Albert's Alphabet [Paperback]

Leslie Tryon (Author)

Book Description

Albert the school carpenter has been assigned a task that seems virtually impossible! He has to build an alphabet for the walking path on the school playground. All twenty-six letters! And by three o'clock! How is he ever going to finish on time? Does he even have enough materials?

Luckily, Albert is one clever carpenter. He not only finishes on time, he builds what could be the most ingenious alphabet ever!

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

When Albert the duck gets a note from the principal asking him to build an alphabet on the school playground ("We must have it by three o'clock"), he is not flustered and sets to work immediately. Plan in wing, resourceful Albert attacks his materials with confidence and vigor. The vignettes depicting the creative ways in which Albert fashions the letters, with the clock ticking in the background, are ingenious in themselves, as are the finished products. Occasional aerial views reveal more of Albert's mechanics and expand the book's excellent spatial qualities. Tryon continues the suspense established with Albert's deadline: after the letter "N," "Albert used all of his lumber. What will he use now?" Readers need not fear, since firewood, stovepipes, topiary and even--in a gloriously inventive finale--the workshop itself are employed to the fullest as this diligent duck completes his mission just in time. The challenge inherent in trying to second-guess Albert in his constructive quest makes this a useful tool for preschoolers. Unlike traditionally static alphabet renderings, the activity here is interesting enough to invite many repeat readings. Ages 3-6.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-- Albert, a goose who is the school carpenter, takes on the challenge of building a kind of alphabet par cours e for the walking path on the playground. His careful attention to detail, his thrifty use of material, and his inventiveness will give older preschoolers lots to admire in each letter. The almost entirely wordless book encourages concentration and sequencing (each page is divided into four smaller drawings, like a comic strip). Aerial views and close-ups require (and reward) attention. Children will enjoy Albert's ingenious solution to the problem of "Z," and those curious about carpentry will derive particular pleasure from the many watercolor and ink drawings.
- Anna Biagioni Hart, Sherwood Regional Library, Alexandria, VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin (September 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689717997
• ISBN-13: 978-0689717994
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 9.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #323,742 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars ABC, October 18, 2000

By 

Michael S Roberts - See all my reviews

This review is from: Albert's Alphabet (Hardcover)

What a wonderful way to discover and learn the alphabet. This book is an excellent springboard for children to create their own alphabet book. Think of making the alphabet out of toothpicks and make a scene behind. Have fun building!

5.0 out of 5 stars My children's favorite book, January 9, 2007

By 

parent (portland, or) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Albert's Alphabet (Paperback)

This was my children's favorite book when they were young. It's actually better because it's a story told in pictures - the reader/parent has to add the narrative. It gets both reader and child engaged in how school custodian/carpenter Albert is going to come up with a way to build the next letter of the alphabet. When my kids outgrew it I started giving it as a baby gift.