No catches, no fine print just unconditional book loving for your children with their favourites saved to their own digital bookshelf.
New members get entered into our monthly draw to win £100 to spend in your local bookshop plus lots lots more...
Find out more.jpg)
Winner of the Book Trust Lifetime Achievement Award 2015.
Shirley Hughes has won many prestigious awards, including the Kate Greenaway Medal twice. She began to write and design her own picture books when she had a young family and has now published more than two hundred titles. Shirley's first novel, Hero on a Bicycle (9781406336115) was published by Walker in 2012, and her critically acclaimed adventure, Whistling in the Dark was published in 2015. She lives in West London.
Click here to read more about the author.
A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month October 2018 | | Award-winning illustrator Shirley Hughes is regarded as a national treasure for her touching and realistic picture books of contemporary pre-school life. This delightful anthology is full of Christmassy and wintery poems and stories all brought to life by her familiar illustrations of families enjoying seasonal delights. The perfect for book for the season.
Alfie's dad is always there for Alfie and Annie Rose. He's there to reassure Alfie during a restless night; he's there to find Alfie's favourite toy Flumbo when he gets left on the bus; and most of all he loves spending time with his children and they love spending time with him!
One of our special picks for Mothering Sunday A beautiful gift edition of a classic family story by the Kate Greenaway-winning author, Shirley Hughes. Lovereading Comment to follow. Our special Mothering Sunday Picks Guess How Much I Love You Gift Set by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram Something for Mummy by Ted Dewan Mother's Day by Shirley Hughes With My Mummy by James Brown That's Not My Chick by Fiona Watt Superhero Mum by Timothy Knapman Me and My Grandma by Alison Ritchie
Shirley Hughes and Alfie are back with this beautiful festive story with Alfie and his family celebrating Christmas. From the opening of the advent calendar, writing Christmas cards, choosing a Christmas tree to all the joyful things they share on the big day itself (including the not so joyful search for last minute batteries). The book has a wonderfully gentle feel to it and explores the importance of family and tradition at this most exciting time of year. Shirley Hughes’ illustrations are instantly recognisable and filled with colour and light; they have a timeless feel and are a pleasure to look at throughout the small hardback book. As always she has a wonderful ability to capture just the right emotion and feeling within each and every illustration. An absolute delight, this will be a wonderful book to share with excited young ones in the run up to Christmas and is sure to become a favourite. ~ Shelley Fallows The Good Book Guide Review. A special Christmas story is perfect to share every year and Alfie’s Christmas sees Alfie and Annie Rose preparing from the big day, choosing secret presents and waking up too early. (Ages 2–5) ~ Fiona Lafferty
A real treat for fans of Shirley Hughes, and a lovely counting book. One is Katie, cheerily ‘all by myself’, two is Katie and Olly, her baby brother, three is company when Norah comes to play, and so on, each number explained through scenes and activities all little children will recognise. Shirley Hughes captures ordinary life with an unerring eye, the children in her books are particularly beautifully observed and there’s love and joy in every little gesture and facial expression. ~ Andrea Reece
Shirley Hughes works magic into simple scenes of everyday family life, and that is certainly the case here: episodes and objects that all little children will recognise are used to illustrate the letters of the alphabet. I particularly like ‘E is for everyone’, the illustration featuring bleary-eyed dad, still in bed, two little children bouncing on top of him, mum in the doorway with two cups of tea. There’s so much to look at and talk about in these warm, detailed pictures and this is ideal for sharing with pre-schoolers and the youngest readers. ~ Andrea Reece
A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month July 2017 | Four simple bedtime stories capture the precious yet everyday moments in pre-school and toddler’s lives. Under the heading Hiding, Chatting, Bouncing and Giving the four stories about Katie and her little brother Olly are perfect for bedtime sharing. As ever, Shirley Hughes captures the activities of the very young with warmth, humour and great understanding.
July 2017 Book of the Month Filled with humour and Shirley Hughes' deft touch, this is a book for young readers to tackle by themselves, as well as a delight to read aloud. It’s moving and inspirational on how to cope with a problem situation. Reissued as a special 40th anniversary hardback this is a classic for every bookshelf and it will strike a chord with adults and children everywhere.
