I Cannot Draw a Bicycle -- Charise Mericle Harper, Hardcover

Award-winning author and illustrator Charise Mericle Harper creates a laugh-out-loud picture book about making something out of nothing and the power of imagination in this companion title to I Cannot Draw a Horse.

The Horse wants a bicycle.
A bicycle is hard to draw.
The Book cannot draw a bicycle.
But the Book CAN draw shapes.

Can the Horse and the Cat build a bicycle from shapes? Or will their dreams end in pieces?

Featuring the same quirky contemporary voice and kid-friendly comic illustration style as its predecessor, I Cannot Draw a Horse, this children's metafiction book is an art lesson about creativity and determination, wrapped around a humorous narrative. Readers who have enjoyed other fourth wall--breaking books like B.J. Novak's The Book With No Pictures will appreciate the interactive elements in this book for children ages 3-8.

Praise for I CANNOT DRAW A HORSE

"Creative an loaded with humor, this story will have kids giggling in seconds and trying their hand at drawing a horse--or at least a gumdrop." --Booklist (starred review)

"Part Ed Emberley, with a dash of Pigeon, and entirely meta." --Kirkus Reviews

"Harper's illustrations make so much of so little, using a very limited palette and simple shapes, inviting readers into an artist's notebook. With a little imagination and some paper, 'nothing' can become quite something. --Horn Book Magazine

"An easy-to-read text with exclamatory speech bubbles and pictorial antics will tickle funny bones in this off-kilter circular story." --School Library Journal

Author: Charise Mericle Harper
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Published: 08/01/2023
Pages: 48
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.14lbs
Size: 10.26h x 10.36w x 0.46d
ISBN: 9781454945956
Audience: Ages 4-8

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 06/15/2023

About the Author

Charise Mericle Harper is the award-winning author and illustrator of numerous children's books and series, including the Just Grace series, the Fashion Kitty series, and the Next Best Junior Chef series. Harper's signature wit, kid-friendly illustrations, and wholly original style have made her a familiar name with caregivers, educators, and librarians looking for books that encourage imagination and showcase art education. Charise lives with her family and furry pets in Portland, Oregon.