Albert

by Lani Yamamoto

Illustrated by Lani YamamotoMeet Albert, a little boy with big ideas and even bigger questions, such as, "If I am in my house, and my house is in the street, near the park, in the town..." What is the answer? The first in a three-book philosophy series, Albert is a disarmingly witty yet simple story that introduces the concept of infinity to young readers.Author Lani Yamamoto studied psychology and comparative theology. She worked as a film editor in Boston and now lives in Reykjavik, Iceland, with her husband and children.

Genres: Picture Books

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Larissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful picture book! So simple, and yet it conveys such depth! The book is about Albert, a creative kid who briefly runs out of self-generated adventures on a rainy day, and begins to think about his place in the world. "If I'm in my house, and my house is in the street..." he begins to wonder, slowly moving outwards from himself until he finally reaches the universe. Which then begs the existential question: "what is the universe in?"

Lovely simple illustrations, too.

I read Albert in the Icelandic translation (learning the word "sjóræninggjafjársjóð," or pirate treasure, along the way) and was interested to find out that the author/illustrator, Lani Yamamoto has been living in Iceland for several years.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple illustrations and text will make this book accessible to young learners. Children will be inspired to ponder the world in the same manner as Albert with the final question, "What is the universe in?" Children will also be able to connect with Albert's creativity and vivid imagination.

[Kristin McIlhagga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely small book about the possibilities of imagination. Albert is an insightful child whose imagination also leads him to consider where he is in the universe. Love the possibilities for philosophical discussion...

[Emelda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, thoughtful words and illustrations. A little boy, sick of being cooped up inside on a rainy day, ponders existence. In a the kid-friendly way.