The Adventures of Albert, the Running Bear

by Barbara Isenberg, Susan R. Wolf, Dick Gackenbach (Illustrator)

Albert was trained as a circus bear but when his circus went out of business he was moved to a zoo. Albert missed making people laugh and started to perform to huge crowds who rewarded him with delicious snacks. Rapidly becoming fat, Albert escapes and gets involved in marathon running. Dick Gackenbach has illustrated "Bag Full of Pups", "The Princess and the Pea" and "Mother Rabbit's Son Tom".

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1982

Reviews

[Cait · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I decided to find and read a copy of this, seemingly, out of print picture book because I found an adorable vintage bear in a very 1970’s red sweatsuit that had “Reading Jogs the Mind Houghton Mifflin Reading Program” at a thrift store and I fell in love. He seemed mildly familiar as I cleaned him up and sewed in a new elastic waistband so his pants would stay up. A quick search showed he was the main character in “The Adventures of Albert, The Running Bear”. It’s a cute story about a former circus bear who now lives in one of those convenient, but honestly rather depressing zoos you find in the middle of large parks in big cities. Where beautiful animals are caged in 3 concrete walls and some bars - no habitat or enrichment. So, Albert turns to his former tricks - and people show their appreciation by chucking junk food at him, which he finds quite tasty. This leads to Albert gaining a few and his keeper, Norman, puts a sign up threatening a fine on those who continue to supplement Albert’s diet with marshmallows and gumdrops. Albert decides break out and find them on his own, but in doing so ends up in the middle of a marathon, finds a passion for running, wins the marathon, and gets honoured on stage by the mayor before anyone realises he’s a bear. This story has great vintage illustrations, and while it could have some body shaming moments, I think it focuses more on Albert enjoying running and finding an outlet for his desire for attention. I enjoyed the book, but love my new reading champion even more.

[Josiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Albert's adventures are comical, and feature a simple story kids have enjoyed since the book was first published in 1982. Dick Gackenbach's illustrations deserve complimentary mention.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK.
This book has SO many storytime themes!
Zoo, exercise, junk food, circus, BEARS...I LOVE IT!
And the illustrations of Albert are so super adorable.