cover image Absolutely Alfie & the Furry Purry Secret

Absolutely Alfie & the Furry Purry Secret

Sally Warner, illus. by Shearry Malone. Viking, $14.99 (144p) ISBN 978-1-101-99986-8

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). Simultaneously available: Absolutely Alfie & the First Week Friends. Ages 6–8. [em]Author’s agent: Ginger Knowlton, Curtis Brown. Illustrator’s agency: Christina A. Tugeau Artist Agency. (Aug.) [/em]