ALBERT'S FIELD TRIP
by Leslie Tryon & illustrated by Leslie Tryon
Albert's third is not quite the imaginative extravaganza of his first two (Albert's Alphabet, 1991, ALA Notable, and ...Play, 1992); it's a fairly straightforward trip to an apple farm, with the amiable duck driving the school bus. Still, Tryon's wit and skill are much in evidence. The little animals, their parents, and the other adults are all astute caricatures of their human counterparts, whether showing off on the bus, climbing into trees to sample apples, or drowsing on the way home. Giving the narration to a little skunk who's appointed to report on the day for the school paper is a nice touch—as is having the farm run entirely by females (the tractor-driving collie in puff sleeves is especially amusing). The book makes a fine introduction to apple farms—or to class trips—but best is following the entrancing animal individuals through the colorful, beautifully designed illustrations. (Picture book. 5-8)