Special Kids Book Reading at the East Side Ride
Be sure to bring your kids, nephews, nieces or even just those who are young at heart to the East Side Ride as we celebrate when cycling and books come together in the delightful children’s story Monsieur Albert Rides to Glory.
This unlikely hero, aged 70, opens up children to the possibilities of anything, relishing in his newfound popularity and rising to the challenge of the world’s most famous and heartbreaking cycling race. It’s a beautiful ballad of proving others wrong, something children spend so much of their formative years actually doing, which is why we suspect Grandparents and kids have a lot in common.
With fantastic illustrations by Bob Graham to accompany the poetic text by Peter Smith, Monsieur Albert is a rewarding read for young and old. Come along to the East Side Ride on Sunday the 25th of May and purchase a copy of the book from Abbey’s Bookstores who’ll be there on the day. Then make your way over to a special kids reading of Monsieur Albert Rides to Glory by Playschool’s very own Zindzi Okenyo.
Then, dust off those corduroys and patched tweed jackets, and begin cycling on your very own Le Tour De Imagination!
Who: Monsieur Albert Rides to Glory
What: Special Kids Reading by Zindzi Okeny
Where: East Side Ride
When: 1:30pm Sunday 25th of May
About Bob
Illustrator Bob Graham was born in Sydney, and studied painting, drawing and design at the Julian Ashton Art School where he met his future wife Carolyn. They had two children, Naomi and Pete, and a dog called Oscar. Bob has written and illustrated around 35 picture books, and illustrated as many again for other authors. His books are known for their charm, simplicity and humour, and have won countless awards in Australia and overseas, including five Childrens Book Council of Australia awards and the Kate Greenaway Medal.
About Peter
Peter Smith was born and grew up in England, but at age 19 came to Australia with his sister Carol. Pete is a dedicated cyclist, having ridden from Sydney to Melbourne and from Sydney to the Gold Coast among other trips, and works in Abbey’s bookshop in Sydney. He is Bob Graham’s brother-in-law.
About Zindzi
As many other little Australians do, I grew up watching Play School. I remember the lovely faces of Benita, George, Noni and Trish helping me make things out of cardboard rolls and teaching me songs. It was so exciting to get the job as a presenter on the show and the excitement hasn’t quite stopped!
I love working with Jemima especially (don’t tell the other toys), making tricky little crafty things and of course singing is always a delight. On Play School there is always something special made out of a simple idea and it’s admirable the show has kept its integrity over 45 years.
I am a NIDA trained actor and I’ve worked all over Australia in theatre but this is my first television job. I’m also a singer/songwriter. It’s an honour being a part of this show because I know how much children enjoy it and how much they can learn from the fun we all have together.