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Shirley Hughes was born and grew up in West Kirby, near Liverpool. She studied at Liverpool Art School and at the Ruskin School of Art in Oxford, before embarking on a career as a freelance illustrator. At first she worked as an interpretive illustrator, but she began to write and design her own picture books when her children were very young. Her first book, Lucy and Tom's Day, was published in 1960.
Now living in London's Notting Hill, Shirley Hughes has illustrated over two hundred children's books and is renowned as a champion of children's literature. She has been the recipient of the Other Award, the Kate Greenaway Medal and the prestigious Eleanor Farjeon Award. She was nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in2010, which rewards the best in contemporary children's and young adult literature from all over the world.
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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. ~ Julia Eccleshare
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
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.
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.
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.
A Christmas wish on St Nicholas’s Day brings excitement to a family in the thirteen days of Christmas that follow soon after. When a father wishes for a husband for his daughter he little knows what an exciting reaction he will set in train. Annaple keeps house for her father and her brothers and sisters and she does it well – except that she can’t cook! Annaple has a suitor and dreams of romance so how can her siblings persuade her suitor Francis to propose and carry her off? Luckily, Christmas – or her father’s Christmas wish – seems to bring exactly what is wanted. On each of the twelve days of Christmas, starting with a partridge in a pear tree, Francis brings the appropriate gift. And what will happen on the thirteenth day? A beautiful story with a strong and convincing historical setting.
A welcome return for a collection of all kinds of stories which will make perfect bedtime reading. Originally published in the 1960s, the collection includes traditional favourites such as Thumbelina and The Ugly Duckling and modern classics such as Ted Hughes’s How the Polar Bear Became. In addition there are extracts from books that were popular at the time of its original publications such as Leila Berg’s Little Pete stories and Joyce Lankaster Brisley’s Milly-Molly-Mandy stories. Shirley Hughes original illustrations add to the period charm.
Dorothy Edwards’ stories about this mischievous yet loveable girl have delighted children for over 50 years. She scares kitties by trying to cut off their tails, bites Father Christmas’ hand and steals all the sweets in the house. The stories are cheeky, touching and funny and utterly timeless so that each new generation of children can enjoy just as much as they were enjoyed many years ago.This title and its sister titles have just been given a makeover with fabulous new covers – click here to see them all.
The natural forebears of Horrid Henry, the classic stories about My Naughty Little Sister have delighted children for fifty years. This handsome edition, nicely presented in a slip-case, bring together some of the favourites, including my own, My Naughty Little Sister at the Party at which she and Bad Harry team up and raid the table before the birthday tea and Going Fishing when, of course, My Naughty Little Sister gets completely soaked even though that’s exactly what she’s promised not to do…This large format edition is perfect for introducing a new generation to this wonderful character. The Lovereading comment: For fifty years, stories about the funny, loveable, mischievous little girl have enchanted children all over the world. The stories are cheeky, touching and funny and the illustrations by Shirley Hughes, pure magic. This special edition also includes an introduction chronicling the life of creator, Dorothy Edwards who is quite rightly considered to be one of the best children’s writers of the 20th Century.
A beautiful first collection of poems by two-time Kate Greenaway Medal-winner Shirley Hughes. In this wonderful collection of poems, by best-loved and Kate Greenaway Medal-winner, Shirley Hughes, Katie and her little brother Olly go out and about, romping through the changing seasons. They take pleasure in the different elements and weather conditions - sunshine, wind, rain, mist and even snow. From the joys of the seaside to the miseries of the sickbed, this exuberant volume captures to perfection the world of childhood.
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.
