Author: Jutta Bauer
Translator: Matthias Wieland
Publisher: Red Comet Press, 2022; orig.: Kibitz Verlag, 2021
Age: 3-7
Themes: mice, contentment, happiness
Opening: I am Albie. “Albieee! The king is asking for you!”
Summary: (from my library’s catalog) Albie is on a mission! The king has commanded him to deliver an important message to the neighboring castle. Dutifully he dashes away. But once on his way, something comes up . . . and then another thing, and then another! What is one to do when a squirrel, a tired mother and her many children, and an old animal need Albie’s help, just has much as his king? Told with clever parallel storytelling, Hans Christian Andersen Award winner Jutta Bauer, relays a charming tale about the importance of kindness and being true to oneself–even when you are on an important errand for the king.
I picked this book because: of the old fashioned feel of a tall tale, but with a short main character! Actually, I am a fan of Jutta Bauer’s work and was going to read it no matter what! But I loved the gentle and humorous form of storytelling and the double visual narrative of the king’s journey while he waits for Albie. So sweet. I hope you feel the same.
Resources/activities: read more companion titles involving a king’s assignment or a journey to the castle story, like this one from Klaas Verplancke; take notes on all the people you meet one day all along the way; discuss why the king acts the way he does when Albie returns, what happened?
For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.
julie rowan-zoch 