Joseph's Big Ride

Joseph's Big Ride

Picture book
Children are children, often with wishes and dreams different
from ours. This can be true even in dire and dangerous situations and
confusing and frightening transitions. Terry Farish's Joseph's Big
Ride, illustrated in bold, vivid colors by Ken Daley, is a very much
needed reminder of this for parents and a touch stone of similarity
for kids from diverse backgrounds.
As the story opens Joseph, who lives in a refugee camp with his
mother, yearns to be able to ride a bicycle. A big boy named Daau
owns one. Whenever he lets Joseph try it out his legs are too short.
Joseph helps Daau maintain his bike while he waits patiently.
"Tomorrow, hey."
Only before Joseph is tall enough to reach the pedals he and his
mother fly to America. Many things are different in his new world.
But one thing is the same. A neighbor owns a beautiful red bicycle--
one that might actually be small enough for him.
Now how can he get the owner, a girl in his new school, to let
him try it out?
On a personal note, it is the day before the UMaine dance marathon.
Saturday a big group will be dancing twelve hours (1 p.m. to 1 a.m.)
to raise money for Children's Miracle Network. I have over $100 in
sponsorship. It's my 4th year! This year we have a carnival theme.
I hope this means cotton candy and sno cones. Mother nature is
predicted to have an April Fools joke in store for Maine: another
snow storm.
A great big shout out goes out to all organizers, participants, and
sponsors. I hope we raise a lot of money and everyone has a good time.
jules hathaway


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