Albert Le Blanc
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
This heartwarming tale by Nick Butterworth is about an extraordinary teddy bear named Albert Le Blanc who arrives at Pepperpot's toy shop. The other toys notice that Albert looks desperately sad, and they come together to cheer him up, leading to peculiar and funny attempts. Through teamwork and friendship, the toys learn that Albert's sad expression is just how he is made, and that he is actually very happy. A story of acceptance and discovering happiness, 'Albert Le Blanc' is a delightful read for children. Celebrate the 20th anniversary of this uplifting story about a bear without a smile, from the bestselling creator of Percy the Park Keeper. This is the story of Albert Le Blanc. (He’s from France, so that ‘Al-bear Le Blonk.) When Albert Le Blanc arrives in Mr Jolly’s toy shop, the other toys think he is the saddest-looking bear they have ever seen. But then, Jack-in-a-box has an idea that might just put a smile on their new friend’s face. A delightfully funny story about the importance of friendship – and laughter – from the creator of the internationally popular stories about Percy the Park Keeper.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Albert Le Blanc was feeling when he first arrived at the toy store?
Can you think of a time when you felt the same way as Albert?
Why do you think the other toys wanted to cheer Albert up?
What are some ways that you can make someone feel welcome and appreciated?
How did the story change your feelings from the beginning to the end?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their emotions by relating to Albert's experiences.
Discuss the importance of empathy and kindness, drawing parallels to the toys’ actions in the story.
Ask your child to describe what they would do if they were in a similar situation as Albert.
Highlight the significance of friendship and how it can transform someone's day or mood.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses and insights during the discussion to foster a positive reading environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Albert Le Blanc', the teddy bear Albert displays sadness, and the other toys work together to cheer him up. This demonstrates the importance of noticing and caring about the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by being attentive to their friend's emotions and offering comfort or help when they seem upset, fostering a supportive and caring environment.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, the toys rally around Albert, showing how friends can come together to support one another during tough times. This emphasizes the strength and importance of friendships.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to be there for their friends, helping and supporting them, which can strengthen their relationships and build trust.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The toys in the book come up with creative solutions to try to make Albert smile. This highlights the effectiveness of teamwork and thinking outside the box in solving problems.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to think creatively and collaborate with others to solve problems they encounter, whether at school or at home.
Example Lesson: Joy in Helping Others
Explanation: Seeing Albert's eventual smile makes all the toys happy, teaching that helping others can also bring joy to oneself.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to participate in acts of kindness, understanding that their actions can have a positive impact on their own mood and self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Accepting Differences
Explanation: Albert Le Blanc is different from the other toys, but they embrace him and his uniqueness, demonstrating acceptance and inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace differences among their peers, promoting a more inclusive and accepting attitude towards everyone regardless of their backgrounds or characteristics.