Book Nook - Alfred Didn’t Want to Read

Alfred was certain he’d mastered reading in preschool and never gave it much thought again. He loved school, his friends, and especially playing video games, but books bored him. That is, until something unexpected happens. Alan Pickard’s Alfred Didn’t Want to Read reveals how wonderful and powerful reading can be as his protagonist’s world is transformed in ways he never imagined.

Alan Pickard’s Alfred Didn’t Want to Read is striking a chord with families and teachers alike for its refreshingly honest take on something many children experience but rarely say out loud: the belief that learning to read was something they had already done.

Aimed at five - ten-year-olds, this gently funny and impactful story is about a boy who thought reading was just a task for early school days and that box had been ticked.

With Alfred’s thoughts on video games, gadgets, and mobile phones rather than the delights that a good book delivers, the author paints his protagonist as a thoughtful, relatable character whose priorities simply reflect the age we live in. 

A story that doesn’t preach the virtues of reading but instead lets the emotional journey unfold in a way that feels natural and true to life, this book is an invitation for young readers to question their own assumptions about reading - not through pressure, but through curiosity and the thrill of surprise.

A reassuring and relatable read for children and the adults who care about them, this book is  perfect for families, classrooms, and anyone looking to support children in rediscovering—or discovering for the first time—why reading matters.

Synopsis:

Alfred didn't like reading at all. He thought he knew how to read because he had to do this at pre-school and when he started proper school. In his mind, he thought that was the end of it and he could learn about other things now.

It wasn't as if he didn't like school, because he did. He liked doing all the different things in the classroom and liked being with his friends at school.

As far as he was concerned, he would rather watch video games on his tablet at home. His only wish was that he could have a mobile phone, which he thought would be a lot more interesting than reading books!

Alfred didn't realise that something was going to happen which just might change his ideas about reading ....

 

The author says:

“The idea for this book came from my attending two afternoons per week at a local primary school where I spend time listening to Year One and Year Two children reading to me.”

Independently published, Alfred Didn’t Want to Read, is available to purchase in paperback on Amazon at https://tinyurl.com/2kan8af5

About the Author:

A lifelong reader and writer, Alan Pickard has written across a range of formats, including a published textbook, magazine articles, theatre reviews, and serialised features. Passionate about the power of the written word, he is especially drawn to high-quality books as tangible, enduring alternatives to screens.

With a background in industry, training, and education, Alan has lectured in computer science at both further and higher education levels, including as a university lecturer. Alongside running a small business, he remains actively involved in supporting literacy by volunteering in schools to listen to children read.

Deeply concerned about literacy standards and their vital role in education, career choices, and life opportunities he continues to advocate for a renewed appreciation of reading—especially among younger generations. He also hosts a YouTube channel and maintains a website, with more content to come.