Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Alfie's Christmas
Illustrator: Shirley Hughes
Picture Book Series
For ages 4 to 6
Random House UK, 2013 ISBN: 978-0370332307
Christmas is just around the corner and Alfie is getting ready for the big day. He makes cards for his friends and helps his mother make Christmas tree-shaped cookies. He goes out with his family to choose the family Christmas tree, and helps his dad to carry the tree they buy into the house. Alfie and his family take great care when they decorate the tree with ornaments. They want their tree to look lovely.
Dad takes Alfie on a “special secret shopping expedition” so that Alfie can choose a gift for his mother, and then he and Dad wrap a bunch of presents. The house is full of presents and Alfie and his little sister Annie Rose mustn’t look inside any of them.
Of course, Alfie wants presents too so he writes a letter to Father Christmas, with his mother’s help, and they post it. Alfie wonders if Father Christmas will get his letter, and his mother reassures him that the old gentleman is sure to get Alfie’s Christmas list.
In this charming Alfie book we share the little boy’s adventures in the days leading up to Christmas, and then we get to see how he spends Christmas Day. The narrative is sweet and personal, and it beautifully complements Shirley Hughes’ wonderful artwork.
