Review: Alfie's Lost Sharkie

I simply adored the first book in the Alfie series--Hurry Up, Alfie!--by the superlative Anna Walker. I loved it for its adorable relatability (both from the parent's AND the child's perspective) but also for its gentle yet punchy illustrations, using the classic Anna Walker colour, pattern, texture and whimsy I so adore.

Now, Alfie is back--and this time he's not being nudged to get out the door--he's lost Sharkie.

He's not anywhere! Not in the tree. Not in the bathtub. Not on the bookshelf. And he's not even in the bathroom brushing his spiky teeth.

Where could he be?

Every parent (and child) will relate to the gentle encouragement it takes to get a wee one ready for bed. The distractions, the energy, the chatter--it's so utterly adorable but it most certainly takes some clever planning to wind it down and wrap it up gently for sleep.

Anna Walker does this so beautifully with Alfie, a character who will endear himself to any reader. And she also gives us a smile-inducing ending that will bring on many a nod. And I don't mean a sleepy nod.

This is a gorgeous bedtime book with fluid text and a fun premise. And then there's the colour, the pattern, the texture, the whimsy ...

It's love.

Title: Alfie's Lost Sharkie
Author/Illustrator: Anna Walker
Publisher: Scholastic, $19.99 RRP
Publication Date: 1 March 2015
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781742839929
For ages: 1 - 5 (also for 40-somethings)
Type: Picture Book