Absolutely Alfie and the Furry, Purry Secret (Absolutely Alfie #1)

Gr 2-5--EllRay Jakes's fanciful little sister, Alfie, now has her own series. Alfie thinks that her last three weeks of summer before second grade will be boring, until her mom sets up a two-girl day care club. Alfie will be spending the next few days with Hanni, a soon-to-be second grader whom she barely knows. Summer camp turns out to be more exciting than expected, and Alfie falls in love with Hanni's kittens and becomes pretty close friends with Hanni, too. She decides to take a cat home, even though she knows very well that pets aren't allowed at her house, because of allergies. On day three, Alfie and Princess are discovered. Will the Jakes decide to let Princess become part of their family? Young readers will enjoy this accessible story with sprightly characters who remind us that sometimes rules need to be broken. VERDICT Fans of Junie B. Jones and Kylie Jean will not be disappointed. A solid addition to chapter book shelves.--Martha Rico, El Paso ISD, TX

In this entertaining spin-off of the EllRay Jakes series, Warner turns her focus to EllRay's younger sister, seven-year-old Alfie, as she prepares to start second grade. Testing her boundaries, Alfie secretly brings home a kitten, breaking a family rule (her mother thinks Alfie is allergic). Alfie's spirited interactions with EllRay and Hanni, a know-it-all friend in the making, add further spice to the plot. Accented by Malone's simple b&w line drawings, it's an emotionally incisive story; Alfie is headstrong, thoughtful, and able to own up to her missteps (eventually).

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