Alice & Gert: An Ant and Grasshopper Story

Alice & Gert: An Ant and Grasshopper Story by Helaine Becker is a reimagining of the classic fable, The Ant and the Grasshopper. In this version, readers are introduced to two friends—Alice, a hard-working ant, and Gert, a carefree grasshopper—who have different ideas about how to spend their summer. Alice toils away day-by-day, bringing grain and seeds to her nest in preparation for the upcoming winter. Gert, however, believes there is ample time to get things done. Much to the chagrin of her friend, Gert opts to regale Alice with song, dance, and theatre. These behaviours continue all summer long, until one day the friends wake to find that winter is upon them. Gert, who squandered away the warm months, is without any food. However, Alice has an unexpected gift for her friend.

The written text is easy to follow and infused with rich and descriptive language. Becker does not shy away from using complex vocabulary in her writing. For example, when Gert is acting out a pirate’s scene, she says, “Argh, you pusillanimous pillock, prepare to feel my wrath!” Such rich vocabulary enhances the reading experience. Dena Seiferling’s pencil-drawn illustrations reflect Becker’s writing, providing images that are visually appealing. Seiferling uses fine curved lines and a muted colour palette that endows the artwork with softness. The illustrations are almost monochromatic, mirroring the appearance of a vintage picture book.

The story makes for an ideal read aloud with young children. The written text is infused with voice and interesting vocabulary, yet it is not so complex that young readers would not be able to understand. As the story is a fresh take on a traditional fable, it ends with a subtle moral about kindness, hard work, and friendship. The book also celebrates diversity and recognises that each individual possesses something of value. While young readers will particularly enjoy Alice & Gert, the moral is appropriate for readers of all ages.