Title: Hey, Al

Author: Arthur Yorinks

Illustrator: Richard Egielski

Genre: Modern fable

Summary: This story is wonderful in demonstrating for us that the grass is always greener on the other side and if you are actually on this side, you realize that it really isn’t as perfect as you had imagined. Al, a janitor, lives with Eddie, his dog in a humble one room apartment. Eddie, especially, didn’t appreciate their life (which is all too true of all of us) and the yearned for a big dwelling place and excitement. They get an opportunity to go to a lush and beautiful island in the sky when a large bird comes and takes them. Life seems like paradise here until they start turning into birds. Both Al and Eddie want to return to their simple life at this point and Al returns home alone when Eddie falls into the water. At this point, heartbroken Al shows us what is truly important. It certainly isn’t fancy material possessions, it is relationships and love. Fortunately, Eddie is a good swimmer and appears to the overjoyed Al at the end of the story. Both are grateful and content to return to their simple life.

Characters: I love the warmth and caring between Al and Eddie. They are the only characters besides the bird and their close relationship and the fondness between them is depicted nicely through the beautiful illustrations in the story.

Grade Level; This story seems appropriate for pre-school to second grade. It would be an excellent story read aloud and discussed. There are sophisticated words that could be somewhat of a challenge for second graders to read and the younger children to have explained. This is a great book to be enjoyed by all!