The Bicycle Man

The Bicycle Man, by Allen Say

Allen Say is a living national treasure, both for his art and for the stories he tells with his art. Say grew up in Japan and lived through World War II there. "Bicycle Man" tells the true story of two G.I.'s in occupied Japan, right after the War, who as tourists come upon Say's school as it's celebrating its annual community sports day. What could have been an awkward or unpleasant encounter is, thanks to Say, a paean to the best in all of us. Do read this short picture book.