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Alphonse, That Is Not OK to Do! Hardcover – Picture Book, November 8, 2016

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 34 ratings

Two siblings have a falling-out and make up again in spectacular style in a warm, witty story with sure appeal for little monsters everywhere.

Once there was just Natalie. And then there was Alphonse, too. Natalie mostly doesn’t mind Alphonse being there—they both like naming pigeons (“Banana!” “Lorraine!”), bouncing things off bunk beds, and sharing a story together on the chair. But Alphonse sometimes draws on things that Natalie has made. And when she finds him eating her favorite book, she’s had enough: “Alphonse, that is not OK to do!” With bold illustrations and a subtle touch, Daisy Hirst visits the familiar territory of sibling squabbles—and the touching bond beneath it all that sees little monsters through.
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreS-K—"Once there was Natalie. And then, there was Alphonse too." Now Natalie has to deal with the ups and downs of life with a younger brother. Sometimes it's fun; other times it's challenging. One day, when everything already seems to be going wrong, Natalie finds Alphonse eating her favorite book. Frustrated, she draws an angry picture, puts her fingers in her ears, and tries to calm down. That's when things really get out of control! Natalie imagines her picture coming to life and worries that things are not OK. The large, colorful illustrations are simple and captivating. Natalie and Alphonse are endearing, expressive little monsters. The older sister resembles a red salamander, while her brother looks a lot like a blue bunny with three pointed teeth. Parents will appreciate the respectful language Natalie uses with her little brother, even when she is displeased with him. In the end, Alphonse is remorseful, Natalie is forgiving, and the conclusion is sweet and happy. VERDICT This charming story about the frustrations of life with a younger sibling is recommended for most collections.—Gaye Hinchliff, King County Library System, WA

Review

There’s no moralizing in this tale of siblings on a collision course, written with a gossamer touch. Instead, Hirst (The Girl with the Parrot on Her Head) lets the two children work things out for themselves and offers the idea that drawing isn’t just child’s play, but a place where powerful emotions can be confronted and resolved.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Hirst's screen-printed illustrations, bright primary palette, simple text, and even her bespoke, faux hand-printed typeface (WB Natalie Alphonse) suggest the work of a young child, giving her simple tale an authentic charm. Sweet and effective.
—Kirkus Reviews

With charm and wit, Hirst's truly adorable screen-printed illustrations reflect the rocky, rewarding nature of siblinghood.
—Shelf Awareness for Readers

The large, colorful illustrations are simple and captivating. Natalie and Alphonse are endearing, expressive little monsters...Parents will appreciate the respectful language Natalie uses with her little brother, even when she is displeased with him. In the end, Alphonse is remorseful, Natalie is forgiving, and the conclusion is sweet and happy. This charming story about the frustrations of life with a younger sibling is recommended for most collections.
—School Library Journal

The screen-printed illustrations shine with childlike energy; lines are thick and simple, sometimes bursting into action in Natalie and Alphonse’s own artwork, while sunny yellow backgrounds contrast effectively with scarlet, slightly Muppety Natalie and teal, slightly rabbity Alphonse. Fans of Lauren Child’s vigor and pre-K authenticity will want to meet Natalie and Alphonse, as will those who appreciated Patterson’s
My No, No, No Day!
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Candlewick; Illustrated edition (November 8, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0763681032
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0763681036
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 2 - 5 years
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.5 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.13 x 0.36 x 10.53 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 34 ratings

About the author

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Daisy Hirst
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Daisy Hirst is from London and lives in Cambridge. She has written and illustrated seven picture books for Walker Books: The Girl with the Parrot on her Head (2015), ALPHONSE, THAT IS NOT OK TO DO! (2016), Hilda and the Runaway Baby (2017), I DO NOT LIKE BOOKS ANYMORE (2018), ALPHONSE, THERE'S MUD ON THE CEILING! (2019) and I Like Trains (2020). Daisy also wrote and illustrated Hamish Takes the Train (2019), published by Two Hoots. Daisy's first baby board books are MONSTER FOOD and MONSTER CLOTHES, published by Walker in October 2020.

Daisy has wanted to write and illustrate picture books since before she could write. She studied English and Creative Writing at the University of Warwick, but never stopped reading picture books or doodling, and went on to study Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art, completing her MA in 2013.

