#blogbookaday: Alfie

Summary:  “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 Nia’s seventh birthday, when Alfie disappears! Then, in an innovative switch in point of view, we hear Alfie’s side of the story. He didn’t leave Nia—he’s actually searching for the perfect birthday present for his dear friend. Can he find a gift and make it back in time for the big birthday party?

From the author-illustrator of Fraidyzoo and The Bear Report comes a warm and funny ode to friendship—even when the friends see the relationship, and the world, very differently.” (Taken from Goodreads)

Review: At first Nia loves her pet, Alfie, but she soon becomes bored with a turtle that doesn’t learn any tricks, get excited to see her and is pretty quiet. She soon forgets about him and you soon see her getting ready for her next birthday. Then the book shifts perspective so you can see how Alfie feels through the story. Alfie disappears from his aquarium not because he doesn’t love Nia, but just the opposite, he wants to find the perfect birthday gift for his best friend!

Personal Reaction: I loved the different perspectives in this story and how it shows that you can’t assume you know about someone by their outward appearance and that friendship runs deep. We have a pet turtle at the library and I think the next time we throw him a birthday party, this would make the perfect read aloud!

Title: Alfie: The Turtle That Disappeared
Author: Thyra Heder
Illustrator: Thyra Heder
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Publication Date: October 3, 2017

This is a new idea I’m trying on my blog this year that was inspired by @donalynbooks and @heisereads – to provide a brief review of a picture book every day of 2018. You’ll get a brief summary of the story, a review of the content, illustrations and theme, my personal reaction to the book and all the pertinent publication information! Enjoy!