You may remember that last year we got very excited about a book called The Steves which featured two puffins arguing over the fact they share a name. Ivy loved it (and still does!) so I was over the moon to spot that the Author, Morag Hood, has just released something new.
Aalfred and Aalbert are two aardvarks who are absolutely perfect for each other but, despite being neighbours, they have never actually met. This is because Aalbert sleeps at night and Aalfred sleeps all day. Both long for companionship but don’t realise that what they are looking for is right under their nose.
Unbeknown to them, a tiny blue bird has been observing their coming and goings and decides to play matchmaker. He hatches a number of elaborate plans involving alarm clocks, broccoli and balls of red string but nothing seems to work.
Will he be able to bring these two lovely aardvarks together so they can live happily ever after?
There are so many things to love about this book. The clever story and madcap plans keep Ivy entertained and she loves the illustrations. The tiny blue bird appears on every page so she likes to spot him and won’t let me turn over until she’s pointed him out.
Reading it as an adult, I like that the author doesn’t address the fact the two aardvarks are male. The only thing we see is how perfect they are for each other when (spoiler alert!) they get together at the end of the story. I’m a big fan of children’s books which normalise same-sex relationships and this is one of the best examples I’ve seen.
Buy it now: https://amzn.to/2Sb1bAR