www.daisyhirst.com

@deenface

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
34 global ratings

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A simple, charming story about childhood relationships, conflict, forgiveness and resolution.
4 out of 5 stars
A simple, charming story about childhood relationships, conflict, forgiveness and resolution.
The story of two monster siblings- Natalie is the big sister and Alphonse the baby brother. 'Mostly' Natalie doesn't mind having a little brother- he's good company when it comes to playing on the bunk beds, having story time and making things. Sometimes though, Alphonse draws on Natalie's things and that bugs her....AND she really hates it when he eats her stuff.One day, things just aren't going right for Natalie- it's peas for lunch, the TV is awful and her Mum compliments her on her doggy drawing, but it's actually a horse. It's the final straw when Natalie discovers Alphonse under her bed, munching on her favourite book. Oh dear.She decides to hide behind a chair, drawing an angry tornado, two giant beasts, a swarm of peas and a very small Alphonse. When Alphonse comes to her later & suggests fixing her book with...um...jam...Natalie gives him the silent treatment, covers her ears & goes for her bath (in a bit of a huff.)But, while she is winding down with her rubber ducky, outside she hears a bit of a commotion- roaring, screeching and a terrible clatter.Oh no! Natalie feels a sense of panic and wonders if her angry drawing has come to life...is little Alphonse being swept away in a tornado, chased by screeching beasts and drowning in a storm of frozen peas?!Turns out, there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for all the disturbance and Alphonse, in his efforts to fix Natalie's book, has had a few little mishaps.A heartwarming story capturing some of the ups and downs of sibling life. Alphonse and Natalie are two adorably cute monster characters, one a flash of red with fluffy ears, the other a pint-sized blue with pointed ears and sharp teeth (perfect for chewing.) The illustrations and font have a child-like quality , with just enough text per page to keep the attention of a young child.A simple, charming story about childhood relationships, conflict, forgiveness and resolutionTurns out, there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for all the disturbance and Alphonse, in his efforts to fix Natalie's book, has had a few .Free copy of 2017 paperback edition provided by Walker Books UK in exchange for an honest review. Posted on missusbspicturebookreviews.blogspot
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2018
    Great book, that has spawned many inside jokes with me and my toddler.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2023
    Nice story about siblings getting through a squabble. The text is sweet and deceptively simple, and the illustrations are adorable.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2018
    Natalie mostly enjoys spending time with her little brother, Alphonse, but there are some times when he can get on her nerves. When Natalie is having a particularly frustrating day, she finds Alphonse eating her favorite book. She yells at him and after drawing a picture to get out her frustration, she attempts to relax in a bubble bath. When she hears commotion outside the door, she fears something has happened to Alphonse. When she checks on him, she discovers the noise was him attempting to fix her book. In a sweet conclusion, they both apologize and celebrate their rekindled friendship by drawing pictures together.

    Our family loves this sweet and quirky book. The relationship between Natalie and Alphonse rings true and gave us lots of opportunities for discussion.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2017
    The story of two monster siblings- Natalie is the big sister and Alphonse the baby brother. 'Mostly' Natalie doesn't mind having a little brother- he's good company when it comes to playing on the bunk beds, having story time and making things. Sometimes though, Alphonse draws on Natalie's things and that bugs her....AND she really hates it when he eats her stuff.

    One day, things just aren't going right for Natalie- it's peas for lunch, the TV is awful and her Mum compliments her on her doggy drawing, but it's actually a horse. It's the final straw when Natalie discovers Alphonse under her bed, munching on her favourite book. Oh dear.

    She decides to hide behind a chair, drawing an angry tornado, two giant beasts, a swarm of peas and a very small Alphonse. When Alphonse comes to her later & suggests fixing her book with...um...jam...Natalie gives him the silent treatment, covers her ears & goes for her bath (in a bit of a huff.)

    But, while she is winding down with her rubber ducky, outside she hears a bit of a commotion- roaring, screeching and a terrible clatter.Oh no! Natalie feels a sense of panic and wonders if her angry drawing has come to life...is little Alphonse being swept away in a tornado, chased by screeching beasts and drowning in a storm of frozen peas?!

    Turns out, there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for all the disturbance and Alphonse, in his efforts to fix Natalie's book, has had a few little mishaps.

    A heartwarming story capturing some of the ups and downs of sibling life. Alphonse and Natalie are two adorably cute monster characters, one a flash of red with fluffy ears, the other a pint-sized blue with pointed ears and sharp teeth (perfect for chewing.) The illustrations and font have a child-like quality , with just enough text per page to keep the attention of a young child.

    A simple, charming story about childhood relationships, conflict, forgiveness and resolution

    Turns out, there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for all the disturbance and Alphonse, in his efforts to fix Natalie's book, has had a few .

    Free copy of 2017 paperback edition provided by Walker Books UK in exchange for an honest review. Posted on missusbspicturebookreviews.blogspot
    Customer image
    4.0 out of 5 stars A simple, charming story about childhood relationships, conflict, forgiveness and resolution.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2017
    The story of two monster siblings- Natalie is the big sister and Alphonse the baby brother. 'Mostly' Natalie doesn't mind having a little brother- he's good company when it comes to playing on the bunk beds, having story time and making things. Sometimes though, Alphonse draws on Natalie's things and that bugs her....AND she really hates it when he eats her stuff.

