Grahams warm and humorous illustrations make Albert an unlikely but lovable champion." —School Library Journal
About the Author
Peter Smith is a cycling fanatic and works in a bookstore. Bob Graham is an award-winning children's book author and illustrator whose books include Dimity Dumpty; How to Heal a Broken Wing, winner of the Charlotte Zolotow award and shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway medal; Jethro Byrd, Fairy Child, winner of the Kate Greenaway medal; and "Let's Get A Pup!" Said Kate, winner of the Boston Globe-Horn book award and shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway medal.