Kindergarten aged Albert the Turtle is at a loss as to what to get Grandmother on her birthday. He feels left out when his older siblings and parents are gift giving and wishes he too can provide the perfect gift.

I loved this little story. I think that everyone at some point in their life has felt that same sense of inadequacy that Albert did when he was watching others give their perfect gifts to Grandmother. This is a story anyone can relate to. I loved how as each person presented their gift, Albert wished he could do the same. The story showed real caring and emotion. It communicated the fact that gift giving isn’t just about giving gifts, it’s about caring enough for someone that you want to give the right gift, something they will love and remember.

Albert’s Gift for Grandmother is a lovely story about family and caring. It’s a good lesson and one that we all need to be reminded of. It shows the closeness and the love of an intergenerational family and how each member is important in their own way.

Doug Cushman’s illustrations are beautiful. The ranges of emotions on each of the turtle family’s faces are so realistic. I loved the colors and the warmth each page portrayed. They show enthusiasm, joy, frustration and playfulness. The attention to detail is really great as well. I loved that the welcome mat at the Turtle’s house is a big leaf. Very imaginative!

About the Author:
Barbara Williams is the renowned author of numerous books for children, including Titanic Crossing and Making Waves, as well as Albert’s Impossible Toothache. She says, “Being a grandmother is the best job I ever held, right alongside being a great-grandmother.” Barbara Williams lives in Utah.

About the Illustrator:
Doug Cushman is the illustrator of What Grandmas Can’t Do, What Santa Can’t Do, and What Teachers Can’t Do, all written by Douglas Wood. He is also the author and illustrator of Inspector Hopper and the Aunt Eater series. He says, “It’s always fun to revisit characters I’ve gotten to know, to see what they’re all doing now. It’s like coming back to a friend’s house, sitting around the kitchen table, drinking coffee and talking about old times.:  Doug Cushman splits his time between northern California and France.

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