The Bike Lesson

This is one of the earlier type of Berenstain Bears books, that rhymes in a very simple style perfect for new or early readers. The great theme is that the father, in teaching his son how to ride a bike, makes mistake after mistake, and after each disaster tells him, "this is something you should NOT do" while the son patiently and wisely watches and learns. Delightful; your young child is sure to love it. Sadly, later Berenstain rhyming books are flat and dull; then they stopped rhyming entirely. This book is lively, clever, and pure delight. (Kenneth Higbee has a useful "list" of rhyming Berenstain Bears books -- this is not on that list as of this writing.)

If you've ever read the Berenstain Bears as a child, then you'll recognize the pictures in this book! The newer books have the bears a little fatter and with more children. But in this book, they're pretty thin bears and there's only "Small Bear" who is now Brother Bear. When he gets a new red bike, his dad desperately tries to teach Small Bear the lessons of riding. True to the Berenstains, Papa gets into trouble and shows Small Bear all the things he's NOT supposed to do - like landing upside down in someone's chimney! I particularly appreciated this book since I recognize it from childhood - it was first published in 1964. It's a great lesson for little ones too on what not to do when you are riding a bike. But, it's also great for beginning readers - humorous to keep their attention but also, very easy to read. Highly recommend!

This is a wonderful book. My mom used to read this to my brother nearly 25 years ago, and he loved it. I later got that copy and have always enjoyed it. I'm only 15, but I know a good book when i read one. Whenever I make a mistake, my mom says "and that's what NOT to do small bear", because of Papa Bear's line on most of the pages in this book and other older Berenstain Bear books. Readin this book is "What TO do small bear!"

Oh, that Papa Bear! He just can't help himself! He just has to "help" his son. My son loved this book 30 years ago. Again and again. So wonderful it is still in print. His son will love those rascals just as much, and my son will love reading it-again and again.

This is a delightful book. Children enjoy its rhythm and rhyme. It tells an absorbing story of a loving father's sometimes misguided attempts to teach his child about bike riding and bike safety.