Alby and the Cat Children’s Books
Leanne Davidson has just released her third book of the Alby and the Cat series: “Alby and the Cat: All Holed Up”. Preceded by “Alby and the Cat” and “Alby and the Cat: Showbusiness”, these books are sure to be favourites in your child’s bookshelves.
Inspired by Leanne’s dad, who was blinded in an industrial accident many years ago, Alby and the Cat is the perfect series to provide an insight into the life of a disabled person and how they need to navigate and get over daily hurdles. Reading is a sure way to stimulate curiosity in children, and I think that speaking about disabilities or people whom children may view as different, is a very important teaching opportunity. Reading “Alby and the Cat: All Holed Up” to my 4 year old prompted a few questions on his behalf as to why the man needs a dog, and what blind meant etc. Again, all very valuable teaching moments that expanded his knowledge and perception of people.
I have to say, I learnt quite a bit from these books myself! It’s very enlightening as to what obstacles a blind person might face: things such as having to watch what you say as you can’t see who’s around; how it feels when people step on eggshells around you (I’m guilty of this as I never want to say or do the wrong thing. I felt quite relieved after reading the accounts in these books that reassured me that people with a disability aren’t necessarily over-sensitive as I once thought); there were so many little things that I just wouldn’t have thought of, and I’m so very grateful for the inside perspective. I loved learning about a sometimes delicate topic in complete safety (in that I couldn’t offend anyone), and simply: they’re definitely stories I could read over and over to the kids!
The books all follow the adventures of the guide dog Alby and the stuck-up cat from number 28, and have a really nice, easy to read format with minimal characters to keep the young readers interested and excited to learn more about Alby’s adventures. The large print and gorgeous pictures make the stories a delight for children to read, while the attention to detail has love written all over it: right down to the pawprint-numbered pages. As an adult, I can appreciate the hidden meanings and symbolism within the story, and that’s what gives these books that something special, that something more.
I highly recommend Alby and the Cat: All Holed Up, in fact I recommend all 3. I sincerely hope to see more books written in the future for the series. 🙂
Reviewed by Sara J. Mother of two young boys.
WIN 1 OF 5 ALBY PRIZE PACKS!
Each Alby Prize Pack contains 1 of each of the three Alby books. To win, simply comment below telling us your answer to: “Alby is a guide dog whose job it is to be the sighted companion of his blind master, Jim. He helps to give Jim independence. Name some other instances where dogs are used to help people.”
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Congratulations Shandy Tripney, Joanne Cardamone, Sue Perry, caroline A’vard & Maree Gray each the lucky winners of an Alby Book Set.
