Albie Newton

An ends-justify-the-means story about a kid genius.

Albie is “a thinker from the start.” Funk’s playful, rhyming descriptions of his impressive toddlerhood feats immediately land this story in the realm of tall tales. For example, an early page reads: “Albie learned to speak a language almost every week: / English, Spanish, Hindi, Klingon, Gibberish, then Greek.” The other kids are well-acquainted when Albie enters school in the middle of the year, so he begins planning to “construct a special gift before the school day ends.” It’s soon apparent that despite his intellectual genius, Albie lacks social skills, and his achievements alienate others. Many are put off by his behavior when things in the classroom start disappearing, and he causes upset with disruptive activities. This goes on until Shirley sees what he’s doing in secret, and she convinces everyone to give him a chance and see what he’s been building. The big reveal is a spaceship time machine that sends them off on an adventure to close the book. Throughout, Garay’s colorful, digital, cartoon illustrations match the text’s silly, humorous tone but do little to expand or extend the story. Albie has light skin and black hair, and his classmates are diverse in both appearance and naming convention. Since the story is mostly about Albie’s genius and the distress Albie causes, it has the effect of distancing readers from its protagonist.

Doesn’t quite land. (Picture book. 3-5)

It will take adult readers a split second to appreciate the name of this whiz kid title character--especially given the two books (How Albert Became Einstein and Great Inventors) seen on his bedroom floor. Yet Funk (Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast) does not force the comparison, keeping his rhyming text within the realm of fiction, and at once lighthearted and inspirational. While his classmates recite the morning cheer, newcomer Albie Newton is deep in thought: "Albie started formulating plans to make some friends./ I'll construct a special gift before the school day ends." He is oblivious to the fact that his friend-making mission doesn't get off to a good start when he writes a sonnet during a spelling quiz and creates a magnificent painting in art class, and then brazenly commandeers materials that others are using. All is forgiven when the boy unveils his "special gift"--a combination spaceship/time machine--and the kids take it for a spin. In her U.S. debut, Spanish illustrator Garay presents kinetic, vividly colored digital cartoon art that humorously conveys Albie's mental and physical energy. This engaging tale offers messages about being oneself, accepting differences, and forging friendships. Ages 5-9. Author's agent: Kathleen Rushall, Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Illustrator's agent: Hannah Whitty, Plum Pudding. (May)

Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 2--With a nod to the famous inventor, Albie's passion as a thinker and a tinker is clear from the start. He arrives at a new school intent on constructing a special gift to befriend his classmates. Unfortunately, he shirks his clean-up duties, making others pick up the slack, and monopolizes all the craft supplies. Finally, a surprisingly astute Shirley dissuades the frustrated student mob saying, "Maybe Albie didn't know. Let's look at what he made." His monumental spaceship time machine wins them over and the final spread shows a shot of the class, including the teacher, wearing historical costumes in space. Garay's illustrations are colorful and humorously incorporate tools and objects into the background of each page while Funk's satisfying rhyme propels the story like one of Albie's chugging inventions. VERDICT Part ode to creativity, part reminder to be a conscientious classmate, this title will find its niche in elementary STEM collections and classrooms everywhere.--Jenna Boles, Greene County Public Library, Beavercreek, OH

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Funk's playful, rhyming descriptions of his impressive toddlerhood feats immediately land this story in the realm of tall tales. . . . Throughout, Garay's colorful, digital, cartoon illustrations match the text's silly, humorous tone." —Kirkus Reviews

"It will take adult readers a split second to appreciate the name of this whiz kid title character—especially given the two books (How Albert Became Einstein and Great Inventors) seen on his bedroom floor. Yet Funk (Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast) does not force the comparison, keeping his rhyming text within the realm of fiction, and at once lighthearted and inspirational. While his classmates recite the morning cheer, newcomer Albie Newton is deep in thought: 'Albie started formulating plans to make some friends./ I'll construct a special gift before the school day ends.' He is oblivious to the fact that his friend-making mission doesn't get off to a good start when he writes a sonnet during a spelling quiz and creates a magnificent painting in art class, and then brazenly commandeers materials that others are using. All is forgiven when the boy unveils his 'special gift'—a combination spaceship/time machine—and the kids take it for a spin. In her U.S. debut, Spanish illustrator Garay presents kinetic, vividly colored digital cartoon art that humorously conveys Albie's mental and physical energy. This engaging tale offers messages about being oneself, accepting differences, and forging friendships." —Publishers Weekly

"With a nod to the famous inventor, Albie's passion as a thinker and a tinker is clear from the start. He arrives at a new school intent on constructing a special gift to befriend his classmates. Unfortunately, he shirks his clean-up duties, making others pick up the slack, and monopolizes all the craft supplies. Finally, a surprisingly astute Shirley dissuades the frustrated student mob saying, 'Maybe Albie didn't know. Let's look at what he made.' His monumental spaceship time machine wins them over and the final spread shows a shot of the class, including the teacher, wearing historical costumes in space. Garay's illustrations are colorful and humorously incorporate tools and objects into the background of each page while Funk's satisfying rhyme propels the story like one of Albie's chugging inventions. VERDICT Part ode to creativity, part reminder to be a conscientious classmate, this title will find its niche in elementary STEM collections and classrooms everywhere." —School Library Journal