An Evening At Alfie's
Agent Alfie Series
on Goodreads (237)
What’s inside...
In the children's book 'An Evening At Alfie's' by Shirley Hughes, young Alfie experiences an eventful night when the ceiling in his house starts to leak during a rainstorm. Alfie's mother goes out, leaving Alfie in the care of his babysitter, Maureen. As the rain pours down, the leak turns into a gushing stream, and Alfie, his little sister Annie Rose, and Maureen must work together to contain the water and protect the house. They use pots, pans, and buckets to catch the water and move furniture to keep it from getting wet. Despite the chaos, Alfie takes the situation in stride and even finds it exciting. The book showcases themes of problem-solving, teamwork, and turning unexpected situations into adventures. Ultimately, the leak gets fixed, and the evening at Alfie's is remembered as an exciting and memorable time.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Alfie felt when the pipe burst? How would you feel if that happened at home?
How did Alfie and the babysitter work together to solve the problem? Can you think of a time when you had to work with someone to solve a problem?
What are some ways Alfie showed he was brave? What does being brave mean to you?
Why do you think the author chose a house problem to happen in the story? What does it teach us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of Alfie and other characters, making the story come alive.
Pause after dramatic moments in the story to ask your child how they predict the problem will be resolved.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, discussing any similar situations they've encountered and how they felt.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and bravery in everyday life, drawing parallels between the characters' actions and real-life scenarios.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In the story, the babysitter demonstrates responsibility while managing unexpected situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of Alfie and his sister.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take charge in age-appropriate situations, understanding the importance of being reliable and responsible, whether it’s doing their chores or looking after a sibling.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The babysitter encounters various problems like a leaking pipe and creatively finds solutions to keep the situation under control.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think on their feet and come up with solutions when they face challenges, whether it's in their studies or in interpersonal conflicts.
Example Lesson: Coping with stress
Explanation: Despite multiple challenges, the babysitter remains calm and manages stress effectively throughout the evening.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stay calm under pressure and handle stressful situations with grace, which is crucial in school and social interactions.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Alfie and his sister show concern for their babysitter and each other, reflecting understanding and care.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of empathy and supporting those around them, enhancing their emotional intelligence and social skills.
Example Lesson: Independence
Explanation: Throughout the evening, Alfie takes on small tasks by himself, showcasing budding independence.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of self-reliance and confidence in completing tasks on their own, fostering a sense of accomplishment and personal growth.