Alfie Gives a Hand

Alfie

by Shirley Hughes

Alfie is delighted to be invited to Bernard's birthday party, although he feels a bit nervous about going on his own. But Alfie has such a great time, that he finds he doesn't even need his special blanket—and he makes a new friend too!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, British Literature

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

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

[Jacinta Tarr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated novel from Shirley Hughes with life like drawings of Alfie and other characters in the story. Young children are often enchanted by their life-like appearance and loveable character. This story is about a little boy call Alfie who is invited to his best friends birthday party. His best friend Bernard is not very nice really and upsets another friend at the party called Min. Min then clings on to Alfie for comfort and protection. In the meantime Alfie had taken his comfort blanket with him because he felt scared to be at the party without his mum but he was having difficulty in enjoying himself and holding onto the blanket at the same time. Bernard makes Min cry again and Alfie is left to make the tough decision to put his blanket down so he can hold Min and Bernard's hands at the same time while playing a game. Alfie and Min end up having a great time at the party and Bernard's mum can't thank Alfie enough for being so helpful. A lovely children's novel to read with the whole class and as a starter to discuss what nice things they have done to help others. With such beautiful illustrations a must see for all!

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all books written by Shirley Hughes, this is an excellent book.
We have all the Alfie, Annie Rose and Olly & Me books and can't recommend them highly enough. Shirley Hughes's writing is funny, endearing with recognisable stories. Her wonderful illustrations are little pieces of art, each and everyone. Nobody can depict the essence of young children the way they are, like Shirley Hughes.

Shirley Hughes's Nursery collection is excellent for under 3 age group.

I would also like to recommend the Katie books (Sunflowers, Mona Lisa & the Impressionists) by James Mayhew.

[Steph Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great way to help encourage children to help at home or to help people they care about. This little boy Alfie is relatable for children so can be used to help enforce good behaviour. This book has great illistrations that are very clear in showing what Alfie is doing, so for children who can't read means they can understand what is going on.

[Isobel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives children an important message of being kind to one another and thinking of each other’s feelings.

[Shanna Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Alfie story about Alfie's first invitation to a birthday party. He is frightened to be away from his mother and sister, and brings along his favorite blanket; but in the course of the party, the badly-behaved birthday boy torments another child and Alfie has to choose between comforting the frightened child and holding on to his own security blanket. A wonderful, child-size look at putting others' needs before one's own.

[Allyson Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alfie approaches attending a party without his mum with reticence. He brings along his security blanket but in the end ditches it for having fun. Great little read that speaks both to children and their parents about separation anxiety. I think I loved Bernard's mum (the host of the party) the best! Her son is really going crazy with excitement and she is trying to make sure all the children have a lovely time! I have been there, we all have been there!

[Michael Graeme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely. So glad to see so many others enjoyed reading this book. I've no idea how I came by it now, but it was in the top ten of favourites of the stories I used to read to my boys. Obviously written by a parent who had gone before me, and knew what they were about. Tenderly written, with great understanding and insight. If you're a parent and wondering what you should read to your children, you can do no better than anything written by Shirley Hughes.

[Cece · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book about a little boy who gets invited to a friend's birthday party. He want his mother and sister to go with him, but he end up taking is security blanket instead. He later learned that he didn't need his security blanket after all.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don't need to bring your blankie to a birthday party. You might get Jello and potato chips on it.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alfie goes to a birthday party but takes along his blanket for security. Throughout the party, Alfie, Bernard and Min display various good and bad character traits and it ends with Alfie realizing that he doesn’t need his blanket.

A book to use when discussing good/bad behaviors.

Ages: 2 - 5

Cleanliness: bad behavior is identified. A boy is changing and shown in his underwear.

