Children’s Book Review: Meet Reba by Stephanie Wheeler

MEET REBA
By: Stephanie Wheeler
Illustrated by: Annika Chambers
Published: October 21, 2025
Publisher: Spinning Wheel Stories
Fiction

Reba is a fiercely independent rhinoceros. She likes to do things by herself, much like kids. Reba is clever and curious and can swing as high as the clouds…all by herself. Reba can tie her shoes, read books, and chase frisbees, but there is one thing Reba can’t do. Reba wants to try riding a bicycle.

Reba’s friend, the Giraffe, can ride a bike and makes it look so easy. Yet, every time Reba hops on the bike, she falls, “Oof.” Reba’s best friend, Olive the Oxpecker, even tries to help, but Reba wants to do it herself. Just when Reba is about to give up, Oive has a new suggestion. Will Reba finally be able to ride a bike?

Reba is much like kids who want to do things themselves and are resistant to taking help. But, Reba learns that encouragement and help from a friend is just what she needed. The end of the book explains the special and real relationship between rhinos and oxpeckers in nature. Oxpeckers perch on rhinos’ backs to snack on ticks and bugs and keep watch for approaching danger since rhinos can’t see very well. Rhinos and oxpeckers are a great team. This empowering story will remind your child that it is great to do things on their own, but it’s also okay to be part of a team, and working together can make things even easier.

Stephanie Wheeler is a wife, mom, writer, and co-founder of Spinning Wheel Stories. She lives in Massachusetts. She has a BA in English Literature from Bucknell University and an MFA in Creative Writing from Arizona State University. When she’s not writing, she enjoys making pottery, baking, and, like Reba, trying lots of new things. She especially likes going for bike rides with friends and family. This is her first published book.

Annika Chambers is an artist and illustrator living in sunny Phoenix, Arizona. She spent her childhood in South Africa, where she was homeschooled and grew a deep appreciation for art and nature. She has her BFA in painting and drawing from Arizona State University. Besides designing loveable characters, Annika enjoys thrifting for clothes, baking banana muffins, and spending time with her family. This is her first published book.

Click HERE for FREE Printables to go along with the story.

Click HERE to purchase a copy of MEET REBA

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Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.