Albie the warthog doesn’t want to go to bed

 

Bedtime for Albie

Written and illustrated by Sophie Ambrose

Candlewick Press, 2019

Most children can relate to Albie the warthog in “Bedtime for Albie.” His mommy tells him it is time for bed, but he doesn’t want to go to bed.

He runs from one friend to the next trying to find someone to play with him. The baby cheetahs won’t run races with him because they’re listening to their bedtime story.

The elephants won’t play splish-and-splash because they’re having their bedtime shower. The meerkats won’t dig holes with him because they’re too sleepy.

It is getting dark and Albie begins to feel nervous. He hears rustling and scratching, and  asks, “Who’s there?”

Snake says, “It’s just me!”

Then he’s frightened by two big eyes staring at him from the bushes.

Owl speaks up and asks him, “Shouldn’t you be in bed?”

Albie decides he doesn’t want to play by himself anymore. He just wants his mommy. He wanders and sniffs the ground until he finds a familiar, wet, muddy smell.

The hippos offer to take him home, and he rides on a hippo’s back the rest of the way home.

Finally, Albie tells Mommy he’s ready for bed.

She is pleased, but tells him first he needs to take a mud bath. He rolls around, splishing and splashing, and having a wonderful time. His friends hear him and come to join him.

They have the “gloopiest, splashiest, noisiest mud bath party” until it really is bedtime for Albie and he falls asleep lying on top of his mommy.

Ambrose’s soft watercolor and colored pencil illustrations help make this a warm bedtime story for youngsters.

About the Author/Illustrator:

Sophie Ambrose teaches illustration to children and adults when she’s not working on her own projects. She is the author-illustrator of “The Lonely Giant,” Candlewick Press, 2016. She lives in London.

Youngsters learn all about owls at Owl School

 

So You Want to Be an Owl

Written by Jane Porter and illustrated by Maddie Frost

Candlewick Press, 2020

“So You Want to Be an Owl” provides a large amount of information about owls, but it makes it fun. The story is told from the perspective of Professor Olaf, a wise old owl, and speaks directly to the reader.

Professor Olaf says, “We’re always on the lookout for sharp-eared, keen-eyed, silent types to join Team Owl.”

It begins with a little humor, “Let’s take a look at you. Hmm. You are rather LARGE for an owl,” says Professor Olaf. Owls might weigh anywhere from a tablespoon of sugar to the size of a small cat.

“Are YOU heavier than a cat? I thought so … And I see you have no feathers! This is going to be a LONG day. Still, we’ll see what we can do with you.”

Then the book goes through nine lessons about owls comparing the reader to owls all along. The reader learns about how owls fly, how they use camouflage, their vision, their hearing, how they hunt and eat, their communication, their habitat, and how they raise their young.

Finally, Professor Olaf asks the reader if he/she still wants to join Team Owl.

“You’re not the best I’ve ever seen, but you’ve tried hard, so I’m making you an honorary member of Team Owl,” he says.

“Welcome to Team Owl! Congratulations!”

Maddie Frost keeps the story moving along with colorful, fun-loving illustrations.

About the Author

Jane Porter has written or illustrated many books for young readers, including “Pink Lion” and “Brian the Brave.” She lives and works in London.

About the Illustrator

Maddie Frost has illustrated or written many children’s books, including “Wacky Birds.” She lives with her husband and dog outside Boston.