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Alfie
Alfie Gets in First
Arriving home after shopping with his mom and sister, Alfie rushes inside and slams the door. Bang! Alfie is stuck inside and his mom and Annie Rose are stuck outside without a key. Soon everyone in the street becomes involved in trying to rescue Alfie, but he has a plan of his own.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
7 people are currently reading
552 people want to read
About the author
Shirley Hughes
370 books209 followersShirley 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.
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March 28, 2018The joy of being Oma is re-visiting those past favourites.
Gotta love Alfie's resourcefulness.
Gotta love Alfie's resourcefulness.
March 7, 2013
We all know and love Alfie right? I do. He's an iconic character, created by the equally iconic Shirley Hughes, and this is one of my favourite titles starring him and his younger sister Annie Rose.
But, before I talk about this, I need to segue slightly. The other day I was discussing comic books with somebody and how they were being disparaged by parents who did not approve of their children who read these books. My point there, and one which applies here as well, was that the visual literacy needed to read and appreciate comics is massive - and it all contributes towards becoming literate. It is just another, and a deceptively complicated, route towards literacy.
Let me tell you about what I mean, and luckily enough there are moments in Alfie Gets In First which sum this up superbly. Consider the spreads where the locked door is placed central, down the spine of the book, indicated by the gutter between the two panels on either facing page. The verso(left) page tells the story of the increasingly active outdoor narrative, whilst the recto (right) page tells the story of Alfie, inside. What's particularly glorious is that, at the same time of these two differing visual narratives, we also have a third layer to the book - that of the text, which describes the whole of the story, quite often ignoring what is going on beneath it, therefore forcing the reader to puzzle out and see what's actually going on.
And then (not only, but also) we have the treatment of time in the book, the way the verso spread is slightly ahead of the text on the recto page and then, when the impact of the text starts to hit home, we appreciate the recto imagework even more. Take a look at the moment where Alfie starts to cry, his face crumbling as he realises the predicament of his situation. It is beautifully done, capturing the small boy in the shift - the actual moment - where he starts to panic a little bit.
It is all so subtle and so very cleverly handled. Picture books like this have a sort of deceptive skill about them. It's easy to put a picture on a page. It's not easy to load it with visual cues, to capture a cat mid leap out of the frame, to include incentives to turn the page, and to tell a story. It's not.
Shirley Hughes is one of our national storytelling treasures. It's easy to forget sometimes that we are living in a golden age of children's literature and have been doing so for a good few years now. I genuinely think that names such as Shirley Hughes are those who flew the flag to get us here. And long may she keep on flying that flag.
But, before I talk about this, I need to segue slightly. The other day I was discussing comic books with somebody and how they were being disparaged by parents who did not approve of their children who read these books. My point there, and one which applies here as well, was that the visual literacy needed to read and appreciate comics is massive - and it all contributes towards becoming literate. It is just another, and a deceptively complicated, route towards literacy.
Let me tell you about what I mean, and luckily enough there are moments in Alfie Gets In First which sum this up superbly. Consider the spreads where the locked door is placed central, down the spine of the book, indicated by the gutter between the two panels on either facing page. The verso(left) page tells the story of the increasingly active outdoor narrative, whilst the recto (right) page tells the story of Alfie, inside. What's particularly glorious is that, at the same time of these two differing visual narratives, we also have a third layer to the book - that of the text, which describes the whole of the story, quite often ignoring what is going on beneath it, therefore forcing the reader to puzzle out and see what's actually going on.
And then (not only, but also) we have the treatment of time in the book, the way the verso spread is slightly ahead of the text on the recto page and then, when the impact of the text starts to hit home, we appreciate the recto imagework even more. Take a look at the moment where Alfie starts to cry, his face crumbling as he realises the predicament of his situation. It is beautifully done, capturing the small boy in the shift - the actual moment - where he starts to panic a little bit.
It is all so subtle and so very cleverly handled. Picture books like this have a sort of deceptive skill about them. It's easy to put a picture on a page. It's not easy to load it with visual cues, to capture a cat mid leap out of the frame, to include incentives to turn the page, and to tell a story. It's not.
