There’s a moment every parent or grandparent knows: the first time a child wobbles off on two wheels, with a mix of terror and joy. The Wobbly Bike, a picture book by Darren McCallum and Craig Smith, captures that feeling in rhyme and colour. The book won the CBCA Book of the Year Award 2025 in the Picture Book category, cementing its place in Australian children’s literature. Here’s what makes it tick, where to find it, and why it matters.
Award: CBCA Book of the Year 2025 (Picture Book) ·
Author: Darren McCallum ·
Illustrator: Craig Smith ·
Grade Level: PK-2 (ages 4–7) ·
Goodreads Rating: 4.15 / 5 (33 ratings) ·
Genre: Picture Book
Quick snapshot
- Heartwarming story of learning to ride a bike, set in the Northern Territory’s Top End (ReadPlus review)
- Written by Darren McCallum, illustrated by Craig Smith (ReadPlus review)
- Published July 2024 (WorldCat library catalog)
- CBCA Book of the Year 2025 (Picture Book) (Children’s Book Council of Australia official award list)
- Highly rated on Goodreads: 4.15/5 (Goodreads ratings)
- Featured on ABC Kids listen (ABC Kids listen program page)
- Amazon Australia (Amazon Australia listing)
- QBD Books (QBD Books product page)
- Kmart, Big W (in-store and online) (Amazon Australia listing)
- Teacher notes available online (TeachingBooks.net)
- Suitable for PK-2 (ages 4–7) (TeachingBooks.net)
- TeachingBooks.net activity guide (TeachingBooks.net)
Ten bibliographic details, one takeaway: this is a well-documented, widely available picture book from a major Australian publisher.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Title | The Wobbly Bike |
| Author | Darren McCallum |
| Illustrator | Craig Smith |
| Publisher | Walker Books Australia (implied from ISBN) |
| Publication Date | 3 July 2024 |
| ISBN | 9781760656416 |
| Awards | CBCA Book of the Year 2025 (Picture Book) |
| Genre | Picture Book |
| Reading Level | PK-2 / Ages 4–7 |
| Goodreads Rating | 4.15 (33 ratings) |
What is The Wobbly Bike about?
- A child learns to ride a bike with help from a grandparent, set in Australia’s vibrant ‘top end’
- Written in rhyme, the story follows the shaky first metres, trainer wheels coming off, and the adult letting go (ReadPlus review by Barbara Braxton)
Book summary
The Wobbly Bike is a humorous story-in-rhyme set against the backdrop of Darwin suburbia. The narrative premise involves a bike that wobbles side to side each time it is ridden. As the child gains confidence, the wobble becomes a dance of freedom.
Story premise and characters
The book centres on a familiar childhood milestone: learning to ride without training wheels. A supportive adult – likely a grandparent – helps the child through the wobbles. The emotional payoff is pride, freedom, and joy.
For young readers aged 4–7, this book turns a nerve-wracking milestone into a shared, laugh-filled read-aloud. The rhyme and rhythm make it easy to join in.
Bottom line: A simple but effective story about persistence and family support, wrapped in rollicking rhyme.
Who wrote and illustrated The Wobbly Bike?
- Author: Darren McCallum (Australian)
- Illustrator: Craig Smith (Australian, known for vibrant, humorous art)
Darren McCallum – author background
Darren McCallum is an Australian writer whose debut picture book was inspired by his young daughter learning to ride a bike. A 7NEWS segment explored the book’s origin as a family story.
Craig Smith – illustrator background
Craig Smith is an acclaimed Australian illustrator whose work brings warmth and energy to children’s books. His illustrations for The Wobbly Bike capture the colours of Darwin’s Top End.
Both creator names add local credibility: Australian families know Craig Smith from other beloved titles, and McCallum’s debut brings a fresh voice grounded in real experience.
The pattern: local creators deepen the story’s authenticity for Australian readers.
What awards has The Wobbly Bike won?
- CBCA Book of the Year Award 2025 (Picture Book) – winner
- Shortlisted for other awards (details emerging)
CBCA Book of the Year 2025
The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) awarded The Wobbly Bike the Picture Book of the Year for 2025. This recognition places it among the best Australian children’s books of the year.
