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Albert
The morning begins like any other. Albert reaches out the window to check the weather. But from the moment a twig lands in the palm of his hand, life is never the same.
32 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2001
2 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
About the author
Donna Jo Napoli
138 books1,112 followersDonna Jo Napoli is both a linguist and a writer of children's and YA fiction. She loves to garden and bake bread, and even dreams of moving to the woods and becoming a naturalist.
At various times her house and yard have been filled with dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits. For thirteen years she had a cat named Taxi, and liked to go outside and call, "Taxi!" to make the neighbors wonder. But dear dear Taxi died in 2009.
She has five children, seven grandchildren, and currently lives outside Philadelphia. She received her BA in mathematics in 1970 and her Ph.D. in Romance Languages and Literatures in 1973, both from Harvard University, then did a postdoctoral year in Linguistics at MIT. She has since taught linguistics at Smith College, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Georgetown University, the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and Swarthmore College. It was at UM that she earned tenure (in 1981) and became a full professor (in 1984). She has held visiting positions at the University of Queensland (Australia), the University of Geneva (Switzerland), Capital Normal University of Beijing (China), the University of Newcastle (UK), the University of Venice at Ca' Foscari (Italy), and the Siena School for the Liberal Arts (Italy) as well as lectured at the University of Sydney (Australia), Macquarie University (Australia), the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), and the University of Stellenbosch (South Africa) and held a fellowship at Trinity College Dublin. In the area of linguistics she has authored, coauthored, edited, or coedited 17 books, ranging from theoretical linguistics to practical matters in language structure and use, including matters of interest to d/Deaf people. She has held grants and fellowships from numerous sources, including the National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Mellon Foundation, the Sloan Foundation.
At various times her house and yard have been filled with dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits. For thirteen years she had a cat named Taxi, and liked to go outside and call, "Taxi!" to make the neighbors wonder. But dear dear Taxi died in 2009.
She has five children, seven grandchildren, and currently lives outside Philadelphia. She received her BA in mathematics in 1970 and her Ph.D. in Romance Languages and Literatures in 1973, both from Harvard University, then did a postdoctoral year in Linguistics at MIT. She has since taught linguistics at Smith College, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Georgetown University, the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and Swarthmore College. It was at UM that she earned tenure (in 1981) and became a full professor (in 1984). She has held visiting positions at the University of Queensland (Australia), the University of Geneva (Switzerland), Capital Normal University of Beijing (China), the University of Newcastle (UK), the University of Venice at Ca' Foscari (Italy), and the Siena School for the Liberal Arts (Italy) as well as lectured at the University of Sydney (Australia), Macquarie University (Australia), the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), and the University of Stellenbosch (South Africa) and held a fellowship at Trinity College Dublin. In the area of linguistics she has authored, coauthored, edited, or coedited 17 books, ranging from theoretical linguistics to practical matters in language structure and use, including matters of interest to d/Deaf people. She has held grants and fellowships from numerous sources, including the National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Mellon Foundation, the Sloan Foundation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
June 1, 2012
Such a wonderful, beautiful, touching story! I'm struggling to write a review because I just loved this so much and it's hard to put into words all the feelings I experienced while reading it. On the one hand, it's a very real story about a young man who struggles with anxiety about leaving his home--he always wants to go, but something frightens him and makes him feel that he would much rather stay inside and do things. He tends to think of all the negatives in the world. On the other, it's a rather fantastical story about a pair of birds who build a nest in Albert's hand one day when he is leaning out the window of his apartment. Because he is such a kind, gentle individual, Albert stays with the bird nest in his hand while the mother bird lays her eggs and the father bird brings food... he stays until the eggs hatch. And while he stays at the window, he can't help but look out at the world, and realize something he hadn't realized before...
