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Alexander's Outing
"Stay close, take care," quacked Alexander's mother. But Alexander did not stay close and he did not take care. He straggled behind with his head in the air - and disappeared down a hole. Who will help to get him out? Pamela Allen is an award-winning author/illustrator.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1994
2 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Allen
111 books84 followersPamela Kay Allen MNZM AM, born in 1934 in Devonport, New Zealand, is a celebrated children's author and illustrator.
Since the release of her first book, Mr. Archimedes' Bath, in 1980, she has written and illustrated over 50 picture books, selling over five million copies. Renowned for works like Who Sank the Boat?.
Allen has received numerous accolades, including the Children's Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Award and the Margaret Mahy Medal. Her books have been adapted for the stage and are beloved worldwide. Now residing in Auckland, she remains an icon in children's literature.
Since the release of her first book, Mr. Archimedes' Bath, in 1980, she has written and illustrated over 50 picture books, selling over five million copies. Renowned for works like Who Sank the Boat?.
Allen has received numerous accolades, including the Children's Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Award and the Margaret Mahy Medal. Her books have been adapted for the stage and are beloved worldwide. Now residing in Auckland, she remains an icon in children's literature.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 10, 2023
2023 reread: When I read this iconic story I figured it was about the consequences of not listening to your mother.
Now I realise there is more depth. Alexander’s outing is a lesson that life, for those who wish to live a little differently will have obstacles. And it can get worse before it gets better. It’s also about synergy and team work and thinking outside the box. The setting is the most beautiful place in Sydney. The Royal Botanical Garden.
Now I realise there is more depth. Alexander’s outing is a lesson that life, for those who wish to live a little differently will have obstacles. And it can get worse before it gets better. It’s also about synergy and team work and thinking outside the box. The setting is the most beautiful place in Sydney. The Royal Botanical Garden.
August 27, 2021
One of my favourites that sadly was taken away from me too soon by the washing machine
March 17, 2018
I love this book. I love the little problem-solving scene, the Sydney background, the cute ducklings, and the clean illustrations. The storyline is probably a bit too long-winded and complex for a 20-month old. I am guessing a 3 year-old will most probably be able to enjoy the book more.
5 little ducklings went out for an adventurous walk with Mama duck. Alexander the duckling did not stay close to Mama, and fell into a hole deep down in the earth. People arrived and attempted various methods to rescue poor Alexander (umbrella, whistle attached to a string etc). But it was an inadvertent gesture of a little boy (pouring his drink down the hole) that turned out to be the perfect rescue plan. The water level rose, and out popped from the hole Alexander the duckling.
This is a cute story that presents useful knowledge to children, teaches great lessons (think out-of-the-box, stay close to Mama, be helpful), and introduces us beautiful places and famous sites in Sydney.
Blog review: https://storypleasemummy.wordpress.co...
5 little ducklings went out for an adventurous walk with Mama duck. Alexander the duckling did not stay close to Mama, and fell into a hole deep down in the earth. People arrived and attempted various methods to rescue poor Alexander (umbrella, whistle attached to a string etc). But it was an inadvertent gesture of a little boy (pouring his drink down the hole) that turned out to be the perfect rescue plan. The water level rose, and out popped from the hole Alexander the duckling.
This is a cute story that presents useful knowledge to children, teaches great lessons (think out-of-the-box, stay close to Mama, be helpful), and introduces us beautiful places and famous sites in Sydney.
Blog review: https://storypleasemummy.wordpress.co...
February 8, 2021
One of my all-time favourite Pamela Allen books! Full of fantastic rhythm and rhyme, along with adventure, humour and Sydney landmarks for children to spot and connect with. I think we all know an Alexander...
October 1, 2017
You must listen to your mother! - my 6 year olds comment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2020
I love the familiarity of the local Sydney setting in this endearing tale of a cheeky duck, his family and wider cast of helpful characters.
January 12, 2009
The story of an duckling, named Alexander, who straggled behind the group and fell down hole in the street. A variety of methods are used to attempt to save poor Alexander, before an impetuous small boy pours his drink down the hole which highlights the perfect method of saving the young duck.
One of the relatively few children's books with a real-life setting - which means if you go to Sydney you could actually go to the Botanic Gardens where Alexander lives, walk along Art Gallery Road and across College Street - you could even have a play in the Archibald Fountain if it is hot enough!
The moral is an important one for parents - stay with the group. But it is somewhat undermined by the illustrations, post-rescue, of Alexander still straggling behind the group!
One of the relatively few children's books with a real-life setting - which means if you go to Sydney you could actually go to the Botanic Gardens where Alexander lives, walk along Art Gallery Road and across College Street - you could even have a play in the Archibald Fountain if it is hot enough!
The moral is an important one for parents - stay with the group. But it is somewhat undermined by the illustrations, post-rescue, of Alexander still straggling behind the group!
September 4, 2012
My children were treated to Pamela Allens books by my cousin who was on a world tour. A brilliant book of childhood common sense! LOVED IT!
January 28, 2013
I just finished using this book in a lesson plan for Uni, it is such a charming story and teaches many lessons
April 22, 2015
Great story!
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February 6, 2018nice
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October 25, 2018Papa’s Commentary
A picture book that should appeal to most Sydney-ites for its familiar locales (and all the little boys named “Alexander” will certainly get a kick out of it), Allen presents an harmless adventure about a troublesome duckling who falls down a hole. There’s not much of a moral and I’m not sure the titular duckling learns anything much from his unfortunate outing, but the drawings are cute, especially the ibises. It’s entertaining enough.
A picture book that should appeal to most Sydney-ites for its familiar locales (and all the little boys named “Alexander” will certainly get a kick out of it), Allen presents an harmless adventure about a troublesome duckling who falls down a hole. There’s not much of a moral and I’m not sure the titular duckling learns anything much from his unfortunate outing, but the drawings are cute, especially the ibises. It’s entertaining enough.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews