the Alfie books

A couple of years back a friend pointed me in the direction of Shirley Hughes' books at our local public library. I am glad she did. We have loved Alfie and his little sister, Annie Rose, ever since.

Alfie is a very likable little boy of about three or four years of age, who is very British, like his creator, Shirley Hughes. He lives in a row house with his mom and dad and little sister, Annie Rose. He is friends with the milk man and the MacNallys across the street and has wonderfully common adventures that any three year old little person can relate to. He is kind and caring and a good big brother.

"Don't cry, Annie Rose," said Alfie. He put his hand through the bars

 of her crib and patted her gently, as he had seen Mom do sometimes.

Shirley Hughes is the author of more than a few children's books and there are various collections of stories about Alfie and Annie Rose. The books pictured here are part of a four-volume set of small picture books. Included in the set are Alfie's Feet, Alfie Gets in First, Alfie Lends a Hand, and An Evening at Alfie's. All of them are very sweet. 

Dogger is another very popular book by this author/illustrator. It is the story of a little boy named Dave who loses his favorite stuffed dog while out one day, only to find it later tagged for sale at a fund raiser event in the park, and then bought by another child before he can get back with his money. His big sister, Bella, takes his grief to heart and sets out to help him get his precious Dogger back. And that is just what is so precious about this book: the I'll-fight-for-you love between brother and sister. Sibling love on the pages of a book is hard to come by these days. 

The other thing I love about Ms. Hughes' illustrations is how real they are. Beds are unmade, milk is spilled on the breakfast table, toys strewn all over the floor. Alfie's home looks like a place I'd like to visit. Alfie is a little guy I think your little ones would like to meet. Mine sure have enjoyed getting to know him.