Albert Goes to Town [Hardcover]

Jennifer Jordan (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up

Albert's dream of driving a tiny car through his toy town is realized with the help of a neighbor who is something more than he appears to be.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-K?Young Albert loves cars, and spends most of his time playing with his collection on the wooden play-town that his magical neighbor has made for him. While recuperating from a bout with the flu, he sees Mr. Appleby working on something; it turns out to be a boy-sized car that Albert can drive. At this point, the book leaps into fantasyland, following the child as he drives around the wooden village. Readers may have difficulty distinguishing reality from the dreamlike world that Mr. Appleby has created, but most won't care. Youngsters obsessed with cars will delight in Albert's journey. The fantastic cartoon illustrations breathe life into the book, McNeill's odd angles, varied perspectives, and sunny colors forming a whimsical match for this offbeat story. Albert, who is light skinned, has a warm and touching relationship with African-American Mr. Appleby. This is an additional purchase for most collections, but it will prompt car-crazy kids to smile.?Angela J. Reynolds, West Slope Community Library, Portland, OR
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 4^-8. Like many a small child before him, bespectacled Albert closely examines his tiny toy car and wishes he could take it for a spin. He confides his wish to his kindly neighbor, Mr. Appleby, who creates a car big enough for Albert to drive. He then points the boy toward an opening in a bush and invites him to "take her for a spin." Mysteriously, Albert finds himself driving the spiffy red car around a neighborhood that looks almost exactly like his own. Just when Albert is beginning to worry about why his mom, who is sitting on the porch, never moves (and neither does anything else), he crashes back through the bush, ending his adventure. McNeill illustrates the nifty story in watercolor and gouache paintings that have a slightly retro feel, all curves and angles with tiny dots for eyes. A very appealing book for any child who has ever dreamed of driving. And what child hasn't? Susan Dove Lempke

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (October 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811808602
• ISBN-13: 978-0811808606
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,109,159 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars My son loves this book, June 18, 2003

By 

Brian Redford (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Albert Goes to Town (Hardcover)

We've had this book for a few months now. My 5 year old son Jake can't get enough of it-- he's crazy about the little red car. His 4 year old cousin Emily likes it too. Nice story, great pictures.

5.0 out of 5 stars Kid's favorite!, May 27, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Albert Goes to Town (Hardcover)

We have two boys that adore this book. We have to read it every night of the week! Even our ten year old still likes it. The fantasy of driving a car when you are a small child is right on target in this book. Mr. Appleby adds the excitement of magic, the drive through the opening in the bushes adds a sense of wonder, and the illustrations are bright and alive. The artwork matches the story perfectly. Every young child can identify themselves in this book, which is why our kids, and all of their friends enjoy this book over and over. This book also appeared briefly in the movie "Enough", starring Jennifer Lopez, which our oldest son spotted and was proud to have owned a "movie book".

4.0 out of 5 stars A Very Cute Book, October 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Albert Goes to Town (Hardcover)

What a nice book! I read this book to my six year old son, and he really enjoyed it. The story and the pictures were adorable. It's about a little boy who loves cars and trucks. His neighbor makes him a board of their neighborhood to drive his little cars on. Albert tells the neighbor that he really wishes he could drive on the board himself. The neighbor makes Albert a car of his very own to drive. Albert goes on a little adventure in the car, and finds that he is on the board that the neighbor made him! When he comes back, he doesn't know if he really drove around on the board, or it was just his imagination. I think this point was completely lost on my son, that is the only reason I am giving it 4 stars. I understood it, but I don't think littles ones would.