The Burglar’s Breakfast

Author: Felicity Everett, adapted by Lesley Sims

Illustrator: Christyan Fox

For Ages: 6 and above

No. of Pages: 48

Publisher: Usborne Publishing, England

Year: 2002

ISBN: 978 0 79450 221 8

You’ll love Alfie Briggs, the burglar, who, ummm… is the protagonist of this sweet tale of a life of crime, remorse and redemption. Narrated simply and with lots of humor, this tale will delight your little one. Like all Usborne Young Reading Series, clever illustrations add to the story besides providing significant clues to the next part of the story.

For parents who are concerned about the moral implications of a burglar’s story, like I was, I suggest that they read it first. If you still feel uncomfortable, it’s better to stay away from the book. However, I thought it gave my children the chance to see that people changed for the better and yes, the “lived-happily-ever-after” toned ending should help make up your minds.

Excerpt

Nose pressed against his magnifying glass, Alfie followed the cornflake trail.

He followed the trail into the park. He followed it to Pets’ Corner. The thief would be sorry he’d stolen from Alfie.

Suddenly, Alfie came face to face with the thief. The thief looked even grumpier than Alfie. What’s more, he had two sharp horns.