• Booklist Reviews : Booklist Monthly Selections - #1 March 2003
  PreS-Gr.1. From the endearing English series that began with Alfie Gets in First (1982), this picture book features Alfie's observations about his little sister, Annie Rose. Endearing, yes. Sentimental, no. Hughes has a firm grasp on a toddler's traits and how annoying they can be to an older sibling. Still, Alfie knows his younger sister better than almost anyone--from early morning, when Annie Rose tosses her stuffed animals out of her crib, through days spent visiting the store or the beach and playing with their friends and with each other. Few artists have recreated the young child's body language and surroundings as faithfully as Hughes. The gouache-and-oil pastel illustrations teem with well-observed details--a playmate's untied shoelace, an over-the-shoulder glance of a supermarket shopper when Annie Rose throws a tantrum. The pages are packed with activities that toddlers will enjoy looking at over and over, yet the older child's point of view extends the interest range upward a bit. Older siblings who want to do the right thing will appreciate Alfie's understanding attitude toward his occasionally trying younger sister. From the appealing jacket to the touching ending, this picture book will please children and parents alike. ((Reviewed March 1, 2003)) Copyright 2003 Booklist Reviews

Shirley Hughes began her career as an illustrator and was inspired to write her own books in the 1960s when her children were very young. She has illustrated more than two hundred children’s books. Her many awards include the Kate Greenaway Medal for DOGGER and the prestigious Eleanor Farjeon Award for her services to children’s literature.