Hey, Al

Author: Author Yorinks
Title: Hey, Al
Illustrator: Richard Egielski
Genre: Action
Sub genre: Comedy
Theme: Be thankful
Primary Characters: Al
Secondary Characters: Eddie, the bird
Awards: Caldecott winner
Date of Publication: 1989
Publishing Company: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Summary: Al, a janitor, and his dog, Eddie, live in a single on the West Side.  Eddie was unhappy with the "dump" they lived in.  One morning, a large bird offered to take them to a care free world.  The bird soon transported Al and Eddie to an island in the sky, but Al and Eddie found out that the grass is not always greener on the other side. They return home with a new attitude.
Use with students: Students could write an alternate ending to the book.