Customer Reviews

All about Alfie

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

We sure love Alfie and his sister Annie Rose. Their ages approximate the relationship between my own two kids, and the adventures are wonderful! We also really like the illustrations and the simple depictions of everyday life in a family that loves each other and seems to have a house that is just as comfortably messy as ours! We especially like the story about the burst pipe, and we read about Alfie's trip to his friend Bernard's birthday party whenever we have a party coming up on our own calendar. As a Mom who's trying to do a good job wading through the millions of childrens books out there, I'm delighted to recommend Alfie -- this one's a keeper!

My 2 and half year old asks to read this book and other Shirley Hughes' books repeatedly. They are endearing and engaging for both of us (and Dad & big brother too). These realistic and beautiful renderings of a toddler's everday dramas explore small but important truths about behavior... sharing (at a birthday party) , courage (overcoming fear of opening a door by oneself), thoughtfulness (helping a sister in need), and learning about and taking care of one's belongings. But I only came to recognize these subtle messages after several requested readings which is of course most important. In our house this book is highly requested as well as recommended.

This book features four charming stories about a little boy, Alfie, and his everyday adventures. My 3-year-old especially loves the birthday party story, but also frequently asks for the "raining in the house" story, the "I'm there first" story and the "rain boots" story as well. The illustrations are exceptional, and a treat for a cartoon illustration-weary parent to behold. Every parent will see a little of Alfie in their own child, and appreciate him/her the better for it!

I often wish I could find other books just like "Alife." We have a little boy who absolutely loves Alfie stories. There are several wonderful things about this book. First, the stories are delightful--gentle but realistic depictions of a boy who can figure things out and actually accomplish some little four-year old feats on his own. I love the interaction among the family members (although I guess the dad is a little removed for my taste...). The illustrations are so true. I agree with the earlier reviewer, I'm also comforted by the little daily messes in Alfie's house. We also love the format of this book. It's big and long (divided into several stories) and our little guy really feels like he's reading a "serious" book. He likes to consider which story to read and we've even had a chance to do some teaching about page numbers. I've bought this book for several kids in the 3-4 year old group and I've heard good things from all of them. This is one I can imagine saving for the grandkids.

The Alfie and Annie Rose books are quite perfect for little ones, especially as the stories so aptly capture what it means to be a young child (a toddler as in Annie Rose, or preschooler as in Alfie). This particular book contains 4 stories:
"Alfie Gets in First" - Alfie gets locked in his house whilst his mother and baby sister get locked out. As time passes, the neighbors come by to lend a helping hand, but young Alfie may get himself out after all.
"Alfie's Feet" - delightful story about Alfie and his wellington boots.
"Alfie Gives a Hand" - Alfie attends his friend Bernard's birthday party, with his little blanky in hand, and learns about what it is to be a real friend, and of letting go.
"An Evening at Alfie's" - our favorite of the four. Alfie's parents go out for an evening of fun, and Alfie and Annie Rose are left in the care of Maureen, a young teenager. Soon, Alfie and Annie Rose are not in bed, but wide awake when a water pipe bursts, leaving a watery mess all over the house.

This is perfect for reading aloud to younger children, and the stories are just the right length for reading at bedtime. Recommended for toddlers-preschoolers.

My son (nearly 4) has loved Alfie since he was 2½. He wants "Alfie gets in First" every bedtime. Just beware that this edition is a US edition, and does not feature the original words, using Americanisms that feel weird if you have read the original. e.g. (Alfie's mum is called "Mom"). I think that if you want the original wording you need to look for the "Alfie Treasury".

These stories of Alfie and his little sister, Annie Rose, are truly endearing. Children and parents alike will find the illustrations to be utterly enchanting and the stories amusing and very real. This collection is a "must have" for fans of English illustrator/author, Shirley Hughes.

It's surprising how unique these old-fashioned stories seem today amongst toddler offerings about trucks, dinosaurs, the latest Kevin Henkes or Eric Carle, etc. So many try to be clever, like "Chicken Cheeks," when all kids really want are realistic stories about themselves. The illustrations are so lovingly rendered and detailed - far more than most current children's books - they instantly grab you. It's a rare treat to find them coupled with a real, actual story told in a way a toddler can understand and learn from. My 2 year old son has loved Alfie for a while and it was difficult to find these books, even at the library. I was thrilled to get this anthology of sorts. Wish there were more!

This collection of Alfie stories stands out as one of my 13 year-old daughter's, and my own, all-time toddler/youngster favorites. The stories are heart-warming, realistic, and so very charming. The illustrations are sweet and detailed, but not over-done. I have saved my daughter's set to hand down to her own children one day. I am disappointed that this set is no longer in print, but it's a testimonial to the quality and endurance of the series that used copies are selling at a premium. I had hoped to purchase a set for my adored grand-nephews!