Odds `N' Ends Alvy [Hardcover]

Frank (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up

Innovative illustrations reveal why Alvy is famous among his classmates for turning odds and ends into new creations, even converting his desk into a vehicle and driving it right out of school.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Inventive use of type and collages made from "odds 'n' ends" vivifies debut author Frank's quirky fantasy romp. Alvy, the quiet boy who sits in the back of the classroom, has a knack for inventing things out of the miscellany he keeps in his desk. When the recess bell rings one day, he puts a steering wheel on his desk and zooms out of the classroom, outside the school, up the street, past a group of tough-looking bikers, to his own front door, nearly into an approaching train, up into the air and back to school--all before class reconvenes. Imitating Alvy's movements, the type is set in various fonts, sizes and colors, and printed diagonally or in curves or in fitful zigzags. Karas ( Into This Night We Are Rising ) reflects Alvy's playfulness in his art, an exuberant mix of fanciful renderings in gouaches, pencils and acrylics; photos; and what he describes as "some of his endless supply of junk." An imaginative production, resulting in high-velocity high jinks. Ages 5-9.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-A child's fantasy come true. Alvy, who is known for the strange inventions he makes from odds and ends, outdoes himself when he turns his school desk into a motorized vehicle. When recess comes, he races it down the corridor, drives out the door, and embarks on a wild ride through town. He soars into the air just in time to avert a collision with a train, gliding over treetops and tall buildings, until he finally steers back to school in time for class. Momentum builds as the desk careens through the streets, startling all who get in its path. A good choice for creative writing classes as well as a surefire read-aloud for primary graders, the story is peppered profusely with action verbs. Colorful, lopsided page layouts with cartoon illustrations interspersed with photographs form a collage design that carries out the frenzied pace.
Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Libd Public Library, CA
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (September 30, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0027356752
• ISBN-13: 978-0027356755
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,173,644 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Up up and away!!!, July 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Odds `N' Ends Alvy (Hardcover)

In this hilarious story, John Frank conjurs the imagination of a schoolboy and takes all his readers on an adventurous ride. As Alvy whirls through the sky, even the adult reader is warped into the magical times of his own school days, when daydreams took precedence over his homework. Every school child can relate to Alvy's wandering mind and zeal for exploration. Complimented by collaged illustrations, this story is one of the finest children's books I've read. When I have kids of my own, I will certainly share it with them.

5.0 out of 5 stars This was a great book, December 26, 2001

By 

Dan (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Odds `N' Ends Alvy (Hardcover)

Ok, John Frank is my cousin so I can't say anything bad about the book, but actually, it is really good and I recommend all of his books to school age children. He is a fine writer.

4.0 out of 5 stars Awesome, May 12, 2001

By 

"lilqueenofpop" (West Coast of USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Odds `N' Ends Alvy (Hardcover)

This is a really cool book. Mr.Frank (who happens to be my sixth grade teacher) has a fun sense of humor, and everyone should buy this book. Also check out his other books Erin's Voyage and Tomb of the Boy King.