Shirley Hughes, Alfie Gets in First

Red Fox, 9780099256052 | Suggested age range: 0-3

Alfie is determined to get home first. When Mum opens the front door he dashes inside and slams the door shut. Mum and Annie Rose are outside, Alfie and the front door key are inside, and Alfie can't open the door as the lock is too high up. How can Alfie let Mum in? Told from the two contrasting perspectives of Alfie inside and Mum, Annie Rose and a bunch of helpful neighbours outside, Alfie's resourcefulness is revealed. Shirley Hughes captures the high drama of a domestic incident.

Shirley Hughes, Dogger

Red Fox, 9780099927907 | Suggested age range: 3-5

The overwhelming importance of one soft toy is captured to perfection in this classic picture book. Dave takes Dogger everywhere but one day he mysteriously goes missing. Everyone searches high and low but Dogger is nowhere to be found. At the school fête the next day Dave cannot join in the fun because he is missing Dogger too much. When Dogger turns up on the old toy stall all looks like ending well, but someone else wants Dogger too and it takes Dave's big sister Bella's generous intervention to get his beloved dog back. Every picture is a feast of busy detail while the drama captures the emotions of a young child.