Shirley Hughes was a British author and illustrator who wrote more than 50 books, illustrated over 200, and sold over 11 million copies of her books. Shirley died in 2022 at the age of 94. During her impressive writing career she won the Booktrust Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Book Trust said Shirley Hughes’ stories and illustrations were “incredible” and her most memorable works “have touched so many generations”.
Some of the best books she wrote were about Alfie, a little boy who is learning about the world around him, together with his little sister, Annie-Rose. Incy loves to read all about the things Alfie and Annie-Rose get up to. The books are a slice of life, detailing Alfie’s experiences at school, on holiday, birthday parties and at home.
You can buy Alfie Gets in First here:
Incy first read Alfie Gets in First when she was four years old. She was fascinated at the thought of Alfie locking himself inside the family home and having to navigate unlocking the door for his mum, who became locked outside. We were able to discuss lessons about independence, responsibilities and letting grown-ups do some things for us that we have never done before, even if we think we can do it ourselves. Alfie Gets in First is an amusing read for a small child. Do try this one or one of the other Alfie books pictured below.
Alot of the Alfie books were written in the 80s. We don’t mind that some aspects are slightly dated, actually it all adds to the charm of the books. In particular, the illustrations provoke nostalgia for a bygone time.
During her impressive career illustrating, Shirley Hughes won two Kate Greenaway medals and it is easy to see why. Shirley Hughes’ illustrations are so detailed and realistic. They tell so much of the story.
These are pages from Alfie Gives a Hand, a story about Alfie attending a friend’s birthday party. When another friend is feeling scared and unsettled at the party Alfie comes to the rescue.
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Her best known book is called Dogger, a story about a little boy who loses a toy dog. The story is based on her son losing his toy in London’s Holland Park.
Shirley Hughes wrote many more books, including the Lucy and Tom books and more. When she died Michael Morpurgo said that her writing "began the reading lives of so many millions". We certainly agree! Try some of her books with your little ones.Visit the Shirley Hughes section on the Incy Appleseed shop page by clicking on any of the titles below:
Shirley Hughes even wrote a book of poetry for children, called Out and About a First Book of Poems