A Bit More Bert - Hardcover

Ahlberg, Allan; Briggs, Raymond

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0374324891 ISBN 13: 9780374324896

Publisher: Farrar Straus & Giroux, 2002

Synopsis

Youngsters can join Bert, who has a knack for turning everyday activities into madcap adventures, as he gets a haircut (with startling results) and searches for his lost dog (also named Bert).

About this title

Review:

A Bit More Bert is award-winning author Allan Ahlberg's engaging follow-up to The Adventures of Bert. Ahlberg has combined his unique writing style for a second time with the internationally acclaimed illustrator Raymond Briggs, creator of favourites such as The Snowman.

A Bit More Bert features in six short chapters the round-faced, red-nosed, ginger Bert--an affable, hapless hero who manages to turn ordinary events into funny adventures. Part of the book's appeal comes from Ahlberg's ability to invite readers to participate in the story. This involvement can be subtle when the author asks for an opinion on Bert's dog or which packet of crisps Bert should choose; conspiratorial when Bert confides his secret that "He never eats his cabbage"; and direct when the reader is encouraged to give Bert a haircut that then goes horribly wrong ("Poor Bert... bald Bert").

The book is punctuated with quirky humour and it soon becomes clear that everyone in Bert's world is called Bert including his dog, mother, two policemen, a guinea pig and six goldfish! It is an affectionate and warm book, evoking the feeling that anyone who comes into contact with Bert (including the reader) is a friend.

Briggs's colourful and atmospheric illustrations clearly portray the action whether comic (a cartoon strip of Bert disposing of the offending cabbage) or serious (the tiny figure of Bert against the huge expanse of road and city night sky, when Bert loses his dog).

Bert is an unusual, but endearing fellow who will elicit plenty of giggles from the under sixes and perhaps the occasional chuckle from parents too! Suitable for 3-6 year olds. --Tracey Hogan

About the Author:

Allan Ahlberg is best known as the author of several award-winning books illustrated by his late wife, Janet, including The Jolly Postman. He lives in southern England.

Raymond Briggs is the creator of The Snowman. He lives in Sussex, England.

About this edition

• Publisher: Farrar Straus & Giroux
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0374324891
• ISBN 13: 9780374324896
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32