A lovely metaphor for life. The little girl phones her dad to ask him to help her learn to ride her bike. (This is probably a separated family and mum is too busy.) Dad arrives and they take the bike to the park. Sophie is frightened of falling, but dad takes his time and talks to her reassuringly: 'the freedom to go wherever you please and to know you can get yourself there, that must be worth a few little knocks and the odd little bruise or two. But if you're not ready, we'll wait awhile - whatever you want to do.' When Sophie is ready and takes off happily, daddy suddenly realises his little girl is growing up and that it's 'awfully difficult letting go'. They end up knowing they will do the 'letting go' together. Wonderful rhyming text and lovely watercolour illustrations make this memorable and special.