Shirley Hughes is one of our national storytelling treasures. It's easy to forget sometimes that we are living in a golden age of children's literature and have been doing so for a good few years now. I genuinely think that names such as Shirley Hughes are those who flew the flag to get us here. And long may she keep on flying that flag.
September 16, 2018
Another great, fun, true to life tale from the wonderful Shirley Hughes.
Alfie gets locked in his house with Mum and Annie Rose left out on the street. The story follows Alfie from indoors and the people trying to help him out on the street.
In the end Alfie doesn't need their help and proudly opens the door by himself.
A lovely book and one that children will enjoy again and again.
As always the pictures are spot on.
Shirley Hughes can do no wrong in my eyes!
Alfie gets locked in his house with Mum and Annie Rose left out on the street. The story follows Alfie from indoors and the people trying to help him out on the street.
In the end Alfie doesn't need their help and proudly opens the door by himself.
A lovely book and one that children will enjoy again and again.
As always the pictures are spot on.
Shirley Hughes can do no wrong in my eyes!
November 21, 2014
Adorable! I can very easily see a child doing this. Alfie's character will amuse the children, teach a good lessons and likely bring a fond smile to any parents face.
Young Alfie want to play with his sister and mother but instead ends up locked alone in the house with them on the other side. Amusements arises as neighbors try to figure out a solution. The outcome is endearing!
Young Alfie want to play with his sister and mother but instead ends up locked alone in the house with them on the other side. Amusements arises as neighbors try to figure out a solution. The outcome is endearing!
October 3, 2020
#FemmeFanTale
Continent: Europe
Prompt: Read a book written by a british author
Continent: Europe
Prompt: Read a book written by a british author
June 23, 2017
One of the many joys of being a grandmother is re-visiting the books you read to your child, in reading them to their child! I know my grand-daughter will love this one - the pictures and characterisation, the humour, and the identification will all tickle her! Me too!
October 4, 2018
This story is very relatable for younger children. It is about a boy who is so excited to be the first one home that he slams the door shut out of excitement of winning the race; locking his mum and little sister outside with no way in. The story progresses with everybody, including neighbours, trying to open the door.
The pictures are key to this text because they provide a narrative of their own, alongside the written text on each page. They bring together both perspectives of the story - from both sides of the door.
Questions embedded within the text are useful for encouraging children to use their imaginations and deduction skills to predict the next part of the story. They are also great discussion simulators and can therefore encourage engagement with the story.
Overall, a very enjoyable book that brings out the infectious joy and mischief associated with childhood. I would highly recommend reading this text and sharing it with a class when possible.
The pictures are key to this text because they provide a narrative of their own, alongside the written text on each page. They bring together both perspectives of the story - from both sides of the door.
Questions embedded within the text are useful for encouraging children to use their imaginations and deduction skills to predict the next part of the story. They are also great discussion simulators and can therefore encourage engagement with the story.
Overall, a very enjoyable book that brings out the infectious joy and mischief associated with childhood. I would highly recommend reading this text and sharing it with a class when possible.
October 12, 2015
This book is so clever in terms of how it uses the format of the book as a bridge between Alfie and his mum - very few had played around with the book as being an object that could be played around with in this way - Hughes was a trend setter. Besides, Hughes captures real-life London so well and I like how there are little stories taking place in the background....and the milkman has a brilliant hat and beard
September 2, 2020
Alfie gets himself into a bit of a sticky situation as he gets in to the house and the door closes behind him with his mum and baby sister on the other side! A scary situation for a little boy who can't even reach the door handle. This story involves a group of people who try to help Alfie solve the problem without a locksmith.
This would be a nice story to discuss with reception, year one or two. What would you do in this situation? Has this happened to you before? How might Alfie/ his mum feel?
This would be a nice story to discuss with reception, year one or two. What would you do in this situation? Has this happened to you before? How might Alfie/ his mum feel?
March 25, 2017
Cute little story about a little boy who is in such a rush to race his mother home that he inadvertently locks his mother out of the house. The rest of the story is about the people who gather to help and Alfie who finally gets his little chair so he can reach the doorknob. Cute little book.
February 25, 2023
Too many words for a small child to read
October 13, 2019
https://openlibrary.org/works/OL59228...
If only these gorgeous books were more available - I would have bought a whole set for my boys when little. This, and other Alfie stories, are all about those little person moments that are so beautiful. First party. First galoshes. Little adventures. There are lots of firsts when you're so new. Highly recommend for any 2yo birthday (boy or girl).
