How Mr. Felix Entered a Bicycle Race Review: Enjoy the Moments with Mr. Felix

 

"It was fun to race, but all I wanted was to cool off and enjoy the day."

Sometimes the most memorable stories are the ones that feel delightfully odd, and How Mr. Felix Entered a Bicycle Race by Peter Svetina is exactly that kind of book. 

The story introduces readers to the wonderfully unusual Mr. Felix, a man who enjoys the simple quirks of life. He lives comfortably among boxes in his home and carefully braids his beard, giving him an air of quiet eccentricity. While he may seem a bit odd, Mr. Felix is far from unlikable, his warmth and friendliness quickly win over those around him. 

One day, quite by accident, Mr. Felix finds himself at the starting line of a bicycle race. The only problem is he doesn’t have a bicycle. Fortunately, someone is happy to lend him a rusty one, and just like that, he decides to join the race. What follows is a race unlike any other. 

Mr. Felix rides with astonishing speed, quickly catching up to the pack and even taking the lead. But winning the race doesn’t seem to be his top priority. Along the way, he pauses to enjoy a refreshing glass of lemonade, reads his newspaper, and even stops to take a swim in a nearby pond, stripping down to his underwear and diving in simply because the moment feels right. Meanwhile, spectators and commentators are left stunned, cheering for the mysterious new cycling star who seems to appear and disappear throughout the race. 

The result is a story full of playful absurdity and unexpected turns. The back-and-forth rhythm of Mr. Felix racing ahead, getting distracted, and rejoining the race keeps readers entertained from beginning to end. Beneath the silliness, however, lies a lovely message: sometimes enjoying the moment matters more than winning a trophy. 

Mr. Felix himself is the heart of the story. His kindness, relaxed attitude, and quiet joy in life make him instantly lovable. The illustrations add even more charm, capturing both the humor of the situations and Mr. Felix’s easygoing personality. 

Despite being a picture book, the text is a bit heavier than typical books for very young readers. It works wonderfully as a read-aloud, though independent readers will likely need strong reading skills to tackle it on their own. Children around ages 8–9 should have little trouble enjoying it independently, while the younger age group will likely appreciate hearing it read aloud. 

Another small drawback is that most of the characters Mr. Felix interacts with are adults and young adults. Because the book is aimed at children, including a character closer to the reader’s age might have made it even more relatable. 

Still, the story shines with humor, warmth, and heart. It’s the kind of book that invites laughter while also sparking meaningful conversations about slowing down, enjoying life, and appreciating experiences beyond simply winning. 

With its silliness and thoughtful message, How Mr. Felix Entered a Bicycle Race is a delightful and memorable read, one that reminds us that sometimes the best part of the race is everything that happens along the way. 

Thank you to Albatros Media and NetGalley for providing me with the review copy.