Alfie at Nursery School

There are two stories in this book, The Treehouse, and, The Concert.I was hoping that the book as a whole would illustrate the things to do and the experiences to look forward to when starting nursery. The first three pages did that, talking about counting, drawing, and learning letters. We then went off to playtime where we encountered two boys forming an exclusive club only allowing certain children into the treehouse. I appreciate that we have to teach children about inclusivity but could we not just have kept the storyline about making friendships and sharing? I don't understand why it was necessary to take the storyline where it went. I just wanted a gentler introduction into nursery life. The second story was ok, again not terribly informative about nursery school. I thought the book in its entirety was a missed opportunity to give a positive insight on their first steps in the wider world. In all honesty I'm disappointed at an opportunity missed by the author, and I'm a fan.

A great addition to the collection - thank you Shirley Hughes. With so many children now in nursery schools this was such a great thing for her to do. My children love the stories as much as I did when I was little. A must for any big brother little sister combo in a family and for any child preparing or at nursery.

I was so looking forward to this coming out but I have to say I’m a bit disappointed. The scenario that unfolds in the nursery school concert is pretty much exactly the same as what happens when Alfie is a page boy in another story. And the moral lesson about the club and the play house felt heavy handed in a way that her stories do not usually.

Shirley Hughes is a genius of toddlers and small children. Her world is universal and kind.

Children relate to the characters and love the illustrations.

Super stories about inclusion and accepting others. Great stories to help settle new children into reception classes.

Brilliant book for introducing the idea of school / nursery to your little one. Love Shirley Hughes. The quality of the print etc was very good too

Bought set for 5th birthday