Winner of the Greenaway of Greenaways in 2007 and Greenaway winner in 1977. Filled with humour and Shirley Hughes' deft touch, this is a book for young readers to tackle by themselves, as well as a delight to read aloud. It’s moving and inspirational on how to cope with a problem situation. A classic for every bookshelf and it will strike a chord with adults and children everywhere. (4-7)
This is a book about being friends, told in the inimitable combination of words and pictures that have made Shirley Hughes’s stories so important a part of childhood for so many. Alfie’s best friend is boisterous, rowdy Bernard. In the three separate stories in this book they have lots of fun together, the sort of ordinary, everyday fun that will be immediately recognisable to children, painting, visiting the library, riding scooters, making a secret society. The illustrations, filled with domestic details familiar to every mum and child, are as fresh as ever and capture the very essence of Alfie and Bernard’s personalities. Another classic book for sharing. ~ Andrea Reece
Shirley Hughes and Alfie are back with this beautiful festive story with Alfie and his family celebrating Christmas. From the opening of the advent calendar, writing Christmas cards, choosing a Christmas tree to all the joyful things they share on the big day itself (including the not so joyful search for last minute batteries). The book has a wonderfully gentle feel to it and explores the importance of family and tradition at this most exciting time of year. Shirley Hughes’ illustrations are instantly recognisable and filled with colour and light; they have a timeless feel and are a pleasure to look at throughout the small hardback book. As always she has a wonderful ability to capture just the right emotion and feeling within each and every illustration. An absolute delight, this will be a wonderful book to share with excited young ones in the run up to Christmas and is sure to become a favourite. ~ Shelley Fallows The Good Book Guide Review. A special Christmas story is perfect to share every year and Alfie’s Christmas sees Alfie and Annie Rose preparing from the big day, choosing secret presents and waking up too early. (Ages 2–5) ~ Fiona Lafferty
A delightful introduction to letters and first words from Shirley Hughes, one of the best-known and most-loved picture book creators.
Best-selling Shirley Hughes brings alive how it felt to be growing up in Liverpool during the Second World War. In a gripping and touching story which draws on her own memories of growing up at that time, Shirley Hughes sets a vivid scene of blackouts, rationing – especially of nylons which was a great hardship for the girls and all against the permanently lurking dread that something terrible is about to happen. But she also brings alive her much life was the same in terms of friendships and adventures as Joan and her best friend Doreen enjoy going to school, seeing off the class bully and going to the cinema.
Standing in his pyjamas in the garden in the morning sunshine, Alfie is an unmistakeable little figure. Shirley Hughes has an extraordinary understanding of children, their world and what matters to them and captures it beautifully in the turn of a head or the position of hands or feet. In this new book Alfie is helping his dad with the gardening, planting seeds and waiting – impatiently – for his carrots to grow, though he’s not planning to eat them himself! Parents and children will recognise themselves in Shirley Hughes’s gorgeous, detailed illustrations, which have a unique timeless quality, and this is a book to treasure. ~ Andrea Reece
This lovely book brings together two stories featuring Alfie and his mum, and both describe a special experience they share. Alfie Upstream is the story of a hot summer’s day they spend walking through the country and paddling in a little pool, where something magical happens. In Alfie’s Big Adventure a trip to stay with Mum’s friend brings a scary but exhilarating encounter with a wild animal. The stories are exciting in their own right, and sure to become favourites, but all children will recognise that unique connection between Mum and Alfie that Shirley Hughes captures so well. Her portraits of Alfie and Mum holding hands are the simply best celebration of motherhood you’ll ever see. ~ Andrea Reece
Four classic stories perfect for sharing at bedtime, by Kate Greenaway winning author, Shirley Hughes.
Best-selling illustrator Shirley Hughes writes beautifully in this gripping story set during World War Two. Living in Italy during the occupation by the Germans, Paolo and his sister Constanza long to do something for the fight to keep Italy free. They are only children and their only asset is one ancient bicycle but their spirits are indomitable! Shirley Hughes captures the thrill of this very important adventure. This beautifully jacketed edition has a linked website with historical details about the Second World War in Italy, including period photographs, videos and music, as well as interviews with the author, extra illustrations and much more. This is a wonderful first novel from the internationally revered writer Shirley Hughes; a modern classic in the making.
Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Awards 2013 - Best Story Best-selling illustrator Shirley Hughes writes beautifully in this gripping story set during World War Two. Living in Italy during the occupation by the Germans, Paolo and his sister Constanza long to do something for the fight to keep Italy free. They are only children and their only asset is one ancient bicycle but their spirits are indomitable! Shirley Hughes captures the thrill of this very important adventure. This beautifully jacketed edition has a linked website with historical details about the Second World War in Italy, including period photographs, videos and music, as well as interviews with the author, extra illustrations and much more. This is a wonderful first novel from the internationally revered writer Shirley Hughes; a modern classic in the making.
