Albert And The Angels

by Leslie Norris, Mordicai Gerstein (Illustrator)

What Albert wants is to replace the precious gold medallion on a delicate gold chain that his mother lost years ago. Where will he find the money? Thanks to his talking dog, Lucille (whom only he can hear), he gets an idea -- to play his flute on the street. A policeman quickly intervenes, but he does give Albert some money, enabling him to buy a tawdry version of the chain with the medallion. Then disaster Albert loses the gift. But he doesn't give up, and the real adventure begins when Albert and Lucille set forth in the middle of the night before Christmas, looking for the present Albert wants so much for his mother...and encounter angels. Beautifully written, Leslie Norris's story delivers just the right Christmas message -- that persistence exercised on someone else's behalf will be rewarded -- and charms with the notion that there are angels among us. Mordicai Gerstein uses strong line and rich color to bring the story vividly to life.

Genres: Christmas

48 pages, Hardcover

First published October 11, 2000

About the author

Leslie Norris (1921-2006) was a Welsh poet and short story writer who moved to the United States and became a Professor of Creative Writing at Brigham Young University, Utah.

Reviews

[Gwen Davis-Barrios · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslie Norris was the first adult who ever talked to me like a whole person. I was seven and he was my grandparents’ friend. This is a perfect children’s book, complete with a talking dachshund named Lucille.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming story of a boy and his dog on a mission to find a special Christmas trinket for their mother. Lovely, soft illustrations. This would be an ideal book with just enough whimsy and seasonal flare to share with children on a cold December night before bed.

[Zina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good one to read each year to the grandchildren that are available! Leslie Norris was a dear soul at BYU.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching Christmas tale.