As summer coasts into its final stretch and families prepare for busier school-day routines, children are squeezing in every last ride—feeling the breeze, exploring the neighborhood, and discovering the freedom that comes with two wheels. But the moment a child pushes off, that growing independence must share the road with something equally important: responsibility.

A properly fitted helmet, an understanding of the rules, and an awareness of the world around them do more than protect young riders—they teach children to make smart choices, look out for others, and navigate every ride with greater confidence. Because when safety becomes second nature, fun does not have to hit the brakes.

And so, one guitar-strumming Brooklyn dad is transforming the timeless rite of learning to ride into a joyful read-aloud—capturing the movement, music, and shared wonder that make bicycle culture a journey the whole family can join.

Musician & Best-Selling Children’s Book Author, Dan Saks, joins our John Masiulionis and Little Forrest on Episode #281 of PR From The Heart’s Children’s Books Spotlight Series to share his inspiring journey from touring stages and music-therapy sessions to crafting connection-centered KidLit that helps children and families learn, laugh, and grow together, the release of his debut picture book, On Our Bikes (published by Rise x Penguin Workshop), the musical origins of the story and how a song from his popular kids’ podcast, Noodle Loaf, helped bring it to life, the importance of music education in early childhood development, how biking creates space to slow down, stay present, and share meaningful time as a family, his support for grassroots bike bus initiatives that help children ride to school safely together, and practical tips for making neighborhoods safer for kids—plus much more.

We encourage you, our friends and neighbors, to support Dan by getting your copies of On Our Bikes—and enjoying this empowering read with your little ones: https://bit.ly/4gxpthC.