Emily and Albert - Hardcover

Jan Ormerod is the author and/or illustrator of more than 50 books for children. She lives in England.

PreS-Gr. 1. In the tradition of Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad series and other picture-book stories of animal friends, the five simple chapters in this small, square book show the bond between Emily the ostrich and Albert the elephant, so different from one another yet such good friends. Whether depicting the animals comparing noses, healing hiccups, dancing the mamba, or sharing a good book, Slonim's wild ink-and-watercolor pictures capture the farce, the conflict, and the caring. Albert is always the wise, indulgent, tolerant one, letting the whining ostrich get away with things. At times he's more parent than friend, but children will still recognize themselves in the daily dramas. In one of the best episodes, Emily resents Albert's being curled up with a good book ("I don't think it can be a good book if it makes others feel lonely while you are reading it"), so he lets her snuggle up next to him with a peanut-butter sandwich to share the story. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved