(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Shearry Malone. The third installment about EllRay Jakes's sister focuses on the social changes that occur when one of Alfie's second-grade classmates decides to have a sleepover but only invite some of the female students. Although Alfie's preconceived ideas of gender seem old-fashioned--and are left unexplored--her earnest personality and supportive family relationships add appeal to the story. Grayscale line illustrations break up the chapters.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Shearry Malone. African American second-grader Alfie (little sis to Warner's EllRay Jakes) always has a plan, but things seldom go the way she imagines in these amiable realistic stories about family, school, and friendship. Malone's comical loose line drawings deviate from the EllRay books' aesthetic, establishing a fresh look for this new spinoff series. Review covers these titles: Absolutely Alfie and the First Week Friends and Absolutely Alfie and the Furry Purry Secret.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Shearry Malone. African American second-grader Alfie (little sis to Warner's EllRay Jakes) always has a plan, but things seldom go the way she imagines in these amiable realistic stories about family, school, and friendship. Malone's comical loose line drawings deviate from the EllRay books' aesthetic, establishing a fresh look for this new spinoff series. Review covers these titles: Absolutely Alfie and the First Week Friends and Absolutely Alfie and the Furry Purry Secret.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester