Quite literally in fact, because the diminutive star of "Alison Hubble" isn't a single shining star for long. As the cover states quite beautifully, this is the story of Alison Hubble who went to bed single and woke up double!
One day this seemingly ordinary little girl goes to bed after dutifully kissing mum and dad goodnight, brushing her teeth, washing her face and so forth - but the next morning when Dad goes in to check on her, she has doubled! An exact replica of Alison Hubble lies next to her!
Dad is agog. Alison is delighted, and before long the two are up to all sorts of girlish mischief as they prepare for school.
The fun doesn't stop there because Alison doubles again - and two become four!
Word of Alison's special 'talent' soon spreads, and the newspapers want to write a story all about this special little girl - or rather girls.
As Mum and Dad start to panic about the rising food bills and the size of the house, Alison doubles again - nearly enough for a football team all of her own! Will Alison ever stop spontaneously doubling herself(ves).
It's a hoot from start to finish, and though we won't spoil the end there's a glorious double-page spread right at the end of the story that will make you cackle with laughter (particularly if you live in Stoke on Trent!)
Allan Ahlberg's effortless rhyming fits with Bruce Ingman's glorious wibbly-wobbly but utterly perfect artwork, just as it has so many times before in fabulous books like "The Pencil" and "The Runaway Dinner" (both of which we still read on a regular basis, purely because they're so brilliant!)
Alison Hubble doesn't disappoint on any level. In fact we wish there were more books like this. Er, perhaps we should be careful what we wish for because our bookshelves are a bit like Alison Hubble's house - packed to capacity! Every inch an instant classic!
Charlotte's favourite bit: Alison Hubble and her many identical 'twins' all sleeping under a huge tent provided by the council (how thoughtful!)
Daddy's favourite bit: That last page spread was utterly brilliant! What a fabulously original book!
(Kindly sent to us for review by Picture Puffin)
"Alison Hubble"
Written by Allan Ahlberg
Illustrated by Bruce Ingman
Published by Picture Puffin
Publication Date: 5th May 2016