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[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alfie Lends a Hand is part of a charming series of books by the English author, Shirley Hughes. The books are sweet and old-fashioned and have some English sayings, such as referring to the birthday meal as "afternoon tea". These stories are still relevant today because they realistically show young children being themselves. In this story, Alfie is invited to a birthday party and he insists on bringing his blanket. The birthday boy, Bernard, is mischievous and not very well-behaved at his own party. When Bernard teases a little girl and makes her cry, Alfie decides to leave his blanket to hold her hand and comfort her. I like this book because it had several lessons about being kind and having nice manners. In a classroom, it could lead into a discussion about birthday parties and how to behave in groups.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alfie attends his friend Bernard's birthday party where his nerves cause some problems at first and he's too anxious to let go of his comfort blanket. When he sees that Min needs some encouragement and friendship though, he finds some bravery after all.

The loveliest story focusing on the importance of kindness, patience, understanding, and pluck. It's a vibrant and tender depiction of the complexity of life as a small child in unfamiliar surroundings, and overcoming uncertainty in such situations. Alfie is a wonderful character and this is perhaps my all-time favourite story featuring him.

The illustrations are beautiful as always. Such delicious-looking birthday treats!

[Nur]

Alfie Gives a Hand is a sweet and heartwarming children's book about a little boy named Alfie who loves to help others. In this story, Alfie notices that his friends need assistance with various tasks, like building and playing. He eagerly offers his help, hoping to make their day better. The book beautifully captures the joy of friendship and the importance of lending a hand. With charming illustrations and a simple yet meaningful story, it's a delightful read for young children that encourages kindness and teamwork.

[Madeline West · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a book about a boy nervous about going to his first birthday party without his mom. It is an excellent book to read to preschoolers and probably kindergarten and first grade, but I would not read above that. The message is it's okay to leave your family and bring your blanket places, but you don't always need it.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alfie goes to a birthday party and wow, what a nasty kid the birthday boy is. I love how Alfie is unperturbed by this little monster's actions, and how he takes care of the girl from his class who is scared by so many things at the party. Alfie really is a good kid at heart, which is refreshing to see. Another great book in the series!

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute book about a preschooler going to his first birthday party alone. He takes his blanket along for comfort but it gets in the way of things like holding other children's hands. Can he put it down and join the others. Nice helping lesson. Preschool and up for length.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to get a old copy of this and it's adorable. A sweet story of a nervous little boy going to a birthday party. he helps one of his nursery friends to be braver and learns how that can help him to be.

[Adam Nickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlett aged 6 *****
Poppy aged 4 *****

[Maren Prestegaard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dated. But okay.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read from All About Alfie.

[Gayle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like a 2.8 rounded down.

[Mary-carol Riehs · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet and sensitive

[Char · Rating 4 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 brings up themes of overcoming anxiety.

[Hosea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hose bisa ngerti teman yang bersikap baik

[Reelika Kullerkan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jälle kord nunnu raamat väiksest Alfist, kes on esimest korda sõbra sünnipäevale kutsutud. Kuidas ta saab võõras keskkonnas ilma ema ja õeta hakkama? Väga vaprasti, ja on ka sõbrale toeks:)

[Arushi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for learning how to develop an accommodating nature. Adults who have forgotten this should read it too.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alfie is invited to his very first birthday party as Bernard's house, but when he realizes that his mom and little sister won't be there, Alfie feels insecure so takes his blanket with him. The blanket is in the way at the party, but he doesn't want to put it down. One little girl is not having a good time unless she can be near Alfie because he is so calm. This is a very sweet story and lovely illustrations.

[Emkoshka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably my favourite Alfie book because it evokes a world of childhood that was very much my experience: innocent and simple garden birthday parties with creative play, games, party food and an obnoxious host! Gorgeous. The garden table pages reminded me very much of my favourite Shirley Hughes book, Sally's Secret: oh, the glory of dining al fresco!

[Karen L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know we read a bunch of Shirley Hughes stories with Alfie in . Also we have read several other books she's written, of which titles I am trying to remember. She is an excellent author of children's books and her illustrations are lovely!!!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our first Alfie book. I'd looked at the library for one in the series but had no luck. Then Nathan found this book and was actually excited to read it. Love the art and story.