A city janitor and his treasured canine companion are transported by a large colorful bird to an island in the sky, where their comfortable paradise existence threatens to turn them into birds as well.

Book Synopsis

Al, a janitor, and his faithful dog, Eddie, live in a single room on the West Side. They eat together, they work together, they do everything together. So what's the problem?

Thier room is crowded and cramped; their life is an endless struggle. Al and Eddie are practically at eachothers throats when a large and mysterious bird offers them a new life in paradise. After some debate, they decide to accept.

Transported to a gorgeous island in the sky, Al and Eddie are soon living a life of ease and luxury. But they come to find that the grass can be a little too green on the other side. After a dramatic, nearly tragic escape from their paradise prison, both man and dog agree: there really is no place like home.

Hey, Al is the winner of the 1987 Caldecott Medal.

Review Quotes

"Like Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are, this picture book explores the pleasures and the costs of leaving home. . .Hey, Al is a perfect melding of words and pictures, fantasy and reality, tenderness and humor." --Judith Viorst, The New York Times Book Review

"Outstanding artwork. . .The author and artist succeed again, with a book that has something for everyone." --Starred, Booklist

About the Author

Arthur Yorinks and Richard Egielski have collaborated on several books together. Mr. Yorinks lives in New York City, and Mr. Egielski lives in Milford, New Jersey.

Specifications

Dimensions (Overall): 9.95 Inches (H) x 8.95 Inches (W) x .15 Inches (D)

Weight: .3 Pounds

Suggested Age: 4-8 Years

Sub-Genre: Classics

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Number of Pages: 32

Publisher: Square Fish

Format: Paperback

Author: Arthur Yorinks

Language: English

Street Date: May 1, 1989

TCIN: 88890547

UPC: 9780374429850

Item Number (DPCI): 247-53-5255

Origin: Made in the USA or Imported

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Shipping & Returns

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 0.15 inches length x 8.95 inches width x 9.95 inches height

Estimated ship weight: 0.3 pounds

We regret that this item cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.

This item cannot be shipped to the following locations: American Samoa (see also separate entry under AS), Guam (see also separate entry under GU), Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (see also separate entry under PR), United States Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, U.S., APO/FPO, Alaska, Hawaii

Return details

This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.

This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, delivered to the guest, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or picked up by the guest.

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Q&A (5)

Q: What age group is this book intended for?

AI Shopping Assistant - 11 days ago

A: This book is suggested for children aged 4 to 8 years.
submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 11 days ago
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Q: What is the main theme of the story?

AI Shopping Assistant - 11 days ago

A: The story explores the balance between comfort and the desire for adventure, highlighting the importance of home.
submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 11 days ago
Ai generated

Q: Who are the main characters in the book?

AI Shopping Assistant - 11 days ago

A: The main characters are Al, a janitor, and his loyal dog, Eddie.
submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 11 days ago
Ai generated

Q: What happens to Al and Eddie in the story?

AI Shopping Assistant - 11 days ago

A: They are transported to a paradise island by a bird, but face unexpected challenges there.
submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 11 days ago
Ai generated