His first party invitation provides the experience enabling Alfie to finally drop the blanket he drags to Bernard's backyard birthday celebration. This British author interweaves traditional childhood lore into humorous original stories ringing true to preschool behavior. Hughes' well composed, colorful pictures are full of the details of contemporary, middle class family life. (Up to age 5)

Alfie is excited when he is invited to Bernard's birthday party, though he feels a bit nervous about going on his own. But Alfie has such a great time that he finds he doesn't even need his special blanket--and he makes a new friend too!