Albert the (Friendly) Clown

Richard returns to the Children's Hospital Reading Room every Saturday to read to the children. But he can't stop feeling that he needs to do more to cheer them up. On his way home, he has an idea, and Albert the Clown is born. Richard creates Albert over one week, out of old clothes, socks, gloves, hat, and a shirt with sleeves that are too long, which become Albert's extra-long arms to hug the children. Richard takes Albert to the hospital, and the children love Albert the Clown, especially his hugs. Three of the children who have been in the hospital the longest (a little girl being treated for cancer; a boy who lost a leg in a car accident; and another boy with severe asthma), find comfort and encouragement in Albert's embrace. Albert not only brings smiles to the children, but his hugs make them feel brave and hopeful. In the end, Richard gives Albert the Clown to the hospital permanently, so that he is ALWAYS there to bring smiles and give hugs to hospitalized children.