Review: Bella Grows A Bicycle


How does one grow something, from nothing at all, into one's dream no less? Bella, the new little cutie on the block has worked out a way. Bella's dream is no easy peasy desire either. It's her very first bicycle. And like many youngsters, the 'getting' of one's ultimate wish becomes the ultimate fixation. In Bella Grows a Bicycle, Bella has to work hard to realise her heart's desire. Creative duo, Lellie Lopter and Chiara Franceschetti show us how she does so while embracing a backyard bursting with thought provoking implications.

Financial empathy and marketing savvy might not be first and foremost on the minds of primary schoolers, however their sense of cause and effect, if ... then concepts and personal gain are almost instinctive. Building on this, Lopter introduces us to a typical family scenario of, "I want ...!" versus, the almost shameful admission, of "It's too expensive". I still utter this to the family at large, solving neither dilemma. Imagine if I had curated more of the clever creativity Bella's dad does to give Bella personal agency and responsibility to realise her wants ... herself!

No, he doesn't send her out on an old-fashioned paper round. Instead, he advises her to grow one. Understandably, Bella is doubtful but diligently plants the bicycle seed her dad gives her. From here, a ripple effect unfolds with each rewarding page turn. Growth begets entrepreneurialship, which results in series of swaps, that lead to moments of upcycling that steadily build value until, one day, lo and behold - Bella gets her bicycle!

This triumph tale of perseverance chimes with authenticity. I remember the days my own daughter stood streetside for hours behind her 'feather stall', hoping to make a sale or swap. The act of independently planning and enacting out one's dreams cannot be overstated. This book not only emphasises these values but maintains imaginative hope throughout that is reinforced right up until the very last page. This brightness is sustained by the beguiling artwork of Franceschetti. Crisp florals accentuate aspiration and craving. Bold assured strokes highlight determined motive driven activity.

It's a winning combination that transforms all-encompassing nuances such as environmentalism, conservation, recycling and sustainability into a meaningful, fun and satisfying experience. Things I like, apart from the sparkling blue foiled title on the cover, is that despite there being a rainbow of topics for discussion, there isn't a trace of 'must do' 'should be' about Bella's quest. She is neither demanding nor despondent when her wants are not immediately met. This slowing down of instant gratification with reward is a refreshing reminder to examine our 'need-to-please-and-placate-immediately' society and a beautiful narrative on what it means to think critically, creatively and with patience to achieve your most blue-sky desires.

Bella Grows A Bicycle is a unique and inviting encounter with gratifying familiarity that will appeal to primary aged readers through to Year 5.

Title: Bella Grows a Bicycle
Author: Lellie Lopter
Illustrator: Chiara Franceschetti
Publisher: Five Mile Press, $ 24.99
Publication Date: 1 May 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781923457720
For ages: 5 - 9
Type: Picture Book

Buy the Book:   Five Mile       





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