This charming picture book is an enchanting evocation of life in London at the time of the coronation of George V, by the much-loved and award-winning illustrators for children, Shirley Hughes. Perfect to share with younger children but also a great picture book for more confident readers to bridge the gap between picture books and chapter books.
Best-selling illustrator Shirley Hughes writes beautifully in this gripping story set during World War Two. Living in Italy during the occupation by the Germans, Paolo and his sister Constanza long to do something for the fight to keep Italy free. They are only children and their only asset is one ancient bicycle but their spirits are indomitable! Shirley Hughes captures the thrill of this very important adventure. This beautifully jacketed edition has a linked website with historical details about the Second World War in Italy, including period photographs, videos and music, as well as interviews with the author, extra illustrations and much more. This is a wonderful first novel from the internationally revered writer Shirley Hughes; a modern classic in the making. ~ Julia Eccleshare
Julia Eccleshare's Pick of the Month, June 2015 Best-selling Shirley Hughes brings alive how it felt to be growing up in Liverpool during the Second World War. In a gripping and touching story which draws on her own memories of growing up at that time, Shirley Hughes sets a vivid scene of blackouts, rationing – especially of nylons which was a great hardship for the girls and all against the permanently lurking dread that something terrible is about to happen. But she also brings alive her much life was the same in terms of friendships and adventures as Joan and her best friend Doreen enjoy going to school, seeing off the class bully and going to the cinema. ~ Julia Eccleshare .......................................................... Julia Eccleshare's Picks of the Month for June 2015 It's a Groovy World, Alfredo by Sean Taylor The Little Bookshop and the Origami Army by Michael Foreman Whistling in the Dark by Shirley Hughes The King's Shadow by Philip Womack
From the joys of the seaside to the miseries of the sickbed, this exuberant volume captures to perfection the world of childhood. It is a beautiful gift edition of the classic picture book, with a new introduction by Shirley Hughes.
This charming picture book is an enchanting evocation of life in London at the time of the coronation of George V, by the much-loved and award-winning illustrators for children, Shirley Hughes. Perfect to share with younger children but also a great picture book for more confident readers to bridge the gap between picture books and chapter books.
Dixie and Percy run into all sorts of peril, as does their arch enemy, Lou Ella. But who will win, and will Lou Ella get her comeuppance?
May 2012 Book of the Month | Best-selling illustrator Shirley Hughes writes beautifully in this gripping story set during World War Two. Living in Italy during the occupation by the Germans, Paolo and his sister Constanza long to do something for the fight to keep Italy free. They are only children and their only asset is one ancient bicycle but their spirits are indomitable! Shirley Hughes captures the thrill of this very important adventure. This beautifully jacketed edition has a linked website with historical details about the Second World War in Italy, including period photographs, videos and music, as well as interviews with the author, extra illustrations and much more. This is a wonderful first novel from the internationally revered writer Shirley Hughes; a modern classic in the making.
May 2012 Book of the Month | Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Awards 2013 - Best Story Best-selling illustrator Shirley Hughes writes beautifully in this gripping story set during World War Two. Living in Italy during the occupation by the Germans, Paolo and his sister Constanza long to do something for the fight to keep Italy free. They are only children and their only asset is one ancient bicycle but their spirits are indomitable! Shirley Hughes captures the thrill of this very important adventure. This beautifully jacketed edition has a linked website with historical details about the Second World War in Italy, including period photographs, videos and music, as well as interviews with the author, extra illustrations and much more. This is a wonderful first novel from the internationally revered writer Shirley Hughes; a modern classic in the making.
May 2012 Book of the Month | Best-selling illustrator Shirley Hughes writes beautifully in this gripping story set during World War Two. Living in Italy during the occupation by the Germans, Paolo and his sister Constanza long to do something for the fight to keep Italy free. They are only children and their only asset is one ancient bicycle but their spirits are indomitable! Shirley Hughes captures the thrill of this very important adventure. This beautifully jacketed edition has a linked website with historical details about the Second World War in Italy, including period photographs, videos and music, as well as interviews with the author, extra illustrations and much more. This is a wonderful first novel from the internationally revered writer Shirley Hughes; a modern classic in the making. ~ Julia Eccleshare
When Bronwen and Dylan are frightened by ghostly noises from the chimney on Christmas Eve, they run straight into the arms of their neighbour Mrs O'Riley. As they step next door for the first time, it's not just Bronwen and Dylan who can stop being afraid of what's on the other side of their walls - Mam might just find a blessing there too.
