Review: Albert Upside Down by Ian Brown

Albert Upside Down is the first book in a fun and charming series inspired by a real tortoise named Albert. 

I was immediately smitten with Albert the tortoise as soon as I saw this cute cover. Poor Albert how is he ever going to turn himself over?

Illustrated by Eoin Clarke

Publisher: Graffeg Books

Publication date: 27th April 2021

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 36

RRP: AU$19.99 (soft cover)

Source: Courtesy of the author

Available to purchase in Australia through peribo.com.au

When Albert tries to climb a big rock to reach a treat he falls backwards and lands on his shell, legs waving in the air.

All the garden insects gather to help Albert and there is much talk amongst them about who is the best worker. However Albert is big, he will need them all to help get him back on his feet. Word went out and more creatures came to help.

Everyone was needed to help Albert no matter how small, as even the smallest lightest insect can make a difference.

Albert Upside Down is a laugh-out-loud story with themes of putting aside your differences and working together.

Opens conversations to talk about the ecosystem and the different insects that live in the backyard and their individual strengths.

Stunning illustrations by Eoin Clarke bring the backyard setting to life. Illustrating Albert's memories in sepia tones was a brilliant idea to separate it from what is happening in the present.

Big, bold, bright, colourful and exquisitely detailed illustrations call to be pored over and we went back to them all, at a slower pace, once the story was finished.

I highly recommend this amusing and engaging story. I dare you not to fall in love with the adorable Albert!

There are more books in the series and more reviews to come.

My rating 5 / 5 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢 

Publisher recommended age: 3 - 5 years

My recommended age: 4 - 8 years