Hippo Rides a Bike - Author Sue Graves

Trying something new isn't always easy—but every wobble is part of the journey.

In Hippo Rides a Bike, young readers join Hippo as he receives a brand-new bike for his birthday. Convinced he’ll master it instantly, Hippo quickly learns that riding a bike takes more than just excitement—it takes patience, practice, and persistence. With encouragement from Aunty Hippo, he learns that falling down is just part of learning something new.

This relatable and encouraging story helps children navigate frustration, build resilience, and understand that mistakes are a natural part of growth. It includes thoughtful activity ideas and conversation starters to support emotional development.

Recommended age: 3–7+ years
Ideal for: home reading, EYFS and KS1 classrooms, PSHE discussions on perseverance and emotions.

Why we—and schools—love it:

• Teaches perseverance: Encourages children to keep trying even when things feel hard.
• Builds emotional vocabulary: Helps little ones talk about frustration, self-doubt, and achievement.
• Curriculum-aligned: Supports EYFS and KS1 goals for emotional literacy, confidence, and growth mindset.