The Quick Six Interview with Steven Herrick on Zoe, Max and the Bicycle Bus

Steven Herrick is the author of twenty-five books for children and young adults. He has twice won the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and his books have been shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards on nine occasions. He is widely recognised as a pioneer of the verse-novel for children and young adults. In 2019, his novel ‘by the river’ won the Katholischer Jugendbuchpreis, and the prestigious Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany.

He has also written nine travel books on his cycling adventures in Europe and Asia, including the best-selling ‘baguettes and bicycles’ – an account of cycling across France and over numerous Tour de France mountains on his trusty bicycle called Craig (named after a certain weight-loss guru).

Steven spends six months of the year visiting schools in Australia talking about his children’s books; three months writing a new book; and three months on his bicycle.

For further information, visit www.stevenherrick.com.au

WHO wrote and published this book?

Steven Herrick – author. UQP – publisher.

WHAT is it called and what is it about? What is your favourite part of this book?

‘Zoe, Max and the Bicycle Bus’ is a verse-novel about a bunch of primary school children who want to ride their bicycles to school.

My favourite part is the relationship between their teacher, Ms Dillon and the children.

WHEN is its release / launch date?

The book was published in October 2020.

WHERE did the inspiration for this book come from?

I’ve always loved cycling and the sense of freedom and independence it offers. I also admire the way teachers establish relationships with their students that hinge upon creativity, learning, and humanity.

WHY is this book meaningful to you and why would its message resonate with readers?

Because we all need to create a safe environment for our children – both physically and spiritually.

HOW have you promoted this book and how can we find it?

I’ve written an article for The Guardian and been interviewed on various ABC radio programs. And, of course, I’ve visited lots of schools!