Hurry Up, Alfie!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 24, 2016

Review

Alfie is an energetic alligator who is still in his pajamas when his mother asks him to get ready to go meet his friend Bert in the park. As mom patiently gets breakfast ready, tidies up the toys, and periodically checks on Alfie's progress, Alfie does everything available to him for inquiry, play, and bother the kitty. Everything except get dressed, that is! Parents with distracted, busy children will sympathize and appreciate the circumstance and may use this picture book as a way to open up discussion. Walker's illustrations are a mix of ink and collage. The background wallpaper of the house lends an extra dose of busy to the scene. The text consists of the dialogue between mom and Alfie in text boxes that resemble torn strips of paper. Although the appreciating audience may be the parent, the many details in the illustrations will inspire a second look and a giggle or two.

Overall Book Score: good