    One day, things just aren't going right for Natalie- it's peas for lunch, the TV is awful and her Mum compliments her on her doggy drawing, but it's actually a horse. It's the final straw when Natalie discovers Alphonse under her bed, munching on her favourite book. Oh dear.

    She decides to hide behind a chair, drawing an angry tornado, two giant beasts, a swarm of peas and a very small Alphonse. When Alphonse comes to her later & suggests fixing her book with...um...jam...Natalie gives him the silent treatment, covers her ears & goes for her bath (in a bit of a huff.)

    But, while she is winding down with her rubber ducky, outside she hears a bit of a commotion- roaring, screeching and a terrible clatter.Oh no! Natalie feels a sense of panic and wonders if her angry drawing has come to life...is little Alphonse being swept away in a tornado, chased by screeching beasts and drowning in a storm of frozen peas?!

    Turns out, there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for all the disturbance and Alphonse, in his efforts to fix Natalie's book, has had a few little mishaps.

    A heartwarming story capturing some of the ups and downs of sibling life. Alphonse and Natalie are two adorably cute monster characters, one a flash of red with fluffy ears, the other a pint-sized blue with pointed ears and sharp teeth (perfect for chewing.) The illustrations and font have a child-like quality , with just enough text per page to keep the attention of a young child.

    A simple, charming story about childhood relationships, conflict, forgiveness and resolution

    Turns out, there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for all the disturbance and Alphonse, in his efforts to fix Natalie's book, has had a few .

    Free copy of 2017 paperback edition provided by Walker Books UK in exchange for an honest review. Posted on missusbspicturebookreviews.blogspot
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    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2017
    Natalie is a monster who has a younger monster named Alphonse. They get along well most of the time and enjoy doing things together. However, one day things don't go very well for Natalie and she discovers that Alphonse has eaten her favorite book and she shouts at him, ALPHONSE, THAT IS NOT OK TO DO! Natalie is upset, but soon realizes her mistake. Will Alphonse forgive her for becoming upset at him? ALPHONSE, THAT IS NOT OK TO DO! is a cute little book about the sibling relationships, told in a way that most children will understand and, perhaps, relate.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2017
    Very stylish book with fun, quirky illustrations and a hilarious story. Could definitely be used to help teach about forgiveness and how we can sometimes be upset at the people we love but that doesn't mean we love them any less. I am a big fan of this book, and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Hirst's future output. This was a HUGE hit with my kindergarten class! We read it on a Wednesday, and they begged to hear it the next two days. Now it's the most popular book in our class library. They love Natalie and Alphonse!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2024
    Damage and markings all over. Very disappointed.
    Customer image
    1.0 out of 5 stars Bad
    Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2024
    Damage and markings all over. Very disappointed.
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2017
    Once there were two little monsters, Natalie and her baby brother Alphonse. Natalie didn’t mind her brother playing with her, well, most of the time, they would draw together, bounce toys of their bunk beds together, but sometimes Alphonse could be naughty and ruin Natalie’s things.

    One day Natalie saw Alphonse under her bed. He was eating her book. Natalie became very angry and shouted at him. Alphonse tried to say sorry, but Natalie didn’t want to hear it.

    To try and make amends, Alphonse wanted to get the sticky tape so that he could mend the book, but it was up high. Instead, he made a lot of noise and mess, and nearly hurt himself. Natalie stopped being mad at him as she realised how sorry he was, and that he was only a little monster.

    This brightly coloured paperback book, will have kids eager to read it. It has eye catching colours and illustrations that contain lots of detail. The story of a brother and sister playing together and getting along, until one of them does something to upset the other, occurs in most households with two or more children.

    The book will be enjoyable to both children and parents, and I can see this being a story that children ask to be read to them, over and over again. The vocabulary range with its large font, and small sentences makes it easy for those that are learning to read to understand.

    A great book that I’m sure will have you discussing why the two monsters fell out. It would also work equally as well as a class read too.

    Reviewed on Whispering Stories Book Blog
    *I received a free copy of this book, which I voluntarily reviewed
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Sass and Spasm
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Quirky Story; Had to buy a second copy as we loved ours so much we gave it away!
    Reviewed in Canada on August 12, 2020
    Excellent children's book- Fun for parents too! A great book to explain sibling rivalry, funny and endearing!
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very funny, great illustrations
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 22, 2018
    Hilarious and touching, though my partner and I possibly like it a little more than our kids do. Though "That is not ok to do!" has become a very common phrase in our home now.
  • vicky byron
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great fun!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 11, 2021
    It's a very sweet story and captures the essence of 'big sister' and 'little brother' so brilliantly!
  • Nicola K
    5.0 out of 5 stars Funny, touching
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 16, 2018
    This literally could be my children. Funny, touching, spot on about sibling relationships.
  • Francoise DA CUNHA
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice book; my little boy (3years oled) loves it
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 12, 2016
    Very nice book ; my little boy (3years oled) loves it ;-)