Who is Alfie?

One of my three-year-old’s favourite series is one about a little boy his age and the little boy’s sister – Alfie and Annie-Rose.  Alfie is about three years old and has all the joys and sorrows of any little boy his age.  Shirley Hughes is British so of course her books reflect this in their language which is fun.

In Alfie Gets in First Alfie races ahead of Mum and gets in the door first with a disastrous result which is finally solved by Alfie himself but not before the whole neighbourhood gets involved trying to help.

Alfie’s 1-2-3 is a number book (obviously) which does just a little bit of adding in addition to counting.

One of our very favourite Alfie books is Alfie’s Feet.  Alfie needs new rain boots so he can splash in puddles – what little boy can’t relate?  The new boots are wonderful but not quite right.  See if you can figure out before Alfie does what is wrong with them.

Alfie Weather is a collection of stories about Alfie and his family in different kinds of weather.  Interestingly right in the middle of the book is Mum tells Alfie the story of the Fall of Man while they are on a country explore.  This one is a bit longer than others so make sure you have time for it.

Our library doesn’t have all of Shirley Hughes’ books – she wrote a lot.  We read what they have, and when we find any at resale shops or used book stores we buy them.  Shirley Hughes also wrote other series but Alfie is the one we love.

Rabbits and Raindrops

Jennifer is the newest guest blogger on this blog.  She will be reviewing children’s books.

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My children and I love to cuddle together with a good book. I grew up surrounded by books, good books and delight in giving my children the same experience. When they were all still little I started to keep a list of books we enjoyed – for our own reference and to share with others.

Jim Arnosky is a favourite author. His books feature gorgeous, realistic artwork of nature. They are “scientific” without seeming to be. For example, did you know that raindrops are actually round in shape? Read “Rabbits and Raindrops” and you will learn that.

The pictures in Mr. Arnosky’s books will hold the attention of your toddlers until they are old enough to appreciate the story. That makes these books a bonus for busy moms with an age spread – one book to satisfy everyone. Here is a partial listing of his books.

ALL NIGHT NEAR THE WATER

COME OUT, MUSKRATS

DEER AT THE BROOK

EVERY AUTUMN COMES THE BEAR

OTTERS UNDER WATER

RABBITS AND RAINDROPS

RACCOONS AND RIPE CORN

These are just a few of the many, many books Mr. Arnosky has written.
So take a walk to a library, borrow a couple of these wonderful books and enjoy some down time with your little ones.