Noodles on a Bicycle: (Caldecott Honor Book)

A vibrant historical picture book about Tokyo's bicycle food deliverers, or demae, who balanced towering trays of steaming hot noodles on their shoulders while navigating crowded city streets.

A CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK - A Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book - A BOOKPAGE, KIRKUS REVIEWS, AND HORN BOOK BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

When the deliverymen set off in the morning, the children wait for the flicker of pedal and wheel. It's the demae-- delivery men-- setting off to deliver steaming trays of noodles to hungry customers all over the city. They are acrobats: whizzing past other bicycles, soaring around curves, avoiding the black smoke of motorcycles. When the children see them, they want to be them. And so they practice with bowls of wobbling water stacked on trays. The day passes, and, finally, exhausted, the demae return home, to their families, and, yes, to steaming bowls of noodles.

This beautifully crafted, visually exciting story by a powerhouse author and illustrator team is sure to be adored by food lovers, young and old.

Author: Kyo Maclear
Publisher: Random House Studio
Published: 08/27/2024
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 10.70h x 10.60w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780593706084
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.2
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 553443 / Noodles on a Bicycle


Award: Caldecott Medal - Honor Book


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 05/06/2024
Kirkus Reviews 06/15/2024
School Library Journal 07/12/2024 pg. 1
Horn Book Magazine 09/01/2024 pg. 52
BookPage 09/01/2024
Shelf Awareness 09/05/2024
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2024 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style

About the Author
Kyo Maclear is a critically acclaimed author whose books have received starred reviews, appeared on numerous "Best of" lists, and been published in multiple languages around the world. The Big Bath House received five starred reviews and landed on many best of the year lists. One of her picture books, Virginia Wolf, has been adapted for the stage, and another, Julia, Child, is currently being adapted into an animated television series.

Gracey Zhang received the Caldecott Honor for Noodles on a Bicycle. She also received the Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator Award for her debut picture book, Lala's Words. Gracey illustrated The Big Bath House, which received five starred reviews; Nigel and The Moon, a Jumpstart Read for the Record selection; and The Upside Down Hat, which was a The New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of 2022. She is a renowned illustrator, author, and animator with a BFA in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design.