I love Shirley Hughes, her illustrations are realistic and detailed enough to allow plenty to pore over. But the story is what shines in this book. David loses his "dogger" and Bella, his sister, helps him get it back. Very few children books model the kind, caring side of a sibling relationship. This one shows kids how a good family can help each other out. I, too, get a tear in my eye every time I read it and my children ask for it again and again. It is in no way sappy or sentimental, it simply rings true. You will not go wrong with this book, and if you have more than one child--it's a must!

This book has an engaging story, and charming illustrations. And the way that the sister shows love for her brother rings true - children really act like this, when they're at their best. Any child who has a favorite stuffed toy will get caught up in the story, in the suspense, and in the happy ending. Shirley Hughes is a British author, and an observant reader can see that the setting doesn't look like America. This book,as well as other Shirley Hughes books, could be used for multi-cultural education, though the differences that can be found between Britain and America are subtle.

My family loves this book. Every time I read it, I almost cry when Bella helps her little brother get Dogger back. Wonderful, loving story!

My son, 3, loves this book. The stories have humor, tenderness, and the children are always treated with dignity. I love Shirley Hughes!

All the Alfie and Annie Rose books are excellent! My son and I read them over and over, without getting bored. Gentle little stories about everyday life, with likeable characters and lovely illustrations. Often humorous. My favorite children's author.

We raised all 3 of our children on Shirley Hughes's books ("Dogger" was the all-time favorite) and now I'm giving them to my first grandchild. Absolutely first-rate stories with the most exquisite, fascinating illustrations. Do your children/grandchildren a favor and get them hooked on this series!

I often wish I could find other books just like "Alife." We have a little boy who absolutely loves Alfie stories. There are several wonderful things about this book. First, the stories are delightful--gentle but realistic depictions of a boy who can figure things out and actually accomplish some little four-year old feats on his own. I love the interaction among the family members (although I guess the dad is a little removed for my taste...). The illustrations are so true. I agree with the earlier reviewer, I'm also comforted by the little daily messes in Alfie's house. We also love the format of this book. It's big and long (divided into several stories) and our little guy really feels like he's reading a "serious" book. He likes to consider which story to read and we've even had a chance to do some teaching about page numbers. I've bought this book for several kids in the 3-4 year old group and I've heard good things from all of them. This is one I can imagine saving for the grandkids.

My 2 and half year old asks to read this book and other Shirley Hughes' books repeatedly. They are endearing and engaging for both of us (and Dad & big brother too). These realistic and beautiful renderings of a toddler's everday dramas explore small but important truths about behavior... sharing (at a birthday party) , courage (overcoming fear of opening a door by oneself), thoughtfulness (helping a sister in need), and learning about and taking care of one's belongings. But I only came to recognize these subtle messages after several requested readings which is of course most important. In our house this book is highly requested as well as recommended.

These stories of Alfie and his little sister, Annie Rose, are truly endearing. Children and parents alike will find the illustrations to be utterly enchanting and the stories amusing and very real. This collection is a "must have" for fans of English illustrator/author, Shirley Hughes.

In total agreement with other readers, I admire this book very much. I wanted recently to buy two copies, one for each granddaughter and lo, it is out of print. Furthermore, I have listed it in the books for children section of the yet-to-be published 7th edition of -Science Experiences for the Early Childhood Year. And I read it to my classes. I hope it comes out in paperback!

A wonderful, seasonable drama that involves all the colorful activities that small children are fascinated by, i.e. dogs, wind and leaves, outdoor messes, etc...

Shirley Hughes wrote this with a musical ear for language. It is presently my hands-down favorite for reading to my two-year old. It is writing that adults can appreciate for almost haiku-like grace, and that appreciation can be passed on to the youngest readers. The illustrations match the poems superbly, and there are four mural-like double-page spreads, one for each season, that are each pictures the child can wander about visually, and I have had long talks with my son about what he sees in these pictures. An almost ideal children's book in my opinion.

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If your name was Abel Grable and your wife's name was Mabel you too would have to get away every now and then.

"Abel's Moon" is set sometime in the 1950's going by the clothes the characters wear. Abel has to leave his family and travel to find work. They are not a prosperous family, the front gate squeaks and the garden is overgrown. There is no TV or video games in this house. Instead they sit around the fire and tell stories. Somehow they look happy!

There are 3 children Adam, Noah and baby Ben, and of course Skipper the dog. The boys know how to entertain themselves, such as playing at being wild animals. Mabel and Ben love dancing to the music on the radio. When Abel is back home he tries to write up the stories of his travels but the noise from the family is too much. He has to go out into the garden to get some peace and quiet in order to work.

Abel's stories about his adventures are full of tales about monkey's swinging through trees, crocodiles in muddy swamps and travelling on riverboats to remote places.

Once again it was time for Abel to set out to find work. The boys missed their Dad very much.

The boys turn the old writing table that Dad had used out in the garden into a camp. They are sure they can hear monkeys in the trees. They then turn the table upside down to make a pretend boat. They paddled it through muddy crocodile infested swamps with only the moon to guide them.

Adam one day decided that the writing table could be turned into a moon machine with the addition of few planks of wood to make some propellers. Under the light of the full moon Adam looked out at the moon machine in his garden.

