Cover image for The Bicycle - Patricia McCormick and Mevan Babakar, Illustrated by Yas Imamura

The Bicycle

By Patricia McCormick and Mevan Babakar, Illustrated by Yas Imamura
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The true story of how a simple act of kindness changed a young refugee’s life – from award-winning author Patricia McCormick with Mevan Babakar.

For generations, Mevan and her family lived in their beloved Kurdistan. But when they are forced to flee by the Iraqi government, Mevan must leave everything behind. Her family travels from country to country in search of safety; and with each stop, Mevan feels more and more alone. Until … a stranger’s gift changes everything.

Based on Mevan Babakar’s own childhood, this is a moving reminder of how powerful just one act of kindness can be.

Chosen for EmpathyLab’s Read For Empathy Collection 2026

SHORTLISTED! Oxfordshire Book Awards – Picture Books category

LONGLISTED! Diverse Book Awards 2026

Author: Patricia McCormick , Mevan Babakar
Format: Paperback
Release Date: 13 Feb 2025
ISBN: 978-0-00-872039-1

Mevan Babakaris a social entrepreneur, writer, and poet. She was born in Kurdistan and is a former child refugee. Mevan serves as trustee for the UK for UNHCR, the UK arm of the UN refugee agency, and was selected as a 2023 European Obama Leader for her work in protecting democracy.

Patricia McCormickis a former journalist and a two-time National Book Award finalist whose books includeCut,Sold,Never Fall Down,The Plot to Kill Hitler, the young readers edition ofI Am Malala, and the award-winning picture bookSergeant Reckless: The True Story of the Little Horse Who Became a Hero. Patricia lives in New York, USA.

Yas Imamurais the acclaimed artist of picture books such asLove in the Libraryby Maggie Tokuda-Hall, andThe Very Oldest Pear Treeby Nancy I. Sanders. She currently lives and works in Portland, Oregon, USA.

"[An] absorbing, moving picture book" – The Guardian -

"A powerful story of resilience and hope" – Scope for Imaginationblog -

"A beautifully heartwarming story of the power of kindness.” – My Shelves Are Full blog -

“I really, really loved this book. […] My Mummy and I talked about how one simple act of kindness can change a person’s life. I hope I can continue to be this kind when I am a grown up.” – Noah, age 6, Books Up North -

"This poignant tale reminds us of the life-changing impact of kindness, offering young readers an inspiring glimpse into the refugee experience and the healing power of human connection" – Inis magazine -

"This moving story is definitely one of 2025's essential picture books… It truly shows the power of kindness and will generate such rich conversations in the classroom or in homes whilst reading. With beautiful illustrations too, this is a book you must read!” – Tom Griffiths, Check 'Em Out Books -

"[A] very special book to share and one that… primary schools should add to their library shelves." – World's Smallest Library -

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