When the king sends a subject on an important undertaking that requires a speedy delivery, it would be considered prudent to not dally. The appointee for the task, Albie, approaches his errand with gusto. However, he is an empathetic messenger, and when various folk in strife call upon him for help, he assists, leading to lengthy delays.

The young Samaritan is gone a long time and in a wordless comic running along the bottom of each page we see the waiting king living his life: he marries, has children, walks his dog, the dog eventually dies, new ones arrive, he dabbles in pursuits to pass the time and by turn is frustrated and resigned. Will Albie ever return?

This is such a sweet story about compassion being more important than power. Accompanied by endearing illustrations and told with wry humour, Albie on His Way is a charming read for children ages 6+.

Alexa Dretzke is from Readings Hawthorn