The Works of Children's Books Author, Shirley Hughes

Shirley Hughes pioneered children’s books and is just one on a long list of most liked storytellers and illustrators of the present day. She has written over 70 books, which incorporate the Alfie and Dogger series and illustrated many more by other writers. Shirley is still published worldwide and decades of children have grown up fascinated and reassured by her books, and which over the years has allowed her to win major awards.

She has won the Kate Greenaway Medal on two occasions and has been given the OBE for her eminent service to children's literature. In 2007, Dogger was voted the UK's favourite Kate Greenaway Medal-winning book of all time.

Dogger should strike a chord with all children of 3 years and above who have ever lost their favoured cuddly toy. Dogger is described as a well worn dog with crooked ears and a cute face who means everything to Dave, consequently when he is lost, Dave is totally distraught. Children's picture books are timeless and Dogger has lost none of its attraction and remains a story to which all kids and their parents will relate.

Shirley’s inspiration for drawing and devising stories began during her childhood years during the second world war in the north west of England, that developed into a lifetime attraction to illustrations which told tales. Her love of drawing and writing is attributed to the idyllic childhood she had, where a lot of time was spent making up imaginary worlds and sometimes going to the cinema.

Hero on a Bicycle was her debut novel. It is a thrilling and poignant story with a touch of romance, set against a dramatic backdrop of Italy during the war. Based on Hughes' own experience of visiting Florence not long after World War II, it is a welcoming, affectionate tale of courage against the odds, that deals candidly with the cruelty of war, yet maintains a distinctive understanding and lightness of touch. Superbly presented in a purposely retro, reflective fashion, it also features Hughes' well known black and white images.

Shirley's Alfie books take their charm from familiar elements. At the same time, they demonstrate how experimental an artist and designer Shirley Hughes is. Starting with Up and Up, her wordless picture book, via the split-screen technique of Alfie Gets in First, to the lush cinemascope of Enchantment in the Garden, Hughes never ceases innovating.

Alfie is great at teaching children their numbers and the alphabet. Counting with Alfie could not be easier since his world is filled with numbers. By using their fingers and toes and playing with Alfie, small kids may learn to count. The exact same simplicity is attached to Alfie’s alphabet book as well, beginning with A for Alfie, B for bedtime and Shirley walks each and every kid through the whole alphabet depicting things that is seen in Alfie’s world which begin with every letter.

By Sun and Candlelight features superb pictures and this beautiful assortment of prose and poetry shall be a perfect present for parents and their young ones. This collection commemorates the treasures of a lifetime with poems and writings to indicate all of the most important milestones, just like childhood, adolescence, falling in love, family life, getting older and dying.

The board books and picture books of Shirley Hughes are recognised for their superbly in depth images which capture all the wonder and excitement of a small person's world. From teatime treats to secret adventures, she has a perfect appreciation of the things that captivate kids.


Shop 4 Books is an online bookstore for everything books. We have a diverse range of categories covering all genres and in all major formats. We can also make it easy for you to obtain calendars, diaries, stationery, music CDs and downloads, DVDs, newspaper gift books and much more. We have the lowest price books online so check us out and take advantage of all our frequent special offers.