Author: Arthur Yorinks
Illustrator: Richard EgilskiGenre: Children’s Picture Book
Subgenre: Fiction; Realism
Theme: Never giving up no matter how bad things get
Primary Characters: Al, the Janitor, and his dog, Eddie
Secondary Characters: The large bird
Awards: Caldecott Medal (1987)
Date of Publication: 1986
Publishing Company: Farrar Press
Summary of the book: This is a story about a janitor named, Al and his dog, Eddie. Al and Eddie both dislike the way their life is going and they want to move on to bigger and better things. One day a large bird stops by Al’s house and offers to take them to a wonderful island in the sky. Al and Eddie agree to go but once they get to the island and stay for a few days, they realize it isn’t so wonderful after all. The two begin to turn into birds and they realize even though the island is considered paradise, they would rather return to their small, messy house.
How can the book be used with students in the classroom: I would use this story to help children learn to discuss and count their blessings, including each other. I would relate the story to experiences about being glad to return home from a trip or a vacation, even though everyone had a wonderful time. This story can help children learn to be thankful and appreciate what they have. I would use the story, Hey Al to help reassure students that they are special in their own way no matter what kind of house they live in.
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