Title: Albert Pendergast’s Peculiar Parcel
Author: K G Summers
Illustrated by: Dan Drewes
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 978-1-4969-9654-1
Pages: 24
Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Reviewed by: John S. Williams

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Not at all the usual storyline for this genre, author K G Summers has created, along with illustrations by artist Dan Drewes, a book about a bully who learns a lesson in life which will come as a surprise to all those who read this wonderful moral story. Albert Pendergast’s Peculiar Parcel is not only a bit of a tongue twister if you say it fast, but a captivating story about Albert, an overweight red-haired freckled faced kid who essentially disrupts and hurts everyone in his life.

Albert cut off the ponytail of a girl in class, broke the thumb of a boy he played marbles with, caused accidents in the street outside the school, and caused the school’s administrator to take time off because of a nervous breakdown induced by him.  Yes, Albert is quite the mean-spirited kid and all of his other classmates don’t like him.  So they come up with a plan. The plan is to put certain items in a box, the “parcel” referred to in the title.  What is in the box?  What will Albert do when he sees the contents?  Will it work or cause more damage?

These are the questions inquisitive minds will conjure up as the terse story progresses – and frankly will capture the interest of any adult reading the story to a child. Then, at the end of the story – Bingo-Dingo – Albert opens the box!  You’ll have to get the book to find out just what happened. The story about a bully harassing other classmates, adults and strangers has an inherent good lesson; as nearly everyone will someday encounter someone like Albert in their own life.  Knowing how to confront a bully in a way that will take the bully by surprise is a good lesson to learn.  There is a wholesome moral to this story, one that will be remembered.

Artfully drawn illustrations accompany the text makes for an enjoyable children’s book.  It would be an excellent gift for a birthday present, or an interesting addition to a school library or home book collection.  Available in an electronic version or hardcover, it will withstand the rigorous paging from early readers.  Although the surprise is only achieved once, by re-reading the story over and over children will build up the strength and foresight on how to handle tough situations in life, as there are always clever alternatives.

Definitely a fun book for all children – especially if there is a bully in their schoolyard harassing them.