Alfred Digs [Hardcover]

Lindsay Barrett George (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: K and up

What would you do if your pet ant escaped from her ant farm? Would you follow her? Even if you had promised your mama to eat your pie, and drink your milk, and stay in your cozy burrow?

Scritch.

Scratch.

Scritch.

Alfred digs. And digs. And digs. Where is Itty Bitty? And what will happen when Alfred finds her?

In this tour de force of a picture book, Lindsay Barrett George introduces an aardvark (or two), an ant (a troublemaker, really), and an adventure that takes place in a dictionary. Where? A dictionary.

Read on!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 1—A book that is stronger in concept than in execution. The endpapers let readers know from the outset that the action in this book takes place inside a dictionary. The first page boasts a definition of an aardvark, thus introducing the main character. Alfred is an aardvark but he does not eat ants. In fact, his pet is an ant that he calls Itty Bitty. While Mama is away, he and Itty Bitty dig down through the dictionary to visit the zoo. Along the way, they encounter a woodpecker that threatens to eat Itty Bitty. Mama comes along at just the right moment and saves the day. Back they go to their aardvark tunnel in time for bed. It's not an alphabet book per se and it is not a credible adventure, and thus the story falls flat. Children who know the alphabet will recognize that the bird that appears is a woodpecker because of where the characters are in the dictionary. Other youngsters will have to wait for the page turn to find it identified. The same is true of the ending, when they board a zeppelin with Mr. Zebra to head back home. While they make it home safe and sound, the ending leaves readers wanting more. A remarkable illustrator, George's work here is a disappointment as well.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA
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About the Author

Lindsay Barrett George is widely recognized for her striking illustrations of animals, birds, and fish in their habitats. She is the author-illustrator of Maggie’s Ball; Alfred Digs; The Secret; Inside Mouse, Outside Mouse; In the Garden: Who’s Been Here?; and four other Who’s Been Here? titles.

Lindsay Barrett George lives in northeastern Pennsylvania with her dog, two cats, and a very handsome duck.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books (April 8, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060787600
• ISBN-13: 978-0060787608
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 9.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #504,105 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars An exciting and wonderful read from "A to Zzzzz...", February 4, 2009

By 

M. Hudson (Richmond, VA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Alfred Digs (Hardcover)

I purchased this book for my three year old daugther. We have enjoyed reading it over and over again. The illustrations are stunning and the story-line is creative and imaginative. It's a fun way to work learning the ABCs into the nightly reading routine. We look forward to future adventures of Alred and Itty Bitty as they dig their way between A and Z.

5.0 out of 5 stars Books, May 27, 2008

By 

Rubie Gallegos "RG" (Idaho) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Alfred Digs (Hardcover)

this book is Fabulous!! Love all the different ways you can use it in a classroom setting.