PICTURE BOOK REVIEW

PEDDLE, BALANCE, STEER

BY VIVIAN KIRKFIELD

Peddle, Balance, Steer is the inspiring true story about Annie Londonderry’s bike ride around the world. Times were tough in Boston in the 1890’s, so when Annie saw an ad promising $10,000 to the first woman to circumnavigate the world on a bike, she taught herself to ride.

Vivian Kirkfield’s vivid descriptions capture Annie’s experience and the many challenges she faced along her fourteen-month journey. She brings to life the story of a courageous woman who is a perfect example of someone who worked hard, persevered, and achieved her goal, a goal that seemed impossible.

Alison Jay’s beautiful illustrations, similar to folk art paintings, fit the time period and add excitement to this inspiring story in history. I highly recommend this picture book!