Albie's First Word: A Tale Inspired by Albert Einstein's Childhood - Hardcover

Tourville, Jacqueline

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0307978931 ISBN 13: 9780307978936

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade, 2014

Synopsis

Here's a beautiful historical fiction picture book that provides a rare glimpse into the early childhood of Albert Einstein, the world's most famous physicist.

Three-year-old Albie has never said a single word. When his worried mother and father consult a doctor, he advises them to expose little Albie to new things: a trip to the orchestra, an astronomy lecture, a toy boat race in the park. But though Albie dances with excitement at each new experience, he remains silent. Finally, the thoughtful, quiet child witnesses something so incredible, he utters his very first word: "Why?"

Kids, parents, and teachers will be delighted and reassured by this joyous story of a child who develops a bit differently than others.

"More than a distinctive introduction to Albert Einstein, this book promotes both understanding of difference and scientific curiosity." --Kirkus Reviews, Starred

About this title

About the Author

Jacqueline Tourville’s first word, according to her mother, was “ball,” followed closely by “book.” She has authored several books for adults, and she writes about child health and development for various publications and websites. This is her first picture book. Originally from Plattsburgh, New York, Jacqueline lives in coastal Maine with her physics-loving husband and two young daughters, one of whom was a late talker. Learn more at jacquelinetourville.com.

Wynne Evans’s first word, said on a lakeside camping trip, was “fish.” This is his picture book debut. He lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife and daughter.

Reviews

K-Gr 3—Though he can build an astonishing house of cards and take his father's compass apart and reassemble it, little Albie just won't talk. When his concerned parents consult the doctor, he advises them to expose the tyke to new experiences. A trip to the symphony and an astronomy lecture excite the youngster but fail to inspire speech. Based on Einstein and his sister's actual accounts, this fictionalized version of the three-year-old's delayed speech and much-awaited first word is a surprising and entertaining introduction to the subject. While the endpapers are covered with mathematical formulas, and an author's note offers insight into the physicist's accomplishments, the tale can stand on its own as an amusing picture book as well as offer obvious reassurance for families dealing with speech delays. The oil-glazed illustrations are clever and lively. They capture the boy's spirit and curiosity while clothing and homely furnishings capture the era. Little Albie's exaggerated eyes, ears, and cheekbones give him a somewhat comical appearance reminiscent of Boris Kulikov's characters. Follow this story up with Jennifer Berne's On a Beam of Light (Chronicle, 2013) or Don Brown's Odd Boy Out (Houghton Harcourt, 2004) for science or biography units.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

Edition details

• Publisher: Schwartz & Wade
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0307978931
• ISBN 13: 9780307978936
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Evans Wynne
• Number of pages: 40