Hey, Al facts for kids
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Author | Arthur Yorinks |
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Illustrator | Richard Egielski |
Country | United States |
Genre | Children's picture book |
Publisher | Farrar Press |
Publication date
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1986 |
ISBN | 978-0-374-33060-6 |
OCLC | 14990971 |
[E] 19 | |
LC Class | PZ7.Y819 He 1986 |
Hey, Al is a famous children's picture book. It was written by Arthur Yorinks and illustrated by Richard Egielski. The book was published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. In 1986, Hey, Al won the prestigious Caldecott Medal. This award is given for outstanding illustrations in American children's books.
Discovering "Hey, Al"
Hey, Al is a well-known book for young readers. It tells a unique story through both words and pictures. The book explores themes of home, happiness, and what it means to be truly free.
The Story of Al and Eddie
The book follows the adventures of a janitor named Al. His best friend is his loyal dog, Eddie. They live a simple, sometimes tough, life in a small apartment. One day, something amazing happens. A beautiful bird offers to take them on a journey.
The bird carries Al and Eddie to a magnificent island. This island floats high in the sky. When they arrive, Al and Eddie are amazed. The island seems like a perfect paradise. It is filled with beauty and wonder.
However, strange changes begin to occur. Al and Eddie slowly start to look like birds themselves. They grow feathers and even wings. They soon realize that this "paradise" might not be as perfect as it seems. They miss their old lives.
Al and Eddie decide they want to go home. They use their new wings to fly away from the island. Their flight back is full of challenges. Eddie accidentally falls into the vast ocean below.
Al fears he has lost his dear friend. But Eddie is strong and manages to swim all the way home. Finally, Al and Eddie are reunited. They are very happy to be back in their own home. They learn to appreciate their simple life together.
The Caldecott Medal
The Caldecott Medal is a very important award. It is given each year to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. Hey, Al won this award in 1986. This means the illustrations by Richard Egielski were considered outstanding. The pictures in the book help tell the story in a special way. They make the characters and their adventure come alive.