Albert the Alphabetical Elephant

by Roger Hargreaves

Albert the elephant teaches a little girl the letters of the alphabet with the aid of his unusual trunk.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Roger Hargreaves was a British cartoonist, illustrator and writer of children's books. He created the Mr. Men series, Little Miss series and Timbuctoo series, intended for young readers. The simple and humorous stories, with bold, brightly coloured illustrations, have sales of more than 85 million copies worldwide in 20 languages.

Reviews

[Alexis Damron · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful book to help children learn the alphabet as well as identify objects that begin with the letters of the alphabet. The story begins with an “unusual” looking elephant named Albert. Albert meets a little girl who does not know how to read. Albert knew that for the girl to learn how to read, she must learn the alphabet. He began at A and ended at Z. As they went through the alphabet Albert identified items or objects that started with that letter. The further they went into the alphabet, Albert let the little girl identify the objects that began with the letters of the alphabet. I think this is a great concept book to use with children who are just beginning how to read as it has a short story for interaction with children and it provides useful skills and knowledge they can use when they are learning the alphabet and how to read.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down -- or trunks up -- this is the most delightful alphabet book I've ever seen.

* There's pacing -- as in, "I'll get to that later."
* There's amazing Albert, not only talented with his trunk, but a terrific teacher for toddlers. (And older kids of all ages.)
* And there's also an adorable little girl, who has one teachable moment after another. I love the description of her trying to think. Altogether this girl is very teachable.

By the time I got to the letter T, I felt an aftershock of my childhood joy at learning to read, and sound out, letters of the alphabet.

What a miracle it is, learning how to read. And it all starts with the alphabet and, perhaps, a willingness to experience wonder.

Plus, as usual, what else is included? A cute little joke at the end. Very Roger Hargreaves. Very FIVE STAR wonderful!

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another unnamed character learns from a named character (see Grandfather Clock and Count Worm) in a simple story. These are reprints from the 70's and 80's of this deceased author.
The bold solid colors and small format make them appealing to the youngest of readers.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a little annoyed that the girl already knew some of the next letters in the alphabet when she was supposed to be learning from Albert.

[Sarah A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty awesome book to read when your child is learning the alphabet. It was then really good to come back to how she is really learning her words and starting to read. Albert is an elephant with a special ability - to form letters with his trunk. He meets a little girl and teaches her the alphabet and words as they walk along together. Not quite 5 stars due to no word for x but still fun and gentle.

[Valleri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I vividly remember my mother reading this story to me over and over when I was a child. I pondered how an elephant could perfectly contort it's trunk into so many letters. A great, educational read for any small child.