Marcel Moves Mountains by Jeff Lappin, illustrated by Jeremy Madl ages 4-8 44 pages Endurance Entertainment June 2001 Library Binding     Marcel has a goal. He, like most other kids, wants to grow up and ride a bike, and Marcel Moves Mountains! tells about his quest to save up for his own mountain bike. With delightful and boldly colored illustrations by Jeremy Madi, author Jeff Lappin takes us along for the “ride” as Marcel goes from crib to backyard riding path to mountain bike trail. Little Marcel starts out small, learning to stand and get his balance, then ride a bigwheel around the backyard before graduating up to a real bike and proper equipment. He goes riding with friends and with mom and dad and finds creative ways to save up money for his mountain bike. All along the way, he keeps his eyes on the prize and shows that even kids can “move mountains” when they stay focused and work towards their goals. Throughout the book, Marcel asks the reader questions that help kids pay closer attention to what they are reading, and the author includes two pages of biking tips and a biking glossary in the back of the book. These extras make the book more than just a fun read, allowing parents to use Marcel’s story as a chance to teach kids about bike safety and help them understand the underlying theme of the power of focus, and staying with a dream long enough to see the end result. And with little Marcel leading the way, kids can enjoy the ride even as they are learning to climb the mountains they will one day face in their own lives.     web reviews   Marie D. Jones/2005 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)