I don't want to give away the ending, but it's beautiful! While I think here Albert is just meant to be a bit shy and a homebody, I couldn't help but maybe he could also represent someone with Asperger's or or other syndromes where social interaction seems intimidating. I don't know particulars so I may be wrong, but it does seem like maybe this would be a good book for some children who, for whatever reason, find going out into the world a bit scary or intimidating. In any case, I think many of us can relate to how sometimes the world seems like a negative, scary place yet we can also find such beauty, such kindness, and many great surprises if we take the time to look and to be involved. The illustrations are a perfect complement to the story--I love Jim LaMarche!
Dedicating my review, with many thanks to Jeannette, you know why ;-)
I don't want to give away the ending, but it's beautiful! While I think here Albert is just meant to be a bit shy and a homebody, I couldn't help but maybe he could also represent someone with Asperger's or or other syndromes where social interaction seems intimidating. I don't know particulars so I may be wrong, but it does seem like maybe this would be a good book for some children who, for whatever reason, find going out into the world a bit scary or intimidating. In any case, I think many of us can relate to how sometimes the world seems like a negative, scary place yet we can also find such beauty, such kindness, and many great surprises if we take the time to look and to be involved. The illustrations are a perfect complement to the story--I love Jim LaMarche!
Dedicating my review, with many thanks to Jeannette, you know why ;-)
July 5, 2021
A lonely apartment dweller finds himself holding a bird's nest in his hand, and doesn't dare move until the eggs hatch, and the fledglings fly away. A sweet story for the young ones, and a lesson to all about getting more involved with the world around you.
July 6, 2012
I was able to enjoy this story because I didn’t take it 100% literally. Otherwise, I’d have had to suspend disbelief in a major way. Somehow I was able to enjoy this tale, and I think it could be a wonderful bibliotherapy book for children who suffer from agoraphobia and other forms of anxiety. It’s also a lovely book for children who love nature, particularly birds. Because it’s an odd story, I think it will appeal to kids who feel that they’re different in some way, especially if that difference has caused them some discomfort, or if it has made them feel proud.
The illustrations are lovely.
The end is lovely, and very inspirational. Even kids who don’t identify with Albert might feel exhilarated.
It’s probably the mood I was in when I read it, but I was not as touched emotionally as I think I should have been, what I’d have expected given the subjects.
Adults should be prepared for questions from literal minded children.
The illustrations are lovely.
The end is lovely, and very inspirational. Even kids who don’t identify with Albert might feel exhilarated.
It’s probably the mood I was in when I read it, but I was not as touched emotionally as I think I should have been, what I’d have expected given the subjects.
Adults should be prepared for questions from literal minded children.
June 7, 2019
This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a young man named Albert who, every day, sticks his hand outside to check the weather. Based on the sounds he hears, he decides whether or not to venture out. It sounds like he mostly stays indoors.
One day, during one of these weather checks, he's surprised by a pair of cardinals who build a nest in his hand and lay their eggs! He can't pull his hand back in without disturbing the nest, so he ends up standing there... for weeks! (This is the only part of the book I really have a problem with. How did poor Albert go to the bathroom?) Eventually, the father bird even starts to feed Albert as one of his own. Albert keeps the nest safe and waits patiently for the eggs to hatch. And once they do, he's got one more little job to do, helping one of his new friends spread its wings...
The illustrations are really lovely. The passage of time is shown as Albert's facial hair gets scruffier. The choice to draw him as a young man is interesting; given the subject matter and the text, he could very well have been ancient. The soft colours and lovely details make each page a feast for the eyes.
I'd heard of Donna Jo Napoli (and may even have read one of her novels years ago), but I'd never read one of her picture books. I've seen some of Jim LaMarche's work before, though, and I think this book has made me even more of a fan.
One day, during one of these weather checks, he's surprised by a pair of cardinals who build a nest in his hand and lay their eggs! He can't pull his hand back in without disturbing the nest, so he ends up standing there... for weeks! (This is the only part of the book I really have a problem with. How did poor Albert go to the bathroom?) Eventually, the father bird even starts to feed Albert as one of his own. Albert keeps the nest safe and waits patiently for the eggs to hatch. And once they do, he's got one more little job to do, helping one of his new friends spread its wings...
