Product Description

An uplitfting story about a bear without a smile A very sad-looking French bear has arrived in the toy shop. His name is Albert le Blanc. The other toys plan a special show to cheer him up. Albert keeps trying to tell the toys he's not sad -- he just has a sad face -- but they are too busy with their show...Jack-in-a-box leaps around, Pickle the mouse tries to tell a joke (but forgets the ending) and Sally the hippo puts on her bright red lipstick and performs a ballet. But, Sally's ballet moves aren't quite as graceful as intended and she falls on top of Albert, planting a big kiss right on his mouth. And when Albert gets up again he has a huge red lipstick grin all over his face. Everyone laughs and laughs...especially Albert le Blanc!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #543325 in Books
• Published on: 2002-11-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

Amazon.co.uk 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
One Snowy Night A lovely book to share at bedtime 'Children's Book News' A heartwarming tale 'Susan Hill, The Independent' After the Storm ...look no further for the best present for any child from two to six 'Susan Hill, The Sunday Times' The Rescue Party It's good for reading aloud to under-fives, and later the six-pluses will still want to read it themselves 'The Independent on Sunday'

About the Author
Nick Butterworth was born in Kingsbury, North London. He has worked as a graphic designer for major London design consultancies. Nick then moved into freelance graphics and illustrations, working in partnership with three others, including Mick Inkpen. In 1981 his first children's book was published, B. B. Blacksheep and Company. Nick has also worked as a television presenter on the children's programme Rub-a-Dub-Tub.

Customer Reviews

Albert Le Blance
A delightful childrens book,with great artwork which never fails to amuse my children. Your kids will enjoy trying to spot some of their favourate TV and fictional characters amongst the line up in Mr Jolly's toy shop. A great addition to any childs book collection.

Albert the Great...
Just how a good children's book should be. Well-written with good characters and interesting illustrations - so much to go looking for in the pictures!

However, to talk only about the hidden characters would be to diminish the impact of the simple but well-developed story - the apparent sadness of Albert and the comical attempts of the other toys to cheer him up.

Lots here about acceptance and not judging a book by its cover (although this book is great inside and out!), and well-loved by my 3 year old daughter - even if she doesn't know who the Trumpton fire brigade are!

very nice book
This is the comment from my six year old daughter who really wanted to look up the story in ther internet after reading the book: I think that the beginning is really sad and the best bit is when Sally the Hippo fell on top of Albert Le Blanc. I think it's not too long nor too short. I think the end is very funny because Albert gets a smile on his face when he laughs.