Grammy Award-winning guitarist Michael Ward has created "Mike and the Bike," a children's book and CD intended to share the joys of cycling with young riders. On July 21, he visited kids at St. Vincent de Paul Center, 2145 N. Halsted St., to read (and sing a few songs) from his book, which chronicles the adventures of a young boy and his beloved bicycle. He encourages youngsters to take up the sport for a very simple reason — because it's fun.
Ward was encouraged to undertake the project by his good friend Lance Armstrong, who contributed the foreword to the book. Illustrated in a retro-contemporary style by Bob Thomson, "Mike and the Bike" rhymes its way from Mike discovering his bike through our hero enjoying adventures around the world and back home – where he goes to bed wearing his helmet, ready for the next day. The book is accompanied by a 30-minute music CD featuring original songs composed and performed by Ward and his son, Tennessee, and a special narration by the “Voice of Cycling” Phil Liggett.
“I created "Mike and the Bike" as a way for parents to help introduce their children to the fun and fitness of cycling. The story – and the up-tempo rock songs accompanying the book – are written for both children and adults to enjoy. Introducing my son Tennessee, now six years old, to the sport has been a highlight of my life. Helping inspire children to discover the world of cycling would be a dream come true,” said Ward.
"Mike and the Bike" is published by Cookie Jar Publishing, the book division of the Cookie Jar Group. |
