Alvah and Arvilla

by Barry Root and Mary Lyn Ray

Alvah and Arvilla-and all their farm animals-leave New England behind to see the Pacific Ocean for the first time. "The illustrations of the traveling greenhouse, its open windows and skylights... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 015202655X
• ISBN13: 9780152026554
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: Harcourt Brace and Company
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.9" x 11.3"
• Age Range: 5 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

The best kind of childrens book

I would like to see this book back in print because it is the sweet and simple story of friendship (and love). Alvah and Arvilla teach us how to hold onto our dreams in the real world. This story is a day at the beach beautifully illustrated and charmingly packaged to last a life time.

Endearing tale of longing and love

My daughter (now 8) and I just love this book. The illustrations are utterly divine and Alvah and Arvilla have a wonderful relationship - no matter how fanciful Arvilla's notions Alvah solemnly nods -"Ayuh" and they set about to finding a way to achieve her dream. Their journey across the American landscape to the Pacific Ocean is so interesting - it always sparks conversation about such great diversity and when they finally reach the ocean we can smell the sea and taste the salt. As a family who once had to move away from the Pacific Ocean ourselves we can oh so relate to Arvilla's delight at the warmth and softness of the much dreamed of beach and that incredible sense of leaving behind one's everyday life and just indulging yourself. When they set off home we can feel that tinge of sadness - the closer to home you get the more unreal it seems that you ever had such a wonderful time. And the ending - when they set up half of the glass house as a "beach" - it is fabulous! What a wonderful couple. The mean spirited review above says why not just go to the closer Atlantic - perhaps because it does not conjure up the same sense of escape to a warm and lazy paradise - and besides, the Pacific was what Arvilla longed for - why not follow your dreams! Highly recommended for those who enjoy a leisurely tale full of love and daydream.