The illustrations are really lovely. The passage of time is shown as Albert's facial hair gets scruffier. The choice to draw him as a young man is interesting; given the subject matter and the text, he could very well have been ancient. The soft colours and lovely details make each page a feast for the eyes.
I'd heard of Donna Jo Napoli (and may even have read one of her novels years ago), but I'd never read one of her picture books. I've seen some of Jim LaMarche's work before, though, and I think this book has made me even more of a fan.
January 25, 2020
A retiring young man named Albert manages to avoid the outside world in this debut picture-book from noted children's author Donna Jo Napoli, until an unexpected encounter with a cardinal couple forces him to consider what it is he's missing. Holding his hand out the window grillwork every day, to test the weather, the eponymous Albert always elects to stay indoors. Then one day, while performing this ritual, a cardinal alights upon his hand and, together with his mate, proceeds to build a nest. Our gentle hero, unwilling to destroy the nest, stands for twelve days as the eggs are laid and then hatched, witnessing many of the beauties of the outside world. When the avian drama is concluded, Albert makes the momentous decision to venture out...
I have to confess that the adult reader in me had a little trouble with the suspension of disbelief with this one - this doesn't often happen, as I am usually able to enter into the spirit of a given book, and appreciate it on its own level - and I kept thinking: doesn't Albert need to work, like all his neighbors? how does he survive for twelve days, even if the cardinal feeds him berries? what about water? Still, I liked the idea of Albert - that we need to take the time to really look at the world around us, in order to fully appreciate it, and that sometimes knowledge can help us conquer fear - and I thought the artwork, done by Jim LaMarche, was lovely. I don't know that children will have the same reservations about the story, that I did, so I recommend this one to children who are timid, and/or afraid of the outside world.
I have to confess that the adult reader in me had a little trouble with the suspension of disbelief with this one - this doesn't often happen, as I am usually able to enter into the spirit of a given book, and appreciate it on its own level - and I kept thinking: doesn't Albert need to work, like all his neighbors? how does he survive for twelve days, even if the cardinal feeds him berries? what about water? Still, I liked the idea of Albert - that we need to take the time to really look at the world around us, in order to fully appreciate it, and that sometimes knowledge can help us conquer fear - and I thought the artwork, done by Jim LaMarche, was lovely. I don't know that children will have the same reservations about the story, that I did, so I recommend this one to children who are timid, and/or afraid of the outside world.
July 4, 2012
A present from Jeanette!!!! Thank you. I promise you, this book is so very lovely. Why? Well because the pictures are just perfect and the message imparted to children tells them to be brave in a gentle, kind and wonderful way. There is a cardinal family and a sweet man who is sort of shy..... Wait till you see the illustrations. I love picture books.
Buy this book and find some kid to read it to, then you need not feel guilty. Picture books are not just for kids.
Buy this book and find some kid to read it to, then you need not feel guilty. Picture books are not just for kids.
August 20, 2025
Picture books count okay.
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October 6, 2009Since this book won the Best Illustrated Children’s Book from the New York Times Book Review I expected to find great illustrations and after analyzing them, I began to see why they are so spectacular. The media used was colored pencil on watercolor paper. The colors are all created by combining different colored pencils. There is a variety of hues used but they have a low intensity. The lines of the coloring are mostly diagonal, creating an effect that the pictures are moving. The lines also add to the cohesiveness of the story. The colored pencil lines create a rough texture that do no not show well-defined lines as a marker would. Some of the pictures fill up the whole page and some are in a small box with a white background that share the page with the text. The larger pictures show the big image and show the setting. The smaller pictures are able to emphasize more close details. These two sizes of pictures partner well together to tell the story.
November 8, 2011
Albert is a young man that always makes excuses to not go outside. Either it's too cold, windy, and rainy or warm. Seems like he is afraid to go out and face the world and meet people. One day he takes out his hands out the window to check the weather. Suddenly a bird starts making a nest on his hand. This makes him stand there till the eggs hatch.