Dorothy Edwards and Shirley Hughes' classic Christmas story about one naughty but entertaining little sister, for the first time ever as a 32 page picture book. My naughty little sister always get excited about Christmas. She loves the trees and the lights but there's just one problem . . . She doesn't like Father Christmas at all! So when Father Christmas visits the school to give all the boys and girls some presents, little sister is up to her old tricks being naughtier than ever! My Naughty Little Sister has charmed generations of adults and children alike thanks to Dorothy Edwards' playful stories and Shirley Hughes' beautiful illustrations. The enduring appeal of their relatable characters has resonated with families for years and years and this gorgeous new picture book edition will introduce the story to a whole new generation. Praise for My Naughty Little Sister: 'Edwards was one of the best children's writers of the 20th century and her collaboration with illustrator Shirley Hughes was pure magic: the stories are cheeky, touching and funny' - The Sunday Express 'Naughtiness is naughtiness, whatever the generation, these stories delight' - The Scotsman
An enchanting collection of stories about the most famous little sister in the world, with the beautiful and iconic illustrations by Shirley Hughes. This treasure trove of sibling naughtiness contains: My Naughty Little Sister More Naughty Little Sister Stories My Naughty Little Sister and Bad Harry When My Naughty Little Sister Was Good My Naughty Little Sister's Friends
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.
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.
A classic picture book about family life, set in post-war London, from the best-loved and award-winning Shirley Hughes now available in paperback. The observation and draughtsmanship are Hughes in her prime, with scenes of street parties and bustling stations and perfectly rendered period costume The Sunday Times Ruby and Mum have lived through the terrifying London Blitz and are waiting for Dad to come home from the war. Ruby hardly recognizes the tall man who steps off the train, but when she falls in the ruins nearby, there's only one person who she wants to rescue her.
Alfie loves Nursery School - and so does Annie Rose! She can't wait to go there with him - in fact she's so desperate to join in that she gets Alfie into a very sticky situation in this collection of nursery school tales. Join Alfie as he navigates playground games and special concerts in this heartwarming book from Shirley Hughes, creator of Dogger.
Alfie loves Nursery School - and so does Annie Rose! She can't wait to go there with him - in fact she's so desperate to join in that she gets Alfie into a very sticky situation in this collection of nursery school tales. Join Alfie as he navigates playground games and special concerts in this heartwarming book from Shirley Hughes, creator of Dogger.
One morning, very early ... one little girl called Lucy fast asleep in bed, with one very special teddy tucked in beside her. Lucy's little brother Tom is the first to wake up, and tugs at her quilt. Now there are two children, wide awake and ready for the day! A story with numbers, as Lucy and Tom go through their day, exploring their world, counting, sharing and learning as they go.
Lucy and Tom know a lot of words: they have Books read to them at Bedtime. They know that D is for Dog, like the dogs that live on their street, F is for Friends, and P is for Park and for Playing. Join Lucy and Tom on a journey through their life, in this satisfying alphabet tale from master storyteller, Shirley Hughes.
A classic picture book about family love, set in post-war London, from the much-loved and award-winning Shirley Hughes. Ruby and Mum have lived through the terrifying London Blitz and are waiting for Dad to come home from the war. Ruby hardly recognizes the tall man who steps off the train, but when she falls in the ruins nearby, there's only one person who she wants to rescue her.
You can chat with friends face to face or on the phone; hide outside or in; bounce on the sofa or grandpa's knee; give a present or a kiss... Featuring Olly and Katie and their friends - who also appeared in the classic Nursery Collection - this bumper book takes four simple verbs and shows the many lively situations they can evoke, encouraging you to join in the fun!
