Alberic the Wise

by Norton Juster, Leonard Baskin (Illustrator)

In the days of the Renaissance, Alberic leads the reader among the folds of a rich tapestry in his search for wisdom

Genres: Fiction, Picture Books, Childrens, Short Stories, Historical Fiction, Medieval

24 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1965

About the author

Norton Juster was an American academic, architect, and writer. He was best known as an author of children's books, notably for The Phantom Tollbooth and The Dot and the Line.

Reviews

[Brennan Wieland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story tells of Alberic and his search for wisdom. At first he is a simple man, and he only known enough to keep him alive. One day an old man comes to him and tells him of all that the world has to offer. Alberic ventures into the world and takes many jobs, but he fails in every attempt at becoming skilled in each profession. He then discovers that he has learned much through his misfortunes and goes to tell the world about it.


This story was an example for me, and while Alberic failed many times, he persevered and became a better man because of it. I am in the process of learning to accept my mistakes and while I might not be the best at something, to continue with it because I know that I will come out with an experience that will help me develop. We are all continually learning as we grow in this world, and we don't want to hinder our experience just because we may be afraid to try something new.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely not a picture book for young kids because of the length and complexity of the text, but it has a great message about seeking lifelong learning and watercolor illustrations that suit the mood of the text perfectly.

[Sarah W. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an okay book. It had 3 short stories which were fun to read. If you like short books and fantasy, I would read this.

[Marco Bucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juster is one of my favourite writers. His prose feels like it's casually hopped onto the page, and his stories are at once fun and deeply allegorical. Highly recommended author!

[adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic Juster. So clever & contains a great lesson. What a ride. Bonus: Baskin illustrations!

[Akiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming little parables by the author of the Phantom Tollbooth

[Bookweevil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and pleasantly diverting. Not as good as The Phantom Tollbooth, but then, what is?

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son exclaimed that this book was "the best ever, wow!" He promptly stated his brother should read it. I wonder if he thought his brother would understand him better or something else entirely.


It spoke to me too. It grabbed me in the first paragraph stating all the things that Alberic could do and then stating, "...these were only the things he had to know to live or couldn't help by knowing by living and are, as you may have discovered, rarely accounted as knowledge."

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the language and style of writing was wonderful - very different than the simplistic currency of most children's books. The meaning behind the story, however, isn't as wise or profound as it seems to suggest. I had the same problem with the Phantom Tollbooth. I expected the meaning behind the story to be more suggestive, more hidden, more complex and layered than it actually was.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic short story loaded with the wisdom of life experiences. It is always an end of the year read in the classroom which provides endless discussion as to the true meaning of wisdom.

[Jan Moens · Rating 5 out of 5]

9,5/10

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book for end of the year review of what you've learned and where you've been...will consider reading it at the end of the school year with my students.