Review: Bella Grows a Bicycle by Lellie Lopter

 Bella Grows a Bicycle is an uplifting and positive story about turning your dreams into reality.

With the cost of living continually on the rise Bella Grows a Bicycle opens up positive conversations on recycling, upcycling, sustainability and how, through resourcefulness and some hard work, big dreams can become reality.

illustrated by Chiara Franceschetti

Publisher: Five Mile Press

Publication date: 1st June 2026

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: AU$24.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the author via Books on Tour PR

Bella wants a bicycle, but it's not her birthday. I really like that Bella is not simply bought a brand new bike. Her dad suggests she grows one and gives her a tiny seed. 

We don't see instant gratification here either. Bella plants the seed and waters it. She waits and watches it grow, showing the reader that gratification takes patience. When the seed grows into a radish Bella is disappointed. However, with a guiding hand her father shows her how with hard work and upcycling and swapping with her friends that tiny radish can turn into a bicycle. 

The resulting bicycle isn't new or fancy but Bella cleans it up and is so excited.

The story explains, in a fun way, how one person's old items can be another person's treasure.

I love how the radish doesn't suddenly manifest into a bicycle. It moves slowly and realistically through each small item no longer wanted by its owner to the next item swapped. Bella doesn't simply pass them on, she spends her own time cleaning, upcycling and making each item more appealing before swapping it.

In this throw-away consumer-driven world it is refreshing to come across a children's book that champions upcycling, sustainability and pre-loved items as Bella starts a swap economy in her community.

Bella Grows a Bicycle Inspires children to reuse and recycle instead of discarding used and outgrown items.

Delightful cartoon style illustrations in watercolour and pencil by Chiara Franceschetti are alive with little details. The birds on the fences, Bella's cat who follows her everywhere and the delight on the children's faces as they swap their items all give the story that extra level of appeal. From full page spreads to small vignettes, the story comes alive with heart-warming scenes.

All big dreams start small and grow through hard work and determination.

I am sure Bella Grows a Bicycle will be a cherished addition to our bookshelf and will be read over and over as my grandchildren grow.

My rating 5 / 5 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲

Recommended age: 4+ years

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