Albert and Lila [Hardcover]

R. Schami (Author), O. Streich (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 11, 1903 | Age Level: 5 and up

Once there was a farm where many pigs and many chickens lived in cordial but distant contentment. They were all very polite to each other, but no pig ever played with a chicken and no chicken ever played with a pig. Not, that is, until Albert meets Lila. Both are outcasts: Albert ridiculed because he is the only white pig on the farm and Lila exiled from the henhouse because she is too old to lay eggs. Naturally, the other animals shake their heads over this odd couple. But Albert and Lila don't care. They're having too much fun together. And when they come up with a cunning plan to outwit the fox, they transform the farm into a safe and happy haven filled with friendship and fun for all.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this warmhearted picture book, two farmyard outcasts take solace in their taboo friendship. Though the pigs and the chickens down on the farm are always polite to each other, they would never dream of socializing. That's why the henhouse really starts clucking when Lila, a chicken, cottons to Albert, a pig. The two pals couldn't be more different on the outside, but they come from similar circumstances: Lila has been ostracized because she can no longer lay eggs; Albert suffers ridicule because he's albino. When the two kindred spirits team up, there's no limit to what they can do-even if it's saving their tormentors from a wily fox. Schami's pleasant tone and gentle pace envelop a message about tolerance and shattering stereotypes. In boisterous scenes befitting the story's barnyard setting, Cools and Streich (previously teamed with Schami for Fatima and the Dream Thief) introduce perky pink porkers and a fancifully colored flock of chickens. Their compositions range from tall and dramatic portraits that make good use of the oversize pages to smaller horizontal panels or blocks, and employ the shades of a sunny blue summer sky, a pungent brown dung heap and purplish moonlit shadows. The story's tidy, familiar conclusion will leave few readers guessing, but Schami's positive theme is one that bears repeating. Ages 5-8. (Sept.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-The chickens and pigs who live together on a farm maintain polite if distant relations-except for two outcasts: Lila, kicked out of the henhouse because of her age, and Albert, discriminated against by his pink brethren because he is white. They become friends, laughing and playing in the daytime, gazing into the heavens at night. On one of their evening vigils, they spot a fox, and their quick thinking and actions save the chickens. Each one becomes a hero, and the reserve between the two groups is broken down. Whimsical, attractive watercolor illustrations, heavy in blues, pinks, orange, and reddish-brown, are arranged in a variety of pleasing layouts. The story line isn't new, but the tale is pleasantly told and should make a good read-aloud.
Diane S. Marton, Arlington County Library, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: North-South (July 11, 1903)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0735811822
• ISBN-13: 978-0735811829
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,101,064 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Delightful illustrations and imaginative solution., November 16, 1999

By 

Cathy Saldin, Librarian - See all my reviews

This review is from: Albert and Lila (Library Binding)

Good story line and delightful illustrations will make this book a popular storytime favorite. Shows how friendship grows and that problems can be solved by using your brains. Children would probably enjoy thinking up other adventures for Lila & Albert and their farmyard friends.