If only these gorgeous books were more available - I would have bought a whole set for my boys when little. This, and other Alfie stories, are all about those little person moments that are so beautiful. First party. First galoshes. Little adventures. There are lots of firsts when you're so new. Highly recommend for any 2yo birthday (boy or girl).
January 21, 2015
We borrowed this from the library at about 21 months and it seemed too long. We reborrowed it at 23 months, and had to read it three times in a row, immediately. Alfie must be about 2 1/2 or 3 years old, and our kid really seems to relate to this story. He concentrates all through it and seems fascinated. I really can't say what it is, which is the mark of genius art, innit? It just works.
January 30, 2020
Cute, but omigosh I don't think I'd have the energy to make tea for the neighborhood after that adventure. I hope Alfie learned his lesson... but judging by how many other Alfie titles there are, I'm guessing not!
February 12, 2016
Hughes' illustrations are so detailed and really capture family life in a suburban London. I love the fuss that Alfie causes and the reaction of all his neighbours and friends.
May 12, 2016
So darn cute. Little Alfie and his baby sister Annie Rose. The illustrations make me smile and the story of one I have experienced myself.
August 25, 2021
PLEASE HELP WITH AN AGE RATING!! MORE INFO IN THE REVIEW!! THANK YOU!!
It's been a long time since I read a Shirley Hughes book, but this was definitely one of my favourite childhood books! Now I really want to give some of my favourites to my Godchildren however I cannot seem to find an age rating for this book. My godson will be six in January, and my goddaughter will be three in February, so can anyone tell me if this is she appropriate for either child? There's also a couple of other titles like Sally's Secret, and The Trouble With Jack, Moving Molly, and lastly Rhymes For Annie Rose (another of my favourites!) which I think will all have a similar age rating. So, please, please, please, if you have an idea of an age rating then please comment on this and let me know! It doesn't have to be the official age rating (although that would help too), but if you're someone who reads to children (maybe a parent, teacher, aunt, uncle, grandparent, etc. Just anyone who is in contact with children now than I am as my Godchildren live a bit of a drive away) and thinks it would be suitable, then please let me know which of my Godchildren or what age/(possibly gender) you think is best for this book. Thank you so much!!!
It's been a long time since I read a Shirley Hughes book, but this was definitely one of my favourite childhood books! Now I really want to give some of my favourites to my Godchildren however I cannot seem to find an age rating for this book. My godson will be six in January, and my goddaughter will be three in February, so can anyone tell me if this is she appropriate for either child? There's also a couple of other titles like Sally's Secret, and The Trouble With Jack, Moving Molly, and lastly Rhymes For Annie Rose (another of my favourites!) which I think will all have a similar age rating. So, please, please, please, if you have an idea of an age rating then please comment on this and let me know! It doesn't have to be the official age rating (although that would help too), but if you're someone who reads to children (maybe a parent, teacher, aunt, uncle, grandparent, etc. Just anyone who is in contact with children now than I am as my Godchildren live a bit of a drive away) and thinks it would be suitable, then please let me know which of my Godchildren or what age/(possibly gender) you think is best for this book. Thank you so much!!!
October 29, 2024
This is our favorite of the wonderful series of picture books created by the incredible Shirley Hughes (1927-2002) of West Kirby, England. Her bibliography includes over 50 books that have sold over 10 million copies. I still remember when Leslie and I met a wonderful children’s librarian in Toronto named Joanne who thrust this book into our hands and, since then, all of our kids have loved reading Alfie’s tales when they’re around 3 or 4. In this story the toddler Alfie does indeed get into the house before his mom and little sister and then the door latches behind him which causes a flurry of neighborhood friends to come over to try to help him out. Gentle tension, vivid drawings, and the warmth of family and community come through—as they do in all the Alfie books. Perfect before bed. Highly recommended.
February 21, 2024
Rather fun! Clever use of illustrations (one side of the spread is outside on the stoop, the other side is inside where Alfie has locked himself inside). As the mayhem spreads outside (in a believable way), eventually Alfie goes about his business and gets 'er done—I can imagine the delight with which an adjacent child would notice and realise what's about to happen while the adult reads the dialogue.
