One of my favourite books as a child was Shirley Hughes ‘Dogger’, which I still have, although it’s a bit worn and doesn’t get handled by the boys too much. Both our boys love books as you can read here and here. But I particularly wanted to share my love of Shirley Hughes books with them and so last Christmas I bought the Alfie book, ‘The Big Alfie Out of Doors Storybook’. O loves the Alfie stories and A squeals happily at them when we read the book together. So I was extremely delighted to receive the newest Alfie book, ‘Alfie Outdoors‘, to review, only published on 30th July 2015.
The story itself is about Alfie finding out that gardens can be for growing vegetables in and although seeds can take a long time to grow, they are worth it.
Alfie plants carrot seeds to grow, not for himself, but for a friend of his who happens to be a goat at the local goat sanctuary.
Unfortunately for Alfie, when he takes his special carrot to give to his friend, she’s escaped. He’s very upset and worried for her, but in the end she is found eating washing in someone’s garden. So Alfie finally gives her the special home-grown carrot.
Of course no Shirley Hughes books would be complete without the beautiful illustrations that are characteristic of all her books. Each page holds more lovely pictures, perfectly describing the text.
This is a lovely story and perfect for O who has been growing his own vegetables in our garden. He loves this book and it will definitely become a firm favourite.
Do you read the Alfie books to your little one?
J x
Disclaimer: I was sent a copy of Alfie Outdoors to review, however all opinions are my own.
Ellie Mulligan says
Love this! I am always looking for new reading material for Jack. I don;t read to him in the day, but I do read to him every night before bed xx
Jenny Eaves says
This is a great book, I’m sure he would love it if he’s an outside person! 🙂 x
Alice says
I love her books too. We have got Dogger (a new copy for my boy) and it so perfectly describes a child’s love and need of their special toy, it still has a very special place in my heart. Good to see there is a new Shirley Hughes book out there to read to the children.
x Alice
#BinkyLinky
Jenny Eaves says
I know, I was quite surprised there were still new books. I loved her books as a child too and still do as an adult. 🙂 x
Emily says
I love the illustrations in this book. They remind me of the ones from books I used to read as a child. Thanks for linking up to the #BinkyLinky
Jenny Eaves says
Thanks for your comment. yes, they have a certain classic appeal to the pictures. 🙂 x
Nige Higgins says
Great review I love her books thanks for linking to the Binkylinky
Mummyandmonkeys says
I love Alfie books, they were a favourite of mine and are now a favourite of my boys. I need to get the newer ones. Thanks for linking to #picknmix
A Cornish Mum says
This book looks lovely 🙂 So much cuter than the books my boys read now they’re older!
Thanks for linking up to #PicknMix
Stevie xx
Sarah Howe (@RunJumpScrap) says
Aww we just read Alfie Gets in First to my daughter. She always takes a few reads to get warmed up with a new book (she’s not 2 yet) but I loved Alfie books. This review is great. I must buy more xx #binkylinky
Jenny Eaves says
They are lovely! Some stories are quite long for the younger kids, but my 19 month old likes them too, probably because we have an outdoor Alfie book that includes some poems too, easier for little ones to sit still for. I love that the pictures are still as lovely as I remember as a child. 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Ha ha, yes, waiting for the gory books and Horrible Histories etc. to start! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
They are lovely aren’t they! Thank you! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Thank you! 🙂 x