Albert Le Blanc: Gift Set - Nick Butterworth

I'm really not unhappy!

Advantages: A lovely story about others trying to make someone smile!
Disadvantages: None

I only happened upon this book in December despite it having been around since 2002. - Nick Butterworth - I know of the author due to his Percy the Park Keeper books which are a firm favourite with many children who have passed through my classrooms over the years! Nick Butterworth had planned to go to art college after leaving school but instead got a job as a typographic designer in the printing dept of the National Children 's Home. He then worked as a freelance graphic designer and then went on to writing and illustrating his own children's books with huge success. - Who is Albert le Blanc? - Albert le Blanc is a huge French polar bear in Mr Jolly's Toy Shop. He has sad looking eyes and even looks sad from behind with his hunched up shoulders! - The Story - Albert is seen by the other toys in Mr Jolly's toy ...

neenn 02.01.2007 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Albert Le Blanc

Can you bear to see an unhappy bear?

Advantages: Funny, gorgeous illustrations
Disadvantages: None at all!

. Unlike many children's stories, the illustrations aren't a necessary part of telling the story. He writes with excitement and enthusiasm and brings his characters to life by making them individual and unique. Sally the Hippo in particular is a fantastic character, obviously oblivious to how ridiculous it is for a hippo to dance gracefully in a tu-tu. His description of Albert Le Blanc rolling around laughing at the end is enough to make even the most straight-laced parents out there follow suit. Nick doesn't shy away from writing a full text by simplifying things (dumbing down) to make it easy for children which I was thrilled about. I prefer to challenge my boy and encourage him to ask if he doesn't understand something. By reading together he has learnt to grasp the meaning behind dialogue etc quite quickly. Our kids are more capable ...

ally2kc 10.08.2006 · Read full review
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Review of Albert Le Blanc

Le Petit Blanc food at its best

Advantages: good food, excellent range including vegetarian dishes,
Disadvantages: pricey water

Le Petit Blanc, Brindley Place, Central Birmingham. At first, the thought of eating at LBP filled me with horror, and not just at the thought of the bill at the end of the evening. But you have to try things and that is just what I did last night. From the outisde its a goldfish bowl which surprisingly isnt a problem for diners even on a Saturday evening. The greeting staff are courteous, remembered we had a reservation, took coats with charm and seated us exactly on time. The menu arrived, was easy to read and the stff very helpful at expanding on the dishes - they knew their stuff. Additional specials were available on the Board (pity it was a single board) and on staff notepads. I ordered a Caesar salad to start ( £5.95). It arrived, was well presented but realy should have been re named - there was no anchovy in sight ...

nenz 02.09.2001 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Le Petit Blanc