Start ‘Em Young, Star ‘Em Right: Children’s Picture Book Out In Stores Now!
Start your kids young and raise them right with Paul Owen Lewis’ ‘MotoMice’, a children’s picture book about a “diverse group of riders joining up on their way to a rally that promotes acceptance of the positive aspects of motorcycling and harmoniously bringing together disparate groups of riders”.
(Image: Amazon)
Combining his love for motorcycles and writing, Lewis came to the idea of unity between riders when he bought his very first bike – a Honda CB400F – while saving money to go to an art school.
(Image: Paul Owen Lewis)
“Besides falling in love with riding for its own sake,” Lewis explained, “I soon discovered the other riders out there were nothing like the sullen, angry-at-the-establishment types Hollywood always portrayed.
“”Instead, every rider I encountered in the real world, whose appearance, background and occupations varied widely, proved accepting and friendly. It quickly became apparent that I hadn’t just purchased a motorcycle, I had joined a family.”
(Image: Paul Owen Lewis)
The characters in MotoMice are much like the different types of riders in real life. In this representation, Lewis aims to teach his young audience about unity and diversity and how different kinds of people can “co-exist in like-minded fellowship”.
The protagonist, Rat, rides a Shovelhead and embodies the classic biker, while Ma and Pa are a middle-aged touring couple. A female sportbiker named Roxy is also known as Rocket Girl while Sparky is a green-minded e-bike enthusiast. The overall vibe of the book creates an open environment for its readers to come into acceptance about who they are and what it could mean when they enter a community with the same passion for riding.
“Motorcycles are complex objects, and drawing them convincingly was the most challenging,” said Lewis on the challenge of making the artwork, “especially since I wanted to include details that actual motorcyclists would recognize and appreciate.”
For a “kid-like appearance”, some aspects of the motorcycles were exaggerated and disproportioned. Although, we reckon it would still be better than what we can come up with.
MotoMice is available in Amazon for only $16.99.
The blurb says, “Ride with the MotoMice to discover what bikers everywhere know when you re on a motorcycle, you re part of the family. Not just for motorcyclist riders and their children, MotoMice will inspire everyone who knows that, despite our outward differences, we are all one in our essence.”