Five Mile, May 2026, 24 pp., $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781923457720
Swap/trade/barter groups have been springing up all over in recent times. For many communities this is a terrific way to share abundance and cut down on expenses in supermarkets and stores. And it doesn’t hurt to start early finding about the power of barter.
Bella wants a bicycle. Dad explains that bikes are expensive, so just maybe they can ‘grow’ one. Bella is quite dubious but readers will love to follow this journey from one radish seed to a lemon, from lemonade to a t-shirt and onwards with each trade just a little better until finally, Bella has indeed grown a bicycle.
I can envisage a whole class, or even school, ‘swap meet’ at some point following on from this one and it would be fascinating what children can come up because usually they are quite inventive entrepeneurs!! It’s a great subtle lesson in having goals, perseverance and being creative. It’s a 4 🚲🚲🚲🚲for readers around 6-8.
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