Description
Albert has a tool for every job, and he’s never too busy or too tired to fix things for his neighbors.
Albert is always on the lookout for things to fix. If a hinge is rusty, he oils it. If a roof is leaky, he patches it. When Mr. Jensen’s old green pickup needs a new motor, Albert hoists up the truck and drops it in. All his neighbors count on Albert to help them. But one day Albert is too sick to get out of bed. He’s dizzy and his bones ache. What will happen when Albert is the one that needs help?
Author Janet Lord’s simple story of generosity repaid is complemented by artist Julie Paschkis’s colorful, folk-style illustrations. The result is a timeless story that celebrates the importance of helping others and the value of community.
Reviews
★ “Lord’s rhythmic, simple text is perfectly cadenced for reading aloud, while Paschkis’ cheerful illustrations, filled with scrolling designs and smiling friends, reinforce the sense of the close, busy community working together.” ―Booklist, STARRED REVIEW
“A welcome dose of old-fashioned neighborliness.” ―School Library Journal
“This is a warmly affecting story of (multicultural) community, greatly enhanced by Paschkis’s stylish watercolor illustrations.” ―Kirkus Reviews
“This is a wonderful story about helpfulness that also makes a nice point about repairing rather than discarding and buying new. Bright watercolors have a warm, fuzzy, old-timey feel.” ―The Virginian-Pilot
“The story reveals that practical compassion is a fix-it skill children possess.” ―Chicago Tribune
“Bright watercolor illustrations are reminiscent of older style books-the characters have laughing eyes-but they are striking, somewhat whimsical, and enjoyable…a nice story with a good message.” ―Library Media Connection
“A charming story of a helpful old-fashioned man doing his best in a newfangled world.” ―The Wichita Eagle
“Cheerful illustrations, filled with smiling faces, reinforce the story’s strong sense of community spirit.” ―Book Links
Awards
The Best Read Aloud Picture Books ―Curriculum Materials Center at Minnesota State University Moorhead
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Primary) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2009
Prairie Bud Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―South Dakota Library Association, SD Reading Council, SD State Library, SD Elementary School Principals, 2010-2011
Friends Medallion (Special Award) ―Virginia Beach Friends School, 2008
More Details
AR Level: 3.0
F&P: GRL L, Gr 2, Genre RF
Lexile: AD660L
Themes: Community, Friendship, Help, Repairs
BISAC 1: JUV039060 JUVENILE FICTION / Social Issues / Friendship
BISAC 2: JUV006000 JUVENILE FICTION / Business, Careers, Occupations
BISAC 3: JUV023000 JUVENILE FICTION / Lifestyles / City & Town Life