Adam had a remarkable and profound thought. " He knew that the moon was shining down on him, and Abel too. It shone down on all the people who loved each other and couldn't always be together, beaming down on each and every one, no matter how far away they were".

With his strong sense of imagination Adam planned that one night soon, he and Noah (and Skipper if he behaved himself) would take off in the moon machine, and drop in on Dad, wherever he was.

Soon Abel would be back home with his family. The boys would then tell Abel all about THEIR adventures.

You get the message that Abel's sons have just as strong sense of imagination as their father does. You guess his crocodile stories may be just as real as Adam's trips in his moon machine.

"Abel's Moon" is a delightful story. The illustrations capture the era and the atmosphere perfectly.

Adam and Noah miss their dad, Abel, when he travels on business. He writes down his travel stories for the family to read while he is away on his next trip. Adam feels connected to his dad when he sees the moon shine because it also shines on his father. Adam and Noah make a moon machine in the back yard and pretend they will fly to their dad and visit him. They plan to share their adventures with Dad on his return. The illustrations depict loving family scenes.

This is a wonderful story about a man who returns home to his family after traveling, guided by the moon. The story is creative, and touching, as the children feel closer to their father when they can look up and see the moon. The educational superb too, since it is a good introduction to what the moon is and why it looks the way it does in the sky.

Alfie Gets in Frist is about a boy who gets in first. He gets lonely and starts to cry. His sister was hungry and thirsty so she was crying to. I think it's funny, but it's not supposed to be. Here's why I think it's funny: it has this page and it's a funny page. It shows him cyring up a storm. I think it's funny because he has more tears than a regular cry.
I think people who like sort of funny books should read this. Also, people who like short books with some challenging words should read it.

This is one of my favorite Alfie Books. It is also the first in the series. It's about a toddler named Alfie who keeps running ahead of his mother and baby sister as they return from their shopping. Alfie wants to get home first. Eventually, he gets into the flat first--only to shut the door and lock himself in. Various neighbors come over to help, until there is a crowd in front of the door. The situation is rendered wonderfully in "split-screen" fashion, with the adults and the exterior of the flat on the left-hand page and Alfie and the interior of the flat on the right-hand page. Thus we see the adults standing outside and becoming increasingly alarmed, while Alfie calms himself down, brings a chair over, climbs up on it, and opens the door. Then everyone comes in for tea. It's really a sweet story. It's also a cautionary tale for those toddlers who, like mine, tend to shut doors they ought not to. Alfie's predicament made quite an impression on my son!

I have a hard time believing such a wonderful book for two year olds is out of print. Both my children love the story of this little boy whose brazen independance places him in a scary situation. They truely could relate to his delimma and the feelings it caused. They really loved the ending. It reinforced that independance may get you into scary situations but with it you can also get out of them and feel proud of your accomplishment.

We read this book at least once a day when my daughter was 18 months old, until she was three. She really identified with Annie Rose, and the day-to-day events in Annie Rose's life. As a parent, I enjoyed this book too, even after the one-millionth reading. I think toddlers and preschoolers really enjoy the peeks at everyday life that Shirley Hughes creates.

I named my baby girl, Annie Rose, and so when I found out about this book I had to snatch one up! It is an adorable and gentle little poetry book for young children. My baby enjoys it; even my 3- and 5-year-old boys love it. They think Annie Rose is so funny and they like her big brother, Alphie too. We have read this book many times together and have enjoyed it every time.

My two-year-old daughter recently received this book for her birthday. She was immediately intrigued by it and wanted it read to her often. About two days later she picked it up once again to have it read to her and announced, "I yove dis book."

We (my 3-year old son and 2-year old daughter and I) loved Hughes' "All About Alfie," and her story "Dogger," and this book is a wonderful next step for us, especially my son. There's a bit more text per page, and more mature subject matter (the death of a neighbor's pet) which helps ensure it will grow with him. (I was worried that he'd lose the wonderful role model he has in Alfie!) The only negative is that since the stories so completely capture Alfie's point of view, Annie Rose is a little flat, and my daughter is not as engaged by her. Alfie stories are a great example of how to be caring toward your siblings. The illustrations showing a happy family without a spotless house (it looks comfy and lived in!) make me want to give Hughes a hug!

Shirley Hughes is a wonderful author who uses beautiful illustrations and a quiet writing style in her children's books. My toddler loves her book, Chatting, as well as other Hughes titles. I highly recommend sharing Alfie with your children.

This book was my daughter's favourite from the age of about 15 months until she was two. Unlike many books that drive a parent batty after several readings, I never got tired of reading "Color Babies" (as it is called in our house). Shirley Hughes really understands toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents. Her writing flows, and her pictures beautifully capture the interests of toddlers.

Hughes uses items not usually found in ordinary color books to describe not only the color, but each color's many shades. The rhythm of the text is light and flowing and the illustrations are heart-warming.

This is my 22 month old's favorite book (she calls it "Colour Babies"), and it's still fun to read after many reading sessions. The stories and illustrations show a real slice-of-life that fascinates toddlers.

My daughter (now four) loved this book when she received it. Now my two-year old son loves it. We refer to it as "Bath water's hot" since that is the first story. The stories capture my children's interest in a soft, friendly way. Much like a warm, bed-time hug. Both children seem to associate with the characters. Best of all, you can read the stories again and again and not want to scream. Many thanks to Ms. Hughes.