I remember my family reading me Allan Ahlberg books when a child, and I can certainly say I still enjoy his writing today. While reading his 3 books from the selection this week, I went on a google journey and found this interesting read on Mr. Ahlberg.
It was a Dark and Stormy Night
by Janet & Allan Ahlberg
1993, Immediately enjoy the artwork, was very nostalgic for me and I am always sucker for some nice drop caps. The story is very word heavy with lots of text on every page, but there is a charm to every word used and I found most of what was written necessary for the story, which I liked… even if a bit predictable. Had the feeling of a long form fairytale.
The Pencil
by Allan Ahlberg & Bruce Ingman
2008, A bit wordy in spots but another great concept for a story. Enjoyed the conflict, but I did feel the resolution could’ve been more whimsical and the point of conflict could’ve been raised higher. Overall a good book with plenty of pages that still left me wanting more!
The Shopping Expedition
by Andre Amstutz & Allan Ahlberg
2005, Fantastic art, the textures and mark making are mesmerizing and left me lingering on the pages long after I had finished the text. The text is sparse and thus this is a quick and simple read. Not much to say about the little tale, but good truth’s of ‘keeping going’ through adversity and a fun silly story of a journey to the store.
Under the Great Plum Tree
by Sufiya Ahmed & Reza Dalvand
2019, Really enjoyed this, felt like a classic fairytale and had me glued to the pages, I am a sucker for the whimsical and abstractness a fairytale can have. The story has some great truths to tell on compassion, being fooled, and forgiveness. A quick read, but I did get a little confused at a certain part, but that could’ve just been my brain quacking out while reading. Lovely and vivid colors in the artwork and lots of great patterns and compositions.
The Nature Girls
by Aki
Was fun to read with rhythmic text that really flowed along. A learn book on earth’s biomes but not preachy, a fantastic tidbit of learning to be gained here. No direct message but you can take a message of the joys of adventuring/journeying together. Really great lifework in the illustrations and pleasant colors.
Caleb