An enchanting collection of stories about the most famous little sister in the world, with beautiful and iconic illustrations by Shirley Hughes. A treasure trove of sibling naughtiness, this children's book contains a selection of the best loved My Naughty Little Sister stories. This famous little sister is stubborn and greedy and full of mischief. She tries to cut off the cat's tail and eats all the trifle at Harry's party! How much bother can one little sister be? My Naughty Little Sister has charmed generations of adults and children alike thanks to Dorothy Edwards' playful stories and Shirley Hughes' beautiful illustrations. These best-selling books are perfect for little girls with siblings of their own. A great book for early readers aged 6 and up. Fans of Milly Molly Mandy and Mrs Pepperpot will love My Naughty Little Sister. Praise for My Naughty Little Sister: `Edwards was one of the best children's writers of the 20th century and her collaboration with illustrator Shirley Hughes was pure magic: the stories are cheeky, touching and funny' - Sunday Express. `Naughtiness is naughtiness, whatever the generation, and these stories are a delight' - The Scotsman Dorothy Edwards dreamt up My Naughty Little Sister whilst on a family holiday in 1950. Dorothy based the character on her younger sister, Phyllis, and went on to write five books about her naughty little sister with wide acclaim. Dorothy became a household name and her stories were read and loved across the globe.
Join Alfie and Dad as they spend time together in this wonderful collection of stories from the award-winning Shirley Hughes. 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! Celebrating that special relationship between children and their dads.
A beautiful gift edition of a classic Christmas story by the Kate Greenaway-winning author, Shirley Hughes. In this beautiful gift edition of a classic Christmas story by Kate Greenaway-winning author, Shirley Hughes, Christmas is coming and Mae Morgan's mum is expecting a baby. At school. Mae is delighted to be given the part of the Angel Gabriel in the nativity play. But will the new baby steal her glory?
A delightful introduction to letters and first words from Shirley Hughes, one of the best-known and most-loved picture book creators.
Second to the right, and straight on till morning! Meet Peter Pan, the boy who never grows up, Tinkerbell the mischievous fairy, the Lost Boys and the villainous Captain Hook. A swashbuckling children's adventure classic for generations, this edition has beautiful two colour illustrations by beloved illustrator Shirley Hughes. Pan - a new film prequel to Peter Pan - is out summer 2015. Praise for Shirley Hughes: 'A remarkable artist and author whose picture books should be on every child's shelf.' The Times 'Shirley Hughes is the doyenne of the picture book world.' TES
My Naughty Little Sister and Bad Harry Together they are double trouble . . . my naughty little sister and Bad Harry make secret friends with a mouse and find a hiding place for their bread crusts!
My naughty little sister is always doing silly things. She's curious about what's in a chimney and sticks a feather duster up and then tries to hide all the soot! But when she has measles she's itchy and sad and grumpy and has to stay in bed and can't be naughty at all! How long before she's bad again? My Naughty Little Sister has charmed generations of adults and children alike thanks to Dorothy Edwards' playful stories and Shirley Hughes' beautiful illustrations. These best-selling books are perfect for little girls with siblings of their own. A great book for early readers aged 6 and up. Fans of Milly Molly Mandy and Mrs Pepperpot will love My Naughty Little Sister. Praise for My Naughty Little Sister: `Edwards was one of the best children's writers of the 20th century and her collaboration with illustrator Shirley Hughes was pure magic: the stories are cheeky, touching and funny' - Sunday Express. `Naughtiness is naughtiness, whatever the generation, and these stories are a delight' - The Scotsman Dorothy Edwards dreamt up My Naughty Little Sister whilst on a family holiday in 1950. Dorothy based the character on her younger sister, Phyllis, and went on to write five books about her naughty little sister with wide acclaim. Dorothy became a household name and her stories were read and loved across the globe. Have you collected all of the My Naughty Little Sister series? My Naughty Little Sister When My Naughty Little Sister Was Good My Naughty Little Sister and Bad Harry More Naughty Little Sister Stories
Dorothy Edwards' classic story about one naughty but very entertaining little sister. Sometimes my naughty little sister can be good . . . when she helps Grannie to make a Christmas Pudding and even teaches Bad Harry a lesson or two. Has my little sister given up her naughty ways? When My Naughty Little Sister Was Good has charmed generations of adults and children alike thanks to Dorothy Edwards' playful stories and Shirley Hughes' beautiful illustrations. The best-selling books in this series are perfect for little girls with siblings of their own. Praise for My Naughty Little Sister: `Edwards was one of the best children's writers of the 20th century and her collaboration with illustrator Shirley Hughes was pure magic: the stories are cheeky, touching and funny' - Sunday Express. `Naughtiness is naughtiness, whatever the generation, and these stories are a delight' - The Scotsman Dorothy Edwards dreamt up My Naughty Little Sister whilst on a family holiday in 1950. Dorothy based the character on her younger sister, Phyllis, and went on to write five books about her naughty little sister with wide acclaim. Dorothy became a household name and her stories were read and loved across the globe. Have you collected all of the My Naughty Little Sister series? My Naughty Little Sister My Naughty Little Sister and Bad Harry My Naughty Little Sister's Friends More My Naughty Little Sister Stories
More Naughty Little Sister Stories My naughty little sister is always getting in trouble. This time she refuses to have her photo taken and shows off in front of Harry. Will she ever learn to be good?
