Alfie and His Secret Friend facts for kids
| Author | Gunilla Bergström |
|---|---|
| Original title | Alfons och hemlige Mållgan |
| Translator | Robert Swindells |
| Illustrator | Gunilla Bergström |
| Cover artist | Gunilla Bergström |
| Country | Sweden |
| Language | Swedish |
| Series | Alfie Atkins |
| Genre | children |
| Published | 1976 |
| Publisher | Rabén & Sjögren |
|
Published in English
|
1979 |
| Preceded by | Raska på, Alfons Åberg (1975) |
| Followed by | Who'll Save Alfie Atkins? (1976) |
Alfie and His Secret Friend (Swedish: Alfons och hemlige Mållgan) is a children's book written by Gunilla Bergström in 1976. The book was translated into English by Robert Swindells and came out in 1979. It also became an episode of the animated television series, first shown on SVT on January 1, 1980.
Contents
What Happens in the Story?
This story is about a boy named Alfie who feels bored. To make things more fun, he plays with his secret friend, Mållgan.
Alfie and Mållgan's Adventures
Alfie and Mållgan often play together. One day, they are playing with a toy train. They use Alfie's father's special pipe as part of the train, maybe as the engine.
Suddenly, the pipe goes missing! Alfie's father gets a bit upset when he can't find it. This happens while they are getting ready for dinner and hurrying to Kindergarten.
The Mystery of the Missing Pipe
Mållgan is always there with Alfie, no matter what. Even when Alfie is busy, Mållgan is around.
Later, something surprising happens. Mållgan gets a special gift because he is going to move away. This gift includes new batteries for Alfie's flashlight.
Using the flashlight, Alfie and Mållgan finally find the missing pipe. It's a happy ending to their adventure!
About the Author
Gunilla Bergström (1942–2021) was a famous Swedish author and illustrator. She is best known for creating the popular Alfie Atkins (Alfons Åberg) book series.
The Alfie Atkins Series
The Alfie Atkins books are loved by children all over the world. They tell simple stories about everyday life through Alfie's eyes. Each book teaches a small lesson or explores a common childhood feeling.
- The first Alfie Atkins book was published in 1972.
- Alfie and His Secret Friend is one of the early books in the series.
- The books have been translated into many languages.
- They have also been made into animated TV shows and films.
Why Alfie Atkins is Popular
Children and parents enjoy the Alfie Atkins books because they are:
- Relatable: Alfie faces problems and feelings that many children experience.
- Simple: The stories are easy to understand and follow.
- Warm: They often show the loving relationship between Alfie and his father.
- Educational: They gently teach about friendship, imagination, and growing up.
