About The Author ============== Shirley Hughes published her first book Lucy and Tom's Day in 1960. Since then she has illustrated over two hundred children's books and is known as a champion of children's literature. Shirley Hughes has been awarded the Kate Greenaway medal, the prestigious Eleanor Farjeon Award and in 1999 she was honoured with an OBE for her distinguished services to Children's literature.
The Story ======== Alfie is very excited, he has been invited to his best friends birthday party and he has never been to a party before. Mum tells him all about parties how you take a present, games he would play and all about the delicious party food.
Alfie was a little nervous about the party especially when he realised Mum and Annie Rose (his baby Sister) would not be there. He decided to take his blanket and held on to it very tightly. When Alfie arrived at the party Bernard was in the garden with Min, Sam, Daniel and other children from nursery school.
Bernard was very excited and was jumping about and pushing trying to pop the most bubbles, which his Mum was blowing. Bernard popped a large bubble that had landed on Min's sleeve and she began to cry. Bernard's Mum told him to say sorry.
Let's have tea now she said. Min wanted to sit next to Alfie. They had sandwiches, sausages, crisps and jellies and a big birthday cake and they sang Happy Birthday to Bernard. Alfie still clung tightly to his blanket.
Bernard blew his lemonade through his straw and made rude noises. He blew his jelly all over the place until Mum took it off him. After tea they played games. Bernard put a tiger mask on and made growling noises; Min was frightened and began to cry. Min clung on to Alfie. She cried and cried until Alfie was very brave and put his blanket down and held Mins hand. Min stopped crying and all the children played Ring-a-ring-O'-roses and other party games.
Alfie was having such a good time he forgot all about his blanket until Mum and Annie Rose came to collect him. What a helpful guest you've been said Bernard's mum I do wish Bernard would be more helpful sometimes. Alfie decided next time he would leave his blanket at home.
Personal Experience ================= I bought this book for a little boy in my setting who has just been invited to his first party. I think Alfie gives a hand show's young children it's ok to be nervous about strange surroundings and new experiences and how they can gain in confidence and overcome this. I found Connor asked lots of questions which showed he was taking it all in: Why did Alfie need his Blanket? Why was Min crying? Why was Bernard Naughty? Why does Alfie not need his blanket anymore? I would recommend this book if your child is a little nervous about going to their first birthday party.
Illustrations ========== The illustrations are very artistic and well drawn, all the children have cute cherubic faces and there is lots of fine detail in them. There are lots of thing's in the background you and the children can talk about. Alfie lends a hand is illustrated by Shirley Hughes.
Other Books By Shirley Hughes ========================= Dogger A Brush With The Past Ella's Big Chance Alfie and The Birthday Surprise Alfie Wins A Prize Alfie's Feet Alfie Gets in First Annie Rose is My Little Sister Abel's Moon Moon Alfie's Weather Lucy and Tom at the Seaside Up and Up Stories by Firelight Bonting
Price ===== £4.49 for the paperback version by Red Fox picture books at Amazon.
ISBN-13:978-0099256076
Pictures of Alfie gives a hand - Shirley Hughes
Popping bubbles.
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May 2nd, 2008
(May 1st, 2008)
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