Alfie Wins a Prize

Alfie

by Shirley Hughes

Alfie and Annie Rose are at the Harvest Fair where Alfie enters his masterpiece Motor Bike Man in the under-fives painting competition. As he checks out the prizes—a dinosaur book, a jigsaw puzzle, and a bottle of green bubble bath—he spots a rather sad looking woolly sheep, the consolation prize. Alfie is delighted to win third prize, but dismayed to see that consolation prize winner Louise is not at all happy with the woolly sheep and dumps him on the floor by her chair. Alfie knows that toys cannot understand, but secretly he thinks the sheep's feelings might be hurt. Then Alfie has a brilliant idea, one that makes everyone happy.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published July 20, 2004

About the author

Shirley Hughes is the illustrator of more than two hundred children’s books and has won many prestigious awards, including the Kate Greenaway Medal twice. She is the author-illustrator of DON'T WANT TO GO! and OLLY AND ME 1 2 3. She died at her home in London on the 25th of February, 2022.

Reviews

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

You really can’t go wrong with Shirley Hughes... she reads well to your children, your grandchildren and neighbor children (even during 2020 COVID times at a distance!)

The amazing Ms. Hughes’ art is enchanting and her families so very compelling and real! Children can relate so intimately with the children she has given voice to in her stories!

Shirley Hughes is a children’s book goddess of an author and illustrator and deserves to have us all adore and pass along her books as treasures of humanity and hope for generations!

Treat yourself to one of her books with a cup of tea and feel the refreshment of messy loving families!! A remedy for a crazy world!

[Slow Man · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this story. Alfie won a prize but swapped it with a girl in the end. Everybody's happy. What a sweet story. It's so calming to end a busy day with a charming story. It doesn't really matter whether you are reading to your children or to yourself.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great picture book in the 'Alfie' series. This well illustrated tale tells the story of Alfie and his family as they navigate the Harvest Fair. The overriding theme of this story appears to be friendship and how our small actions can make others happy.

[Jenna Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another nice Alfie book

[Iqra Fiaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore the 'Alfie' series of picturebooks and this was no exception.
The illustrations and plot reminded me of 'Chips and Jessie' also by Shirley Hughes. I would definitely recommend both books.

[Tobi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked that Willesden was "Lambchop". An Alfie book I hadn't read.

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 2 year old loves to read books about things he recognises in real life and Alfie’s books are perfect for that. This one can bring up the discussion of emotions.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shirley Hughes at her best! As always superbly illustrated and a lovely storyline with the superbly illustrated pages offering lots to talk about.

[Shanna Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alfie and his family are at the community fair, where he meets many of his friends. He has entered a drawing in a children's art contest. When he wins a prize, he notices that another child is disappointed to have received the consolation prize, a sorry-looking plush toy. After asking his father, he offers to trade his prize for hers, thus extending child-size compassion both for the other child and for the unwanted toy, which becomes "part of the family." In the process, he gains a new friend, and the girl invites him over to play with her later.

This book, like Hughes' other books, is warmly illustrated with attention to realistic human details. The fair takes place in the context of a community in which neighbors know each other and relate cordially, and Alfie's parents are both kind and courteous, providing a nurturing environment for Alfie and his sister. I love the way Alfie exemplifies the virtues of generosity and compassion in a way that small children can relate to. This makes a very nice addition to any small child's library.

[Emkoshka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oooh, 'Motorbike Man' is the most inspired painting; love it! I feel like photocopying it to give to the guy I'm dating, who rides a motorbike. Another cute Alfie book that had a feeling and story reminiscent of Dogger: community fair, prizes, thoughtfulness and generosity. Sweet!