Geoffrey loves his big-red-shiny bicycle, but wishes he had a friend to freewheel with. The wind brings him a biking buddy, but can two giraffes ride one bike?
The mischievous wind blows Geoffrey’s bike off down the hill, where it finds a new friend to play with. Whilst Geoffrey and Glenda struggle to play with the bike as a duo, Gregory turns up to claim the bike he lost last week!
It’s fun-filled story with many unexpected twists and turns. It’s wonderful to see how the tall trio tussle, and try to work out the best way to enjoy their beloved bicycle.
It gently weaves in ideas about friendship, and how life’s always better when we’re together.
It’s almost like the wind knew exactly what it was doing.
Why did I make this book?
I made 'Geoffrey Finds a Bike' during the third UK lockdown to remind myself that sometimes life throws you a curveball, and it's best to take your hooves off the handlebars and enjoy the ride.
You might be surprised at the beautiful places you end up cycling to.
I used to believe that life was going well if it was going to plan. But I’m starting to think that maybe I’ve been missing out on so much magic.
Back in January, I had planned to go on a trip to see my best friends in the whole world, and it didn’t happen. We were locked in our houses again and I felt very far away from the people I loved. I had been looking forward to this trip for all of 2020, and I was devastated.
But in true Happy Book Company style, I was not going to let this defeat me. So I decided to make a book to enter into a picture book competition at the end of January. Creativity has become an important tool for my happiness. I had one month, and I loved what I made…’Geoffrey Finds a Bike’.
There he was, enjoying himself on his bike with his friends, and I was jealous. I had made this book in isolation, so although I was having fun, I knew I would have more fun creating together.
I wanted a creative community too. So I decided to apply for a Masters in Children’s Book Illustration at the best Art school in the country. Where ALL my favourite illustrators have studied.
I wanted to be a part of this mythic school. So I got to work and made myself VERY busy drawing, and filling sketchbooks, and drawing some more. Driven by my desire to share my passion for making children’s books.
Geoffrey showed me that magic does exist....I’ll be starting on the Masters in September 2021!
I am so excited to be a part of the gang. I’ve found my biking buddies.
It made me a lot less scared of life because I know now that ANYTHING can happen, and I can choose to find my happiness in it.
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