Albert Le Blanc Gift Set - Hardcover

Butterworth, Nick

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0007231628 ISBN 13: 9780007231621

Publisher: HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks, 2006

Synopsis

A very special gift set containing a mini hardback edition of 'Albert Le Blanc' and an irresistible plush toy bear. For a bedtime story and bear hugs that make the perfect Christmas present!

This is the story of Albert Le Blanc. (He’s from France, so that’s ‘Al-bear Le Blonk’.)

When Albert arrives in Mr Jolly’s toy shop, the other toys think he is the saddest-looking bear they have ever seen. But then, Jack-in-a-box has an idea that might just put a smile on Albert’s face...

About this title

Review:

Albert Le Blanc is a large, fluffy, white, toy polar bear who appears one day in the window of Mr Jolly's toy shop. He immediately becomes the focus of the other toys' curiosity--because he's the most sad and dejected-looking creature they've ever seen. They decide that Albert has lost his smile and resolve to cheer him up by putting on a show. The toys scramble to work on their party pieces--from Pickle the mouse's disastrous joke-telling to Sally the ballet-loving hippopotamus' funny dance routine (although she thinks it's "beautiful and artistic" and few of the toys would dare to disagree).

Poor Albert is subjected to the show, despite his attempts to protest that he isn't really miserable, it's just the way his face has been made. But it's Sally's dancing finale that has an unexpected outcome for everyone, especially Albert.

Well-loved children's illustrator Nick Butterworth has created a heart-warming story with sparky dialogue and some memorable characters, especially Albert, a study in Gallic nonchalance. Much of the fun lies in spotting the familiar characters that appear as toys in the shop, including Jane Hissey's Old Bear, Martin Handford's Wally and Butterworth's own Percy the Park Keeper. You may or may not also spot the Trumpton fire brigade... depending on your age! Suitable for ages four to seven years. --Alison Drury

Review:

Praise for Nick Butterworth:

‘Nick Butterworth is one of the best picture book writers alive...His Albert Le Blanc, about a depressed-looking toy polar bear who the other toys try to cheer up, is a riot. Anyone who has ever taken part in a Christmas panto or play will adore the comedy, the sympathy and the mischievous drawings.’
The Independent

‘Butterworth’s drawings have a comforting clarity and his stories develop straightforwardly, so the book works for just about everyone.’
Sunday Times

‘Triumphant.’
The Observer

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0007231628
• ISBN 13: 9780007231621
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Butterworth Nick