Author(s): Shirley Hughes

8-12 Fiction

Mr McNally, the neighbour of Alfie and Annie Rose, is very sad. His old cat Smokey has died. As it is nearly his birthday, his family decides to hold a surprise party and buy a particularly special present to cheer him up. It is left to Alfie to look after the present until the big day. . . The loss of a family pet is skilfully handled within the secure world of Alfie and Annie Rose by a warm and sympathetic text, and illustrations bustling with detail and charm.