Discover the friendship between a girl and her turtle—from both points of view—in this award-winning picture book from the author of How Do You Dance? and The Bear Report
An ALA/ALSC Notable Children’s Book
Nia loves Alfie, her pet turtle. But he’s not very soft, he doesn’t do tricks, and he’s pretty quiet. Sometimes she forgets he’s even there. That is, until the night before her seventh birthday, when... Alfie disappears!
Where did he go? And why? Nia can’t say... but Alfie can. This is his story.
From the award-winning author-illustrator of Fraidyzoo and The Bear Report comes a warm and funny tale that celebrates friendship, even when the friends see the relationship—and the world—very differently.
"Her watercolor spreads are carefully executed with few stylistic mannerisms; all the attention is directed toward the characters. It’s a treat watching Alfie deliver Nia the perfect birthday present."Publishers Weekly—
**STARRED REVIEW**Kirkus—
"With beautiful, expressive watercolor illustrations...Heder takes readers on a journey about what it means to be a child with a new pet who sometimes loses its luster but never its worthiness of love. A perfect companion for a young pet lover or pet owner-to-be."
"Nia’s and Alfie’s first-person descriptive accounts are extended by lovely, intricately detailed ink-and-watercolor illustrations that artfully highlight the varying perspectives and amusing moments, as when Nia introduces Alfie to her toys...a charming story of the bond between child and pet."Booklist—
"The beautiful ink-and-watercolor illustrations, which feature an African American child (and her family), offer readers lots of clues and thoughtful details . . . A welcome addition to picture book collections."School Library Journal
Thyra Heder is the author and illustrator of Fraidyzoo, The Bear Report, Alfie, and How Do You Dance?. She is also a scenic designer and storyboard artist for film and advertising. She lives in Brooklyn.
Target Age: 4-8
Abrams Books for Young Readers
Pub Date: October 03, 2017
0.5" H x 10.1" L x 9.1" W
48 pages
hardcover