(Note: I'm a writer, so I suffer when I offer fewer than five stars. But these aren't ratings of quality, they're a subjective account of how much I liked the book: 5* = an unalloyed pleasure from start to finish, 4* = really enjoyed it, 3* = readable but not thrilling, 2* = disappointing, and 1* = hated it.)
(Note: I'm a writer, so I suffer when I offer fewer than five stars. But these aren't ratings of quality, they're a subjective account of how much I liked the book: 5* = an unalloyed pleasure from start to finish, 4* = really enjoyed it, 3* = readable but not thrilling, 2* = disappointing, and 1* = hated it.)
November 25, 2018
This is a great book for young readers based on the complexity of the text and the content itself. In this book, Alfie is presented with a major problem due to him being impatient. I believe this a good read for young readers because I feel like they would be able to relate well to Alfie's problem. For young readers, this book will get them thinking about problem solving. For teachers, it is important to have a discussion along with this book about how Alfie got himself into the situation and thinking about your actions before doing them.
October 20, 2018
A classic, timeless picture book. We all know children with Alfies personality- like when he raced home and wanted to be first. Then, he is unknowingly reckless and ruthless and locked himself inside by accident. Everyone knows a child like this, and if you read this in your classroom I bet there are a few children who could make text-to-self connections to this. This book is so great, and I love the illustrations!
September 9, 2019
This book is excellent for children ages 2-4 for many reasons. The first reason it is a good choice for children ages 2-4 is because the use of color. For example, the illustrator used the color red for Alfie's mother's keys. This book is also nice for young children because it gives them an oppoutunity to interact with the story because you can ask them questions such as "What do you think Alfie will do next?".
October 9, 2019
I grew up on Shirley Hughes and in particular the Alfie stories and I’m pretty sure they have formed my passion and love for children’s literature. Shirley Hughes is extremely clever in the way she writes, the language is simplistic and easy to follow, which makes it accessible for younger children. I remember being read Alfie stories almost every night by my parents and as a child, I fell in love with the adventures that Alfie got up too.
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September 19, 2020Poor Alfie accidently locks himself in the house, and his poor mum and little sister can't get to him! All the neighbours come to help and eventually he manages to get free. A classic from Shirley Hughes with her distinctive illustrations. Fun fact; I was so obsessed with these books as a small child that my mum eventually HID them all so I couldn't bring them to her and make her read them (We did have plenty of other books, so this wasn't such a hardship!)
March 2, 2019
I really liked this book. I think that children will be able to relate to Alfie, and find him silly. I found that the illustrations in this book really added to the story, and I liked the style that they were done in. Overall, I would highly recommend this book because it is a great read with amazing pictures, and I think that children would find it to be very enjoyable.
March 18, 2020
I really enjoyed this story due to the cute, fun, character of Alfie. With Alfie getting into his house without his mother and sister, he showed that he doesn’t need their help, and even opened the door himself. I think this story did a good job showing young children that panicking is not the solution, and the illustrations did an excellent job showing the emotions of Alfie and his family.
November 1, 2020
This is a sweet story that has happened to many families. Alfie was so excited to be the first one into the house after their walk, that he slammed the door shut. He was on the inside and his mom and baby sister were locked outside. He was too little to reach the lock, and that made him cry. Several neighbours are trying to help when Alfie finally solves the problem himself. Great illustrations.
November 17, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I think that it has a good lesson in it and parents should read it to their children. In the book Alfie a young child ran into his house without his mom and ended up locking himself in the house. After a lot of struggles Alfie finally gets the door open after not giving up. This is another valuable lesson for young children to never give up.
March 5, 2021
I enjoyed this book, for the most part, I thought it was a very basic book. I did like that I was about a family, and it had an issue that would more than likely happen to a child, as it did with Alfie. Overall, it was okay, like stated above it was basic to me. Overall did enjoy it though, I just am not sure how it would perform with students today.
March 18, 2023
What happens when Alfie goes into the house first and locks the door behind him? Everything. This delightful tale has a clever (sometimes not-s0-clever) child who finds the best ways to get into mischief. The ways this story escalates is funny and Alfie is definitely a child I can relate to. I suspect I did something similar when I was a kid. Loved this book a lot!
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