Alfie and the Birthday Surprise

We love all the Alfie books. This one is as much about the death of a pet (handled very factually) as about birthdays, which I had not realized. Still great—just maybe be prepared for a conversation about the feline afterlife with your toddler.

Shirley Hughes is the best!

Anything Shirley Hughes writes is worth reading! She writes about everyday situations with which my 3 year old and I can relate (and we laugh, cry or feel whatever other emotion she provokes) and always enjoy!. She both writes and illustrates her books - and do so beautifully!

I am fond of this book because it incorporates death as part of a continuum of events in a child's life, instead of placing it front and center in a "the-moral-of-the-story-is" type of typical children's story.Alfie's neighbor loves his old cat, the cat dies, the neighbor is very sad, the neighbor stays sad, and Alfie and friends and family decide to plan a surprise birthday party for the neighbor. Then there are lots of details about the party, including the purchase of presents, the making of the cake, and even getting a new kitten for the neighbor. Then, ta-dum, everybody yells SURPRISE! And the neighbor is happier, and the kitten turns out to be pretty cool, and the party is fun, and even though everybody remembers the old cat fondly, the new cat becomes a part of their life.I like this approach and so, apparently, do my kids. I've been trying to find good books for kids about death, and this has turned out to be a favorite. And the pictures are *adorable,* I just wanted to reach right in and pinch Alfie's red cheeks.

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.

Alfie and the birthday surprise was a birthday present for my great grandson Alfie, he's one year old, He didn't have much to say about his new book but hopefully he will get the gist of the story when he ages a bit.my granddaughter thought it was good and I am sure she will find time amongst the feeding and nappie changes to explain it to him.

This book was a present for a 4 year old who loves Shirley Hughes' books. As far as I know she is delighted with it.

bought for my two year old as we just lost a family pet. The sentiment was there, but I think it went over his head a bit. probably better for 4-5 year olds.

My grandsons and myself had a lovely time reading this book

Another beautifully written story book by Shirley Hughes, who is a favourite in our house.This story is particularly good as it teaches young children that pets don't live forever, which has helped my 5 year old daughter understand the death of our cat this year, as I was finding it quite difficult to explain it to her without upsetting her too much.