Previously published in 1995, this collection of twenty-seven poems and lul labies stars Annie Rose and her brother Alfie. The simple rhymes depict every day pleasures—coloring pictures, telling about cuddly stuffed animals, creating a playhouse under the table, splashing in the rain, and looking for rabbits’ foot prints in the snow. Realistic, double-page line and watercolor paintings display a messy warmth, wonderful domestic detail, and the siblings’ joy, mischief, and affection. The fresh poems have a beat that children will love. Shirley Hughes has won the Kate Greenaway Medal and the Eleanor Farjeon Award. mjw

Originally published by Bodley Head Great Britain, in 1995.

With her trademark simple verses and charmingly realistic illustrations, Shirley Hughes pays a visit to a lovable brother-sister pair that little readers everywhere will recognize.
Coloring pictures together, creating a playhouse under the table - Annie Rose spends a lot of time with her big brother, Alfie. Whether the two of them are depicted splashing in the rain or following footprints in the snow, sailing a toy boat or watching clothes dance around in the dryer, Shirley Hughes's quiet rhymes and slice-of-life images offer snippets of the familiar moments that make up a preschooler's world - and an endearing ode to sibling and family bonds.