It’s a nice story about a young man faces his fears, and sticks to the responsibility of taking care of the nest. Even if it’s not possible to stay there for so long as Albert did, it shows another picture of sticking to something and not to give up. After this he realizes that he has to get out of the house and experience the beauty of the world.
As a teacher this can be used in elementary grades. Maybe some children not like to go out so much, or they don’t like to try new things. Read the book, and let the children write or draw something they liked with the book or not liked.
It’s a nice story about a young man faces his fears, and sticks to the responsibility of taking care of the nest. Even if it’s not possible to stay there for so long as Albert did, it shows another picture of sticking to something and not to give up. After this he realizes that he has to get out of the house and experience the beauty of the world.
As a teacher this can be used in elementary grades. Maybe some children not like to go out so much, or they don’t like to try new things. Read the book, and let the children write or draw something they liked with the book or not liked.
February 22, 2010
We checked this one out for as long as you can keep a book out without getting turn-your-book-in reminders, then immediately put it on our request list and checked it out again a week later. Now we own it. It's that good.
July 21, 2020
I love LaMarche as an illustrator, but my kids had very valid questions, how did he survive with out food and water for weeks?
October 6, 2020
Though a man standing still for weeks without food or drink is pure lunacy, his appreciation for the outdoors no matter the weather sold me in the end. A lesson I often need to be reminded of.
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September 29, 2013Fearful Albert can always find a reason not to go outside. Then one day when he sticks his hand out the window to check the weather, a twig falls in his hand. In shock and surprise he watches as two cardinals build their nest in his hand. And the experience will change his life forever.
My girls, while recognizing how absurd Albert's situation was, were thoroughly delighted by this book. They both laughed at and empathized with some of Albert's fears, and they rejoiced when he was finally set free.
The illustrations are so wonderful. I think Jim LaMarche captured Albert perfectly. We oohed and aahed over the pictures. And the girls were fascinated by the fact that they were rendered in colored pencil. Oh, to have talent like that!
My girls, while recognizing how absurd Albert's situation was, were thoroughly delighted by this book. They both laughed at and empathized with some of Albert's fears, and they rejoiced when he was finally set free.
The illustrations are so wonderful. I think Jim LaMarche captured Albert perfectly. We oohed and aahed over the pictures. And the girls were fascinated by the fact that they were rendered in colored pencil. Oh, to have talent like that!
May 5, 2016
The reader doesn't know the history of Albert and why he doesn't come outside and interact with people on a daily basis. But, we do know that Albert wants to know the weather conditions, and thus every day, he sticks his hand out the window.
One day, a lovely cardinal drops a twig in Albert's hand. Then, more twigs are nestled in the palm of Albert's hand, and magically, he begins to interact with more than himself. Carefully watching as the bird lays eggs, Albert continues to hold his hand out the window.
This interaction and his desire to assist, lead him to venture out into his surrounding world.
This is a marvelous story with incredible illustrations of LaMarche, who is fast becoming one of my favorite illustrators.
One day, a lovely cardinal drops a twig in Albert's hand. Then, more twigs are nestled in the palm of Albert's hand, and magically, he begins to interact with more than himself. Carefully watching as the bird lays eggs, Albert continues to hold his hand out the window.
This interaction and his desire to assist, lead him to venture out into his surrounding world.
This is a marvelous story with incredible illustrations of LaMarche, who is fast becoming one of my favorite illustrators.
June 10, 2025
This is the second summer I’ve read this with my kids and it is a quirky and lovely story about finding strength from nature. Albert seems to always find an excuse not to venture outside his small apartment with all the scary noises going on out there and things not feeling exactly right. But once a pair of cardinals mistakes his arm for a branch, he sees that there’s a lot of good happening outside his apartment along with the scary.
Charming illustrations and great conversations to be had with this one. Great for ages 4 and up.
Charming illustrations and great conversations to be had with this one. Great for ages 4 and up.
June 29, 2012
This is a strange, but entertaining story about a man who holds a nest for some birds. I'm not sure what inspired the story, but the narrative is somewhat philosophical, almost transcendent and the illustrations are wonderful. We enjoyed reading this book together and our oldest loved it so much that she's read it a few more times on her own.
