“Albert’s Quiet Quest” is about a young boy who is searching for a  quiet place so that he can read his book in peace.  It’s too noisy inside his house, so he ventures outside  with book in hand. However, before long,  friends begin to approach Albert  and try to engage him  in their own activities;  such as , gardening, playing badminton,  babysitting for dolls, and playing music and dancing.   As Albert refuses  their invitations to join them,  he is teased – slightly.  Albert finally becomes so annoyed that he slams his book shut and stands on top of his chair.  At this point,  the  children  recognize that they are annoying Albert. The friends reconsider,  and  run to get their own books.   While they are gone, Albert feels slightly  abandoned and a little  guilty.  Suddenly,  they all return with books underneath  their arms.   They begin to read their books while still trying to engage in their former activities but soon discover  themselves  telling each other to “be quiet!”  Albert apologizes to his friends, saying”Hey guys, I didn’t mean to – ”  and then, his friends tell him to “SHHHHH.”  The story ends with all of the friends laughing  together then sitting happily watching the sunset.

“Albert’s Quiet Quest,” is told in sparse bubble text.”   T his little book shows how children often can,  if left to their own devices, work out their own differences.  It just takes a little give and take from  both sides – a wonderful negotiating skill that all children can benefit from. . Can be used also in teaching to emphasize the fact that children  don’t always have to run to an adult to settle a difficult situation.  They can learn and grow by working things out on their own.

The illustrations have a “cartooney” feel, but  go well with the bubble  text.

Reviewed By Connie M. Smith, Breakwater School, Portland, ME