I Cannot Draw a Bicycle

Charise Mericle Harper's I Cannot Draw a Horse companion book is a humorous metafiction story about making something out of nothing and the power of imagination. It features the same quirky contemporary voice and kid-friendly comic illustration style as its predecessor, teaching creativity and determination through an interactive narrative.

Format: Hardback
Length: 48 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2023
Publisher: Union Square & Co.

Award-winning author and illustrator Charise Mericle Harper brings forth a delightful picture book that celebrates the art of creating something extraordinary from nothing and the boundless power of imagination. This companion title to "I Cannot Draw a Horse" offers a whimsical and laughter-inducing journey, inviting readers to embark on a captivating adventure.

The Horse, with a whimsical desire for a bicycle, faces a challenge: drawing a bicycle is no easy feat. However, the Book, though lacking the ability to draw a bicycle, possesses the skill of creating shapes. Can the Horse and the Cat, armed with their imagination and a variety of shapes, build a bicycle? Or will their dreams crumble under the weight of uncertainty?

With its quirky contemporary voice and captivating comic illustration style, reminiscent of its predecessor, "I Cannot Draw a Horse," this children's metafiction book unfolds like an art lesson wrapped in a humorous narrative. It appeals to readers who have savored other fourth wall-breaking books like B.J. Novak's "The Book With No Pictures," as it incorporates interactive elements that will engage and entertain children ages 3 to 8.

Praise for "I CANNOT DRAW A HORSE" has been abundant. Booklist praised it as "creative and loaded with humor," noting that it will have kids giggling in seconds and inspiring them to give drawing a horse—or even a gumdrop—a try. Kirkus Reviews described it as "part Ed Emberley, with a dash of Pigeon, and entirely meta," highlighting the book's playful and imaginative nature. The Horn Book Magazine praised Harper's illustrations, noting that they make the most of a limited palette and simple shapes, inviting readers into an artist's notebook. With a little imagination and some paper, "nothing can become quite something," they remarked. School Library Journal also lauded the book, praising its easy-to-read text with exclamatory speech bubbles and pictorial antics, which will tickle funny bones in this off-kilter circular story.

In conclusion, "I Cannot Draw a Horse" and its companion title, "The Horse Wants a Bicycle," are must-reads for children and adults alike. Through the whimsical tale of the Horse's quest for a bicycle and the Book's imaginative journey, these books impart valuable lessons about creativity, determination, and the transformative power of imagination. Charise Mericle Harper's delightful illustrations and engaging narrative make these books a joy to explore, leaving readers with a sense of wonder and a newfound appreciation for the magic that can be created from nothing.

Weight: 516g
Dimension: 262 x 265 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781454945956