August 8, 2013
Albert sticks his hand out the window every morning to check the weather. (I can really relate to Albert here. Every morning I slip outside to check the weather.)One day a twig appears in his hand, then another, and a pair of cardinals has built a nest in Albert's hand! Through his kindness and patience, Albert discovers a whole new world, right at his fingertips!
September 6, 2019
When did he go to the bathroom?
December 11, 2023
I swear to God, this ALWAYS happens; every year I find myself reading that one good children's picture book, that leaves me breathless and speechless, for quite some time.
First it was Paddington's Christmas! And now? THIS ONE!
To cut to the meat- Albert is about a young man who never goes outside into the real world. He either makes excuses for himself to stay in, or he gets scared and overwhelmed by whatever chaos is happening down his street.
However, and incident happens that changes his life forever... And thus, Albert feels brave enough to get out into the real world!
I can't possibly put into words how much I loved this book. It was simple, it was plain, it stuck to the point, AND it had such captivating illustrations to keep its audience entertained.
The message of the story stands alone; we may ALL feel socially anxious at times, but no matter what happens, sometimes sticking it out and analyzing the situation, can help us get over our fears and manage to stay calm, if it really wasn't a bid deal after all.
This book would be very handy to give to a kid who has bad stress/depression with other people/loud noises, and it also handles the situation very well, without pushing the protagonist to do something that is out of his comfort zone.
I wish that I read this when I was a kid!!! Even more, I wish that there was a young adult version of this book PRONTO. It could have been under some 'coming-of-age' category or whatnot. Even NOW, I feel like this would make such an astounding adult novel! Just think about it, the story possibilities are ENDLESS... 🤩
Either way, the innocence and calmness of this book both captivated me AND made my jaw drop. We need more children's books like these, for smart and curious kids that want to learn/read about a challenge, and not just some funky Disney story; with vocabulary the author is assuming the kids only know how to pronounce. 🙄 👏🏼
A great book; would HIGHLY recommend to everyone! 😊
First it was Paddington's Christmas! And now? THIS ONE!
To cut to the meat- Albert is about a young man who never goes outside into the real world. He either makes excuses for himself to stay in, or he gets scared and overwhelmed by whatever chaos is happening down his street.
However, and incident happens that changes his life forever... And thus, Albert feels brave enough to get out into the real world!
I can't possibly put into words how much I loved this book. It was simple, it was plain, it stuck to the point, AND it had such captivating illustrations to keep its audience entertained.
The message of the story stands alone; we may ALL feel socially anxious at times, but no matter what happens, sometimes sticking it out and analyzing the situation, can help us get over our fears and manage to stay calm, if it really wasn't a bid deal after all.
This book would be very handy to give to a kid who has bad stress/depression with other people/loud noises, and it also handles the situation very well, without pushing the protagonist to do something that is out of his comfort zone.
I wish that I read this when I was a kid!!! Even more, I wish that there was a young adult version of this book PRONTO. It could have been under some 'coming-of-age' category or whatnot. Even NOW, I feel like this would make such an astounding adult novel! Just think about it, the story possibilities are ENDLESS... 🤩
Either way, the innocence and calmness of this book both captivated me AND made my jaw drop. We need more children's books like these, for smart and curious kids that want to learn/read about a challenge, and not just some funky Disney story; with vocabulary the author is assuming the kids only know how to pronounce. 🙄 👏🏼
A great book; would HIGHLY recommend to everyone! 😊
October 11, 2024
Albert is unusual (probably neurodivergent). If he hears a "bad sound" (ex. the garbage truck) then he loses all desire to go outside. Unfortunately for him, every day brings a bad sound, and consequently he seems to never leave his home.
