Alfie has asthma, and in this guide he explains how attacks make him feel fearful, how he worries about playing sport, and how sometimes teachers and friends are not very understanding about his problems. When he meets a special asthma nurse, Lucy, he begins to learn lots more about his condition and how to control it. He explains what asthma is in easily understood terms, and all about blue and brown inhalers and 'spacers' and how they help control attacks. Nurse Lucy explains why it is usually necessary for children to use a spacer in order to get their medication into the lungs where it can do the most good. She also gives Alfie a peak flow meter and shows him how to use it. At school she explains to teachers and friends just why Alfie must have his medication close at hand and something about the things that can trigger an attack for him. We learn how to use an inhaler in five steps and how to recognise that an attack is eminent. There is a section on asthma facts and figures, another on further information, and two having to do with advice for teachers and parents. There is also a list of web sites for the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This is a book that should be in each school and will be invaluable for parents too. Black and white illustrations add lots to Alfie's story. Available from Amazon, from bookshops, or from the publisher at www.jkp.com.