Best-selling illustrator Shirley Hughes writes beautifully in this gripping story set during World War Two. Living in Italy during the occupation by the Germans, Paolo and his sister Constanza long to do something for the fight to keep Italy free. They are only children and their only asset is one ancient bicycle but their spirits are indomitable! Shirley Hughes captures the thrill of this very important adventure. This beautifully jacketed edition has a linked website with historical details about the Second World War in Italy, including period photographs, videos and music, as well as interviews with the author, extra illustrations and much more. This is a wonderful first novel from the internationally revered writer Shirley Hughes; a modern classic in the making.
Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Awards 2013 - Best Story Best-selling illustrator Shirley Hughes writes beautifully in this gripping story set during World War Two. Living in Italy during the occupation by the Germans, Paolo and his sister Constanza long to do something for the fight to keep Italy free. They are only children and their only asset is one ancient bicycle but their spirits are indomitable! Shirley Hughes captures the thrill of this very important adventure. This beautifully jacketed edition has a linked website with historical details about the Second World War in Italy, including period photographs, videos and music, as well as interviews with the author, extra illustrations and much more. This is a wonderful first novel from the internationally revered writer Shirley Hughes; a modern classic in the making.
Best-selling illustrator Shirley Hughes writes beautifully in this gripping story set during World War Two. Living in Italy during the occupation by the Germans, Paolo and his sister Constanza long to do something for the fight to keep Italy free. They are only children and their only asset is one ancient bicycle but their spirits are indomitable! Shirley Hughes captures the thrill of this very important adventure. This beautifully jacketed edition has a linked website with historical details about the Second World War in Italy, including period photographs, videos and music, as well as interviews with the author, extra illustrations and much more. This is a wonderful first novel from the internationally revered writer Shirley Hughes; a modern classic in the making. ~ Julia Eccleshare
When Bronwen and Dylan are frightened by ghostly noises from the chimney on Christmas Eve, they run straight into the arms of their neighbour Mrs O'Riley. As they step next door for the first time, it's not just Bronwen and Dylan who can stop being afraid of what's on the other side of their walls - Mam might just find a blessing there too.
Celebrating thirty years of Alfie, one of the most popular characters in children’s books, this is a glorious collection of stories which capture the joy of young children. Shirley Hughes has perfect understanding of the intense relationships with parents and friends and the small things that delight the very young. Here, in a handsome edition packed full of Shirley Hughes’s lovely illustrations, Alfie celebrates birthdays, going on holiday, exploring secret dens and much, much more. Visit the Alfie website by clicking here. This site has exclusive content including a special monthly message from Shirley, roughs from the first book and lots of downloadable activity sheets.
Pre-school life is perfectly conveyed in award winning Shirley Hughes’s stories about the loveable Alfie. This beautiful, small sized boxed set of four titles includes Alfie Gets in First, a classic story which shows just how resourceful a little boy can be. Visit the Alfie website by clicking here. This site has exclusive content including a special monthly message from Shirley, roughs from the first book and lots of downloadable activity sheets.
In her warm and readily recognisable illustrations, award winning illustrator Shirley Hughes always captures the small but important details of how young children feel. When Mum is ill one day, Dad says Lily has to go to Melanie’s house, but Lily doesn’t want to go! Thankfully, through the course of the day Lily finds lots of new things that she likes including a baby and a dog and when Dad comes to fetch her, she doesn’t want to go home!
Shirley Hughes, who has created favourite picture book characters including Alfie and his little sister Annie Rose, goes back in time in this warm-hearted and evocative picture book. Life is hard for Bronwen and Dylan’s mum. She makes her living by taking in other people’s washing and sometimes, to get all the jobs done, she has to leave the two children at home. One night, just before Christmas, Bronwen and Dylan hear a frightening noise…Could it be Father Christmas or is it something more scary? Luckily, kind neighbours are on hand and soon both families are getting ready to celebrate Christmas.
In her warm and readily recognisable illustrations, award winning illustrator Shirley Hughes always captures the small but important details of how young children feel. When Mum is ill one day, Dad says Lily has to go to Melanie’s house, but Lily doesn’t want to go! Thankfully, through the course of the day Lily finds lots of new things that she likes including a baby and a dog and when Dad comes to fetch her, she doesn’t want to go home!
Steeped in magic, this is a wonderful story that demands to be read again and again. A bit old and a bit shabby, Jonadab is a donkey, just one of the many toys in Minnie’s toy box. Both he and his timid friend, the toy mouse Rita, are largely overlooked as Minnie plays with other, newer toys. But Jonadab is no ordinary toy. He has a secret: he can fly. Ignored for too long, Jonadab flies off and plays with the fairies in the park but what happens on his return? Shirley Hughes captures the importance of a special toy and the wonder of make believe.
