Franklin Rides a Bike (2 page)

“I’m going to fall,” he said, and he stopped pedalling.

“Riding a bicycle is difficult,” said his mother.  “But you can’t give up just because it’s frustrating.”

“It’s too hard for me,” said Franklin. “It was easy for my friends.”

“Do you think
everything
comes easily for them?” she asked.

Franklin had to think about that.

Franklin went to the park.

He saw Beaver struggling to swing on the monkey bars. Each time she got to the third rung, she fell into the sand below.

“No, Beaver,” said Bear. “Do it like this. It’s easy.”

“Easy for you,” said Beaver.

She tried one more time and fell again.

“Maybe tomorrow,” Beaver grumbled.

Franklin remembered when Badger learned to swim. She was afraid to put her head under water.

“It’s easy,” said Franklin. “Just do it!”

Badger had spluttered and cried. It took her a long time to feel good in the water. Now she could swim from one end of the pond to the other.

Franklin thought about the first time Fox played baseball.

He couldn’t hit the ball at all. But he tried and tried until, one day, Fox got a home run.

Just then, Porcupine came by.

She moved
very
slowly. She pointed to the pads on her knees, wrists and elbows.

“They make me feel funny,” she said, “but they keep me safe.”

“That’s it!” cried Franklin. He hurried home.

Franklin put on padding. He lined the walk with old pillows.

“I’m ready to try again,” Franklin told his mother. “Now, I won’t worry if I fall.”

Franklin sat on his bike, and his mother held on to the seat.

Franklin wibbled and wobbled, and teetered and tottered.

He fell many times but he never gave up.

Then it happened. Franklin told his mother to let go. He didn’t veer into the bushes, and he didn’t crash.

“Way to go!” cheered his mother.

Franklin was thrilled. Finally, he was riding his bike all by himself.

“I can do it!” he shouted.

Franklin rode to the park to show his friends.