Albert the Fix-it Man [Hardcover]

Janet Lord (Author), Julie Paschkis (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Albert is always on the lookout for things to fix. If a hinge is rusty, he oils it. If a roof is leaky, he repairs it. When Mr. Jensen s old green pickup needs a new motor, Albert hoists up the truck and drops it in. All his neighbors count on Albert to help them. He is never too busy or too tried to help.

But one day Albert is too sick to get out of bed. He s dizzy and his bones ache. When his neighbors find out, they all lend a hand to help Albert. Thanks to his friends, he is quickly on the mend.

Author Janet Lord s simple story of generosity repaid is complemented by artist Julie Paschkis s colorful, folk-style illustrations. The result is a timeless story for young children that celebrates the importance of helping others and demonstrates the value of community.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Albert’s neighbors call him the “Fix-It Man” because he can repair anything: Auntie Miller’s garden fence, Mr. Jensen’s old green truck, Akiko’s clothesline, Mrs. Peabody’s blue china cup. One morning Albert wakes up with a horrible cold, and when Sam the newspaper carrier learns that the Fix-It Man is under the weather, he calls for help. In a warm, closing spread, Albert enjoys the care and support of the many neighbors that he has helped. Lord’s rhythmic, simple text is perfectly cadenced for reading aloud, while Paschkis’ cheerful illustrations, filled with scrolling designs and smiling friends, reinforce the sense of the close, busy community working together. For a discussion about kindness and cooperation, link this with Ilene Cooper’s The Golden Rule (2007) or for a more environmentally focused theme, with Simms Taback’s Joseph Had a Little Overcoat (1999). Preschool-Grade 2. --Gillian Engberg

About the Author

JANET LORD earned her BA in graphic arts and advertising from Concord University and now works as a graphic designer. She is also the author of HERE COMES GRANDMA!, illustrated by her sister Julie Paschkis. She lives in Pennsylvania.

JULIE PASCHKIS attended Cornell University and the School for American Craftsmen at RIT, where she got a BFA. She taught art to grade school children for several years while working on her own art and illustration. Julie now works full-time painting, creating commercial illustrations, and illustrating children s books. Some of her books include GLASS SLIPPER, GOLD SANDAL: A WORLDWIDE CINDERELLA; YELLOW ELEPHANT: A BRIGHT BESTIARY; THROUGH GEORGIA S EYES; HAPPY ADOPTION DAY!; and HERE COMES GRANDMA! She lives in Washington. Visit her website at www.juliepaschkis.com.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Peachtree Publishers (March 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561454338
• ISBN-13: 978-1561454334
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 10.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #413,297 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)