A charming and deliciously witty story about an unusual Christmas present and the part it plays in bringing a young couple together. Three children long for their older sister to marry her sweetheart but they know that he’ll only woo her if he brings her a very unusual present. What will he choose? The vividly drawn historical background to this story gives a lovely feel for Christmas’s past. A piece of passion from the editor who bought the book: The Thirteen Days of Christmas is a book that for me is as much a part of Christmas as plum pudding or Christmas carols. I read it for the first time when I was about nine years old, and I have read it at least once a year ever since. The sheer charm of the idea of telling the story behind the song The Twelve Days of Christmas makes you smile before you’ve even started reading – and then the gorgeous characterization, playful storytelling, and exquisite pictures ensure that you fall in love with the book hook, line, and sinker. To me, this is a book that everyone should read – and in fact it makes me feel a bit sad to think that some people don’t know it. Read it now and make it part of your Christmas too!
It was with great delight that we heard that one of the country’s best known illustrators had decided to put pen to paper alongside a retold edition of Peter Pan, for a younger audience – abridged with the permission of the author. Shirley Hughes has brought the words to life for a younger audience with the help of her stunning classic pen and ink illustrations. This is an absolute must for any child’s bedroom bookshelf from 6 or 7 upwards to share at bedtime with parents and to read alone long into the night.
It's double trouble! My naughty little sister's best friend, Bad Harry, is just as naughty as she is! They make secret friends with a mouse and feed it bacon and cheese, and they pretend to eat their bread crusts but hide them instead. Together they cause terrible mischief.
My naughty little sister is always doing silly things. She's curious about what's in a chimney and sticks a feather duster up and then tries to hide all the soot. But when she has measles she's itchy and sad and grumpy and has to stay in bed and can't be naughty at all. How long before she's bad again?
My naughty little sister causes mischief wherever she goes. If she is left with Bad Harry they make a mess with a lovely sponge trifle. She won't even make friends with Father Christmas but having a wobbly tooth probably doesn't help - when will it ever come out?
My naughty little sister is very bad, but sometimes she can be good. She helps Grannie to make a Christmas pudding, and she even teaches Bad Harry to be good so that he's allowed to wear his new red coat! Has my naughty little sister changed?
Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy - together they are the March sisters. Their father is away at war and times are difficult, but the bond between the sisters is strong. The family may not have much money, but that doesn't stop them from creating their own fun and forming a secret society. Through sisterly squabbles, happy times and sad, their four lives follow very different paths, and they discover that growing up is sometimes very hard to do.
A picture book for children of three years and up. The Pattersons' house is so jam-packed with things that there's hardly room for the Pattersons themselves. But building an extension is no easy matter, even with the neighbours' help - and especially when the concrete is the quick-setting kind!
A collection of four Alfie titles: Alfie Gets in First, Alfie's Feet, Alfie Give a Hand and An Evening at Alfie's, presented in a treasury form.
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