Noodles on a Bicycle

Author Kyo Maclear Illustrated by Gracey Zhang

Grades Pre-K-3 Ages 4-8

A vibrant historical picture book about Tokyo's bicycle food deliverers, or demae, who balanced towering trays of steaming hot noodles on their shoulders while navigating crowded city streets.

A CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK • A Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book • A BOOKPAGE, KIRKUS REVIEWS, AND HORN BOOK BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

When the deliverymen set off in the morning, the children wait for the flicker of pedal and wheel. It's the demae-- delivery men-- setting off to deliver steaming trays of noodles to hungry customers all over the city. They are acrobats: whizzing past other bicycles, soaring around curves, avoiding the black smoke of motorcycles. When the children see them, they want to be them. And so they practice with bowls of wobbling water stacked on trays. The day passes, and, finally, exhausted, the demae return home, to their families, and, yes, to steaming bowls of noodles.

This beautifully crafted, visually exciting story by a powerhouse author and illustrator team is sure to be adored by food lovers, young and old.

Available Formats

Hardcover 9780593706084
Hardcover Library Binding 9780593706091
eBook 9780593706107

Awards

Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books - SELECTION 2024

Caldecott Honor Book - HONOR 2025

Featured In

Random House Children's Books Teachers and Librarians