A PICTURE BOOK BY MARLEY BLONSKY · ILLUSTRATED BY PIP CLAFFEY
Riding bikes is for everyone. It's more fun together.
The Ragtag Best Friends Bicycle Club is a joyful picture book for ages 4–8 about a group of kids who don't look like "typical cyclists" and who discover that riding your own way is a superpower.
Meet the Club
Maisie loves her bike. She's not the fastest rider around, and that's okay. Together with her sister Zoe and their new friends Tito, Jayden and Layla, Maisie explores, adventures and finds out that going fast was never the point. Riding her own way is her superpower, and she's bringing everyone along for the ride.
Racing, adventuring, popping wheelies, riding to a friend's house or pedaling off in search of ice cream: every kind of riding counts. The Ragtag Best Friends Bicycle Club is a celebration of community, friendship and the pure joy of bikes, for every kid who's ever wondered whether they belong.
"This book is the story I wish I'd had as a kid. It's for every child who's ever felt left out or doubted whether they belong, on a bike, in sport, or anywhere else." — Marley
AGES 4–8 · PICTURE BOOK · STRONG GIRL PUBLISHING · APRIL 2026 · ISBN 9781998743025 · $14.99 USD / $19.99 CAD
What Readers Are Saying
"A bright and busy celebration of differences and commonalities."
Kirkus Reviews
"After you read Ragtag Best Friends Bicycle Club, you'll want to be part of a Ragtag Best Friends Bicycle Club — and I encourage you to make it happen!"
Bill Strickland, author and editorial director, Hearst Enthusiast Group
"It widens the picture, makes space, and reminds young readers that there is no one right way to do what you love."
BikeRumor
Bring the club home
Grab a copy for the little rider in your life, your classroom, or your local library. Buying from an independent bookstore or bike shop helps keep those community spaces rolling.
Also available at Prevelo and PoCampo, and wherever books are sold. Ask your local bookstore to order it by ISBN 9781998743025.
FOR SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES
Invite Marley to your school!
Bring the joy of bikes (and a whole lot of giggles) to your classroom, library or community event. Marley's author visits are interactive, high-energy and built around one big idea: there's no one right way to ride, to play, or to be yourself.
Read-aloud + Q&A about writing, bikes and being brave
Design your own bike club: kids create a club name, badge and motto
A perfect fit for Bike to School Day, Safe Routes to School and bike rodeos
Virtual visits available anywhere
Great for grades K–3, libraries, PTAs, family nights and community festivals. Ask about bulk pricing for class sets.
Stock the Book in your Shop
Bookstores, bike shops and gift shops: The Ragtag Best Friends Bicycle Club makes a perfect counter book, holiday gift or add-on with a kid's first bike. Marley is happy to visit for signings, storytimes and family rides that bring new faces through your door.
ISBN 9781998743025 · Wholesale: Order Direct
MSRP: $14.99 USD/$19.99 CAD
The People Behind the Pages
Marley Blonsky
Marley is a speaker, author and movement-builder who believes bikes are for every body. She's the co-founder and executive director of All Bodies on Bikes, a national nonprofit making cycling more welcoming for people of all sizes, backgrounds and abilities. Marley was named Bicycling's 2023 Rider of the Year and Outside's 2024 Outsider of the Year, and her work has been featured on the TODAY Show and in The Washington Post. She lives in Portland, Oregon.
Pip Claffey
Pip Claffey is a freelance illustrator based in the North West of England. Pip's background spans graphic design, printmaking, and illustration for children's books, websites and magazines. Before going freelance, Pip worked as a designer at Liverpool Football Club, delivering projects in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines. Clients include Strong Girl Publishing, Canyon Bicycles and The River Trust.
Ride Like the Club
The book inspired a whole SHREDLY collection, with a signature kit for grown-ups and matching Littles Shorts for kids. Now the whole family can ride Ragtag-style.