• Age: 8 to 12
• Grade: 3 to 7

Albert's vacation was amazing - or so he thought. To friends, his time in Maine was boring. Dull. Lame. They've got a more vivid and exciting idea of what Albert could - and should - have done on his trip. But Albert might just have a surprise for his friends, after all. Marty Kelley tells this wonderful read-aloud story in a fresh and imaginative way, contrasting panels of black-and-white charcoal drawings of dull old Albert with wonderful color spreads of what Albert's friends imagine for his summer adventures. Did Albert really tussle with ninjas and parlay with pirates? Or did he spend his time in Maine in the most boring ways imaginable? What really made his amazing summer vacation so amazing?

Marty Kelley currently works as a writer and illustrator, but in the past, he's worked many jobs - baker, animator and balloon delivery guy are just a few titles he's held. The former second grade teacher has published many children's books, including Fall Is Not Easy, The Rules and Summer Stinks. Even though the lingering aroma of Sloppy Joes and tater tots will forever haunt his dreams, he still visits 60 to 70 schools each year to talk about writing and art with students.

Marty Kelley's profile page