Bicycle Race

Reach for this book when your child is starting to navigate the ups and downs of competition or when they are showing a budding interest in how numbers represent order. It is a perfect choice for the toddler or preschooler who is fascinated by things that go fast but might need a gentle introduction to the idea that being first isn't the only way to finish a race. Through vibrant, graphic illustrations, Donald Crews takes readers through a bicycle race where twelve riders constantly shift positions. The book masterfully introduces the concept of ordinal numbers (first, second, third) in a way that feels like a game. Beyond the math, it touches on resilience as riders stop for repairs and then rejoin the pack. It is an ideal pick for teaching children that the journey involves many changes, and finishing the race is an accomplishment in itself. The bold colors and minimal text make it highly accessible for the three to six age range, turning a simple counting lesson into a high energy narrative about persistence and motion.