Alfie Gets in First: questions to ask and activities to try
Alfie races in first, slams the door, and locks Mum and Annie Rose outside. Alfie Gets in First is a much-loved classic about feeling stuck, getting upset, and working it out yourself.
What age is it for? Alfie Gets in First is best for ages 2–6. Good for: Solving a problem yourself when you're stuck.
Alfie Gets in First (Shirley Hughes)
- Age
- 2-6
- Best for
- Solving a problem yourself when you're stuck
Read it slowly and look at all the neighbours gathering outside. Pause when Alfie starts to cry and ask what he could do. Children love that Alfie solves it himself, so make a big deal of that page.
What it helps with
- Feeling stuck, and getting upset
- Thinking of a plan when something goes wrong
- Feeling proud of solving it yourself
- Helpful neighbours and community
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “How did Alfie get locked in?”
- “How did he feel when he couldn’t open the door?”
- “Who came to help?”
- “What did Alfie do in the end?”
- “How do you think he felt when he opened the door?”
- “What could you do if you were stuck?”
5-minute activities to try together
Problem solvers
Set a small, safe challenge, like getting a toy out of a closed box. Let your child think of three ideas before trying one.
Proud moments
Talk about a time your child worked something out by themselves. Draw it and add a star.
Free printables: Alfie Gets in First worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
After the Fall (Dan Santat)
- Best for
- Children who are scared to try again after something went wrong
- Age
- 4-8
The Most Magnificent Thing (Ashley Spires)
- Best for
- Frustration, persistence, making mistakes and trying again
- Age
- 4-8
The Tiger Who Came to Tea (Judith Kerr)
- Best for
- Coping calmly when plans change unexpectedly
- Age
- 2-6
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.