Shirley Hughes’s beautiful illustrations full of carefully researched period detail, go right to the heart of the social changes that took place in the first half of the century. Different fashions, different foods, different working practices, different dances – all sorts of small things that effect everybody’s daily lives are illustrated in black and white sketches while big colour pictures portray some of the most important moments such as life in the trenches during the First World War. It’s a fascinating record, ideal for anyone interested in social history.
This special edition includes stories from real-life evacuees, uncovered from the Imperial War Museums. When Lenny's father goes to fight in the Second World War he gives his son a brass badge with two animals engraved on it: a lion for bravery and a unicorn for courage. Then, Lenny himself must go away, evacuated from his home and family to escape the bombing. Staying in a strange new place, Lenny gathers all his lion bravery, all his unicorn courage, and discovers that magic can happen, even in the most desperate of times.
Winner of the Greenaway of Greenaways in 2007 and Greenaway winner in 1977. Filled with humour and Shirley Hughes' deft touch, this is a book for young readers to tackle by themselves, as well as a delight to read aloud. It’s moving and inspirational on how to cope with a problem situation. A classic for every bookshelf and it will strike a chord with adults and children everywhere. (4-7)
A beautifully illustrated collection of first recipes and family stories by Kate-Greenaway winning author, Shirley Hughes. This classic collection of easy-to-follow recipes, inspired by everyday family adventures, is the perfect introduction to cookery for first readers. From making pancakes with Dad, baking apples after the Saturday shopping or even icing a birthday cake for Mum, this sumptuously illustrated recipe book gives a gentle insight into the joy of cooking together.
A seasonal sequel to one of our most beloved children's books, voted the public's favourite Kate Greenaway medal-winner Shirley Hughes is a national treasure Philip Pullman Over 40 years after Dogger was published, comes this magical follow-up: Dogger's Christmas. It's that special time of year: Christmas. The time of carol-singing, tree-decorating, and of course lots of presents. But in the excitement of new toys, will Dave forget about his old friend, Dogger? The very special story of one boy and his beloved toy - who always manages to be found... Praise for Dogger: This is Hughes' most heartwarming picture book . . . Hughes has a kindly, inexhaustible eye - she misses nothing Observer
Four lively stories about a group of children who live on the same street, by Kate Greenaway-winning author, Shirley Hughes. For the children of Trotter Street life is full of adventures! From racing brand new bikes, getting ready for Christmas or marvelling at the arrival of a big concrete lorry, these four stories are a wonderful introduction to family life and are perfect for first readers.
A beautifully illustrated introduction to childhood concepts by beloved Kate Greenaway medal-winning illustrator. In this classic collection by Kate Greenaway-winning author, Shirley Hughes, Katy and her little brother Olly are having a wonderful time learning about the world around them. From counting in the park with Grandpa, waiting to cross the road with Mum, or even the very noisy sound of Dad vacuuming, there are so many first things to discover on their childhood adventures.
A timeless story about friendship and understanding by the Kate Greenaway-winning author of Dogger. In this heartwarming Christmas story, by celebrated author Shirley Hughes, a young boy called Lewis Brown is looking out of a window and wishing that someone might notice him. Then he spots a single golden feather floating down from the heavens and discovers an angel on the roof. And so begins a great friendship, as the angel takes Lewis under his wing on an adventure that will change everything, and allow Lewis, his family and his friends, to start to see the world around them for the better.
Alfie is heading off to the seaside with his grandma, and makes a new friend on the beach! But unfortunately all's not fair in love and friendship, and Alfie - with a little help from Grandma and Bernard - has to discover what a true friend looks like. A summer adventure which speaks to our experiences making friends from national treasure, Shirley Hughes
In this stunning gift edition, Katy and her little brother Olly tell us about their day with Dad. From the fun of waking Dad up in the morning, having a day together at the seaside or even stories with Dad at bedtime, this joyous tale gives readers a snapshot into a child's day and celebrates the special bond between a father and child.
If this is your author page then you can share your Twitter updates with your readers right here on LoveReading
Find out moreIf this is your author page then you can share your Facebook updates with your readers right here on LoveReading
Find out more
Check out the latest activities in our KidsZone.
NEW INDIE AND SELF PUBLISHED BOOK REVIEW AND PROMOTION SERVICE LAUNCHED!