Hurry up Alfie by Anna Walker

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Scholastic, 2014. ISBN 9781742839912
(Age: 3-5) Highly recommended. Alfie is too busy having an exciting time to get dressed, much to his father's despair. He loves to play with his cat Steve McQueen, hide under his quilt cover, practice his handstands and hand from the door frame. He is easily distracted by a box on his head, his soft toys, singing, even wearing his pyjamas on his head. At 11.35 his father is ready to leave and Alfie is still not dressed, he's just wearing his undies and carrying an open umbrella.
Anna Walker's multi-layered illustrations are finely detailed; she beautifully combines real life photos, humorous painted characters, text written in torn tape boxes and patterned backgrounds. Each appealing scene is filled with activity as we engage with both the father and son's activities and emotions. In the final scenes Anna' carefully crafted collage of tall blocks of units dwarfs Alfie and his dad on their journey to the park.
This is an appealing story that both parents and children will enjoy. Alfie's is an amusing character who just wants to play with his cat.
Rhyllis Bignell

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