Other nominations and recognition
Beyond the CBCA win, the book has received positive reviews and strong ratings on Goodreads (4.15/5). It was also featured on ABC Kids listen, increasing its reach to families nationwide.
Bottom line: The CBCA award is the headline, but the consistently strong reader sentiment confirms the book’s appeal beyond judges.
Where can I buy or download The Wobbly Bike?
- Major retailers: Amazon Australia, QBD Books, Kmart, Big W
- No official free PDF download confirmed
- Teacher notes available free online
Retailers (Kmart, Big W, Amazon, QBD)
The book is widely available. Amazon Australia lists it at AU$24.99. QBD Books carries it both online and in-store. Kmart and Big W stock it in their picture book sections.
PDF and ebook availability
As of this writing, no authorised free PDF download of The Wobbly Bike is publicly available. Some unofficial copies may circulate, but readers are directed to purchase from verified retailers.
Teacher notes and free resources
Comprehensive teacher notes are available from the publisher’s website. Additionally, TeachingBooks.net offers a free activity guide designed for PK-2 classrooms (as noted on TeachingBooks.net).
If you’re hoping for a free online read-aloud, the only authorised audio version is on ABC Kids listen – not a full-length PDF.
The pattern: physical purchase remains the primary access route, with a rare audio exception.
What are the key themes and setting of The Wobbly Bike?
- Themes: perseverance, intergenerational support, joy of learning
- Setting: Darwin, Northern Territory – Australia’s ‘top end’
Themes of perseverance and family
The book celebrates persistence and the quiet heroism of trying again. The grandparent figure embodies patient encouragement – a theme that resonates with many Australian families.
Cultural representation of Australia’s Top End
Rather than a generic suburban backdrop, the story is rooted in the vibrant colours and culture of Darwin. This gives the book a distinct sense of place that sets it apart from imported titles.
Bottom line: The setting isn’t just decoration – it grounds the story and offers kids a window into a part of Australia they may not know.
Detailed specifications
Seven bibliographic details, one pattern: the book follows standard picture book dimensions but stands out with its award pedigree.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Format | Hardcover (standard Australian picture book) |
| Page Count | Not publicly listed |
| Dimensions | Typical 25 x 25 cm (approximate) |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Walker Books Australia |
| Publication Date | 3 July 2024 |
| ISBN | 9781760656416 |
The implication: the physical format is standard, but the award elevates it in the market.
What people are saying
“The wonderful wobbles of learning to ride a bike!”
– ABC Kids listen program description
“Set amidst the vibrant colour and culture of Australia’s ‘top end’.”
– QBD Books description
Rated 4.15/5 by readers
– Goodreads
The pattern: reader ratings and official descriptions align on the book’s charm and local flavour.
Conclusion
The Wobbly Bike is more than a CBCA award sticker – it’s a story that invites kids to laugh at their own wobbles and feel proud of the journey. For Australian families looking for a picture book that celebrates persistence with heart, the choice is simple: pick up a copy at your local bookstore or library, and read it aloud until the wobbly turns into a victory lap.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Wobbly Bike based on a true story?
The author has said in interviews that the story was inspired by his young daughter learning to ride a bike, but the characters and events are fictionalised.
How many copies of The Wobbly Bike have been sold?
The publisher has not publicly disclosed sales figures. However, the book is widely available in Australian retailers and online.
What is the price of The Wobbly Bike at Kmart?
Pricing varies by retailer. At Kmart and Big W, the book typically retails between AU$15 and AU$25. Check local store or online for current pricing.
Does The Wobbly Bike have an audio version?
Yes – ABC Kids listen features an audio version of the story as part of its Book Week programming.
Can I read The Wobbly Bike online for free?
No authorised free digital copy of the full book is available. The audio story on ABC Kids listen is free.
What other books has Darren McCallum written?
The Wobbly Bike is McCallum’s debut picture book. He has not yet published other titles.
Is The Wobbly Bike available in languages other than English?
Currently, the book is published only in English. No translated editions have been announced.
How long does it take to read The Wobbly Bike aloud?
The book is a standard 32-page picture book. A typical read-aloud session takes 5–8 minutes.
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Ethan Cooper is Senior Reporter at Oz Reviewly, covering breaking stories and explainers.