One day, as he's reaching out of his window through the grate, something unexpected happens- a bird begins to build a nest in his hand. We observe that Albert is too compassionate to drop the bird's work and instead chooses to stand at his window with his arm outstretched. Then the bird lays eggs. For weeks, Albert stands at the window. He grows hungry, so he "chirps" to tell the bird that he needs food, and the bird brings him bugs and berries to eat (the former of which he actually learns to enjoy over time).
All the while, there are sounds outside, and as much as Albert dislikes bad ones, he can't bring himself to pull his arm back inside to escape them. One day, he hears two people fighting and parting ways. Although he wants to retreat from the uncomfortable sound, he doesn't, and his reward is that the two people come together again with gifts in hand for each other, happy and laughing. Albert is relieved.
Eventually, the eggs hatch, the babies grow up and fly away (except for one, which needs coaxing from Albert before it finally leaves the nest), and Albert finally drops the nest and pulls his arm back inside. He's free! What does Albert do with his new freedom and new perspective? He finally goes outside.
Although the story felt strange at first, it grew on me and the kids. The ending was wholesome. Also, it's easy to love Jim LaMarche's illustrations. (They were the reason that I sought the book out in the first place.)
One day, as he's reaching out of his window through the grate, something unexpected happens- a bird begins to build a nest in his hand. We observe that Albert is too compassionate to drop the bird's work and instead chooses to stand at his window with his arm outstretched. Then the bird lays eggs. For weeks, Albert stands at the window. He grows hungry, so he "chirps" to tell the bird that he needs food, and the bird brings him bugs and berries to eat (the former of which he actually learns to enjoy over time).
All the while, there are sounds outside, and as much as Albert dislikes bad ones, he can't bring himself to pull his arm back inside to escape them. One day, he hears two people fighting and parting ways. Although he wants to retreat from the uncomfortable sound, he doesn't, and his reward is that the two people come together again with gifts in hand for each other, happy and laughing. Albert is relieved.
Eventually, the eggs hatch, the babies grow up and fly away (except for one, which needs coaxing from Albert before it finally leaves the nest), and Albert finally drops the nest and pulls his arm back inside. He's free! What does Albert do with his new freedom and new perspective? He finally goes outside.
Although the story felt strange at first, it grew on me and the kids. The ending was wholesome. Also, it's easy to love Jim LaMarche's illustrations. (They were the reason that I sought the book out in the first place.)
August 29, 2019
Every day, Albert finds a reason to stay inside where he's comfortable... until a pair of cardinals gives him a new way of seeing the world.
I loved this book. The illustrations are incredibly sweet and the story is poignant without being heavy-handed. This one is definitely going on my list of books to buy for my nieces.
I loved this book. The illustrations are incredibly sweet and the story is poignant without being heavy-handed. This one is definitely going on my list of books to buy for my nieces.
April 7, 2022
Such a sweet sweet book. Teaches kids that life isn’t going to be perfect but we can embrace it anyway. Also teaches that bad noises don’t necessarily mean anything is bad or wrong, they can be solved or ignored or just acknowledged. And the story of the birds building a nest in his hand was precious. The kids loved it.
June 1, 2017
This was such a great story, but I have to ask, since a kid would ask, "How did Albert go to the bathroom?" Otherwise, the message was great, story was well told, and the illustrations were beautiful.
February 2, 2025
Albert is locked up inside himself until something from the outside calls goodness forth from him. After enduring a great test of patience, he is finally able to rejoice in the gift of life.
One of my favorite books on the topic of loneliness and friendship.
One of my favorite books on the topic of loneliness and friendship.
August 7, 2018
I'm giving this book a 4 star rating because of the illustrations by Jim LaMarche. I liked the concept of the story and the ending but the middle lacked a bit for me.
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September 1, 2019CURRICULUM: RR/Classics
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July 23, 2022What a fun and heartwarming story!...and the illustrations by Jim LaMarche are wonderful!
February 7, 2023
Loved the illustrations
May 14, 2025
A lovely book about saving others to save yourself.
December 7, 2019
This book was really cute! I haven't read any of Napoli's picture books until now and I think this was adorable. Teaches ya to seize the day and enjoy the little things in life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews