A wheely good Book Week adventure

IMAGINE reading the news that a man was seen rolling down the hill into Buninyong, on what was imagined to be the first velocipede in the Ballarat area.

This very early cycling incident was reported on page two of The Ballarat Star on Tuesday 27 April, 1869, and last week current-day children got a taste of the sort of excitement and sense of adventure that report must have generated.

To celebrate Children’s Book Week 2025 at Sovereign Hill, local students took a ride back through time to explore yesteryear cycling at its, sometimes, wobbly best.

Their exploration of all things cycling slipped into gear nicely with this year’s Book Week theme of Book an Adventure! encouraging children to explore new worlds, meet unforgettable characters, and unlock their imaginations through reading.

“From our collection we are sharing an exhibition of bikes and other items which date back over 140 years,” Sovereign Hill head of learning Sofia Fiusco said.

“Students can see the Velocipede-Penny Farthing circa 1870, Salvo Tricycle from 1885, Quayle Ladies Bicycle 1918 and the Quayle Racing Bicycle circa 1940, a bicycle repair kit and a bicycle board game.

“Our Quayle bicycles are very special as they were made locally by Quayle’s in Doveton Street North.

“Each of the collection items are accompanied by photos, articles or quotes to tell the story of the bicycle, its impact and what people thought at the time.

“These are wonderful records of the past allowing us to think about how we respond to innovation.”

The students completed the program with a special Book Week activity, and this year it was all about the Wobbly Cyclist as they delved into the picture book world of The Wobbly Bike by Darren McCallum and Craig Smith.

“It’s a charming tale that captures the joy, freedom, and growing independence that comes from learning to ride a bike,” Ms Fiusco said.

“We remember the pride when our training wheels came off and being brave as we moved to a bigger bike.

“Bikes, often gifted at milestones like birthdays or Christmas, become symbols of childhood adventure, perfectly aligning with this year’s theme.”

The occasion, which was well-appreciated by the students – who had no shortage of cycling-themed questions and comments – also marked the 80th anniversary of the Book Week event.