Spokes Blows a Tire is the third book in my children’s series – and I’m the writer, illustrator and publisher. In this story, Spokes the Wheel takes you on a journey to explain how its tire blew! Spokes has big emotions, and in this case, those emotions caused an explosion. But now Spokes has uncovered a method to manage huge feelings and is here to show you how to stay cool no matter what comes your way!
Dive in
Released in November 2025, Spokes Blows a Tire is the third book in the Spokes Series – following Muddy Spokes and Speedy Spokes. Spokes is always getting into something, isn’t that right? And this third story is no different. This time, Spokes lets you in on a little secret about big emotions. They’re good to have because it means we’re living life to the fullest – but, we have to know how to manage them or else they take over and cause havoc! Have no fear, though, because Spokes has come up with an easy method to stay cool no matter how fast your pressure is rising.
Why I wrote the Book
It’s a no-brainer! Speedy Spokes is inspired by my son, so can you guess who inspired Spokes Blows a Tire? My daughter! She’s a kid who has the astonishingly hilarious ability to go from 0 to 100 – FAST! You know what I’m talking about, right? Something doesn’t go as planned and BOOM, there’s an explosion! I think this is an all-too-common reality for a lot of us with big emotions. So, I wrote a story about it. Just like my daughter has learned how to stay cool in tough moments, you can too – with the help of your friend, Spokes and this wheel’s clever new method.
Who it’s for
Spokes Blows a Tire is for children aged 4-10. It’s a fun and comical read, but also one that sparks new and important conversations around big emotions, feelings and our ability to self-regulate. You’re never too young to start talking about these things and learning how to manage yourself in all kinds of situations.
For teachers and educators, consider stocking this book in your school libraries and reading it in your classrooms. I am always happy to do author visits, readings, in-school talks and presentations to go along with my literature.
The storyline
Spokes is a bicycle wheel with big emotions. One day, a few too many things didn’t go Spokes’ way and the pressure inside its hub began to rise. And rise and rise. Finally, it was too much to bear and Spokes blew a tire!
Do you ever feel like your emotions get the better of you and you want to explode? Well, you’re not alone.
Big emotions are a good thing, but we have to know how to manage them too. That’s what Spokes uncovers in this story – a surefire method you can use to keep your cool when your pressure is on the rise.
Giving back
Part of all proceeds from Spokes Blows a Tire will be donated to children’s charities. I donate to a variety of causes including medical care, health, food, education and extracurriculars.
In other words, when you buy a copy of Speedy Spokes, you can feel good about knowing you’re making a small difference somewhere in the world.
I offer volume discounts to schools and other organizations. If you’d like a visit from me, I am more than happy to facilitate author meet-and-greets, readings and presentations that revolve around Spokes’ key message about empowering yourself in everyday life by knowing exactly how to self-regulate and manage your emotions.