Books by Shirley Hughes

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisDixie O'Day and his best friend Percy are off on holiday, and drive straight into adventure!Peaches Miaow, the fabulous pop star, has her pricelss diamond necklace stolen from the Hotel Splendide in the crime of the century. Can Dixie and Percy track down the sinister figures at the heart of the mystery?Pack your bags for a thrilling trip filled with glamourpusses, cat burglars and seaside fun in this gorgeous chapter book with a chapter for each night of the week, as well as plenty of exciting extra material.Trade ReviewThis is a beautifully written and illustrated book. Join in the friendship and fun with these delightful characters." * Families (Hereford & Worcester) *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA dark and stormy night, a camping trip gone awry, and an old house which looks like it might be ... haunted?Dixie and Percy need to stick together in this mysterious adventure full of scrapes, peril, and spooky goings-on!These first chapter books from mother-daughter pairing Shirley Hughes and Clara Vulliamy have one chapter for each night of the week and are full of maps, and fun extra activities.“A witty and beautifully designed series for emerging readers” THE SUNDAY TIMES

Read more less

Book SynopsisDixie, Percy and their new friend, Ariel, are off on an adventure in the clouds. Making a speedy getaway from their archenemy Lou Ella, they find themselves soaring away in a hot-air balloon! But there are stormy skies ahead… Be swept away with Dixie and Percy in an action-packed airborne escapade from mother-daughter pairing Shirley Hughes and Clara Vulliamy. These first chapter books have one chapter for each night of the week and are full of maps, extra activities, and everything needed to empower a new reader.“A witty and beautifully designed series for emerging readers” THE SUNDAY TIMESTrade ReviewWith text and pictures beautifully complementing one another, these tales of peril and domestic perplexity are a dream to read aloud and tempting for newly fluent readers to manage on their own. Established fans will appreciate familiar characters putting in a cheerful appearance, while those new to the books can revel in the excitement of a story that stands confidently alone. Meanwhile end papers complete with chatty questionnaires, maps and games all add to the satisfying sense of a fully-formed world in miniature. * Independent Bookshop Week Supplement *

Read more less

Book SynopsisHow will Dixie and Percy cope with the whizzing world of bicycles? And with a new friend coming between them, could there be trouble in store for our two heroes?Expect crashes, smashes, bumps and bangs as our dashing duo race off on a new challenge...These first chapter books from mother-daughter pairing Shirley Hughes and Clara Vulliamy have one chapter for each night of the week and are full of maps, and fun extra activities.“A witty and beautifully designed series for emerging readers” THE SUNDAY TIMES

Read more less

Book SynopsisAlfie and Grandma are very special friends, and together they have lots of adventures! Whether it’s saving the day and finding a lost pet, or exploring indoors and out, Alfie loves being with his grandma. A special edition of previously published stories collected together in a celebration of grandmas and grandchildren from Shirley Hughes, creator of Dogger.Trade ReviewThis book is a fabulous addition to and a must have to any child's book collection. -- Becky * 3 Princesses and 1 Dude! *This very special collection of three stories is one for grandmothers and grandchildren to keep as their very special book to share. The stories are a wonderful celebration of a very special relationship; Alfie and Grandma are very special friends and share lots of adventures. Whether it’s saving the day and finding a lost pet, or exploring indoors and out, Alfie loves being with his grandma. The situations are familiar to children and they can really relate to the experiences and the way they are told. The drawings are absolutely timeless and capture the spirit of the stories to perfection. Perfection in a picture book. * Parents in Touch *

Read more less

Book SynopsisMeet Alfie's mum. She is called Jessica Mary. She has reddish brown curly hair which often gets untidy, but Alfie likes it like that. She sometimes gets cross when she loses things or when there are too many toys lying all over the floor. But she is extra specially good at making up pretend games and reading stories. Here are two stories about Alfie and his Mum, and their adventures together.

Read more less

Book SynopsisLucy has her school things ready. She has a new grey skirt, a pair of brown shoes, a pencil case and a satchel. Tom wishes that he had a satchel too. Full of warmth and good humour, the happy simplicity of childhood is captured in this richly illustrated, classic picture book about two young children's first experience of school.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAlfie loves Nursery School - and so does Annie Rose! She can't wait to go 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 beautifully illustrated story. Perfect for preparing children for their first day at nursery, Alfie at Nursery School is a simple story packed with warmth and heart. Loved Alfie at Nursery School? Discover: DoggerAlfie's FeetAlfie Gives a HandAlfie's Christmas

Read more less

Book SynopsisAlfie 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 HughesTrade ReviewThe story is classic Hughes, and a beautiful depiction of those fleeting childhood holiday experiences that can’t be matched by the safety and comfort of home * TLS *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA heart-warming audio bundle of Dogger and Dogger's Christmas by Shirley Hughes, bringing together one of our most beloved children's audiobooks with a magical, festive follow-up story. Read by Olivia Colman. DoggerWhen Dave loses his favourite toy, Dogger, he is very sad. But when Dogger turns up on a stall at the garden fete, everything seems all right - until someone else buys him before Dave can get the money! Voted the public's favourite CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal winner, this is a tale to which all children and their parents can relate.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...

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhen Lily throws Bobbo onto the top of the school bus, she has no idea what an adventure he has in store. This drama-packed book is a race to reunite Lily and lost Bobbo, as well as learning all about school...Trade ReviewShirley Hughes' timeless artwork brings to life another beautiful tale of childhood...The artwork records emotions wonderfully...Bobbo Goes to School brings a different perspective on school, which might be welcome by children who are a bit nervous about this imminent change. * Library Mice - blog *Every bookshelf should have Bobbo Goes to School...Shirley Hughes is great at conveying everyday life in all its humdrum importance to a young child. * Junior London magazine *The pictures were beautifully detailed and colourful ... I can see why Shirley Hughes is a well loved author -- Reba and Amatullah * guardian.co.uk *

Read more less

Book SynopsisJoin Alfie and Annie Rose for Christmas! Alfie opens his advent calendar and makes cards and presents. He sings carols and decorates the tree. And he writes a special letter to Father Christmas...But what will Father Christmas bring on Christmas Day? It's going to be such an exciting day!Trade ReviewBrimming with nostalgic appeal, Alfie and Annie Rose are busy with advent calendars, Christmas trees and carols. Perfect for sharing in the build-up to the big day. * The Bookseller *Hughes' loving observation reflects our better selves. * The Sunday Times *Childhood would be diminished without Hughes's simple, perfectly told tales of family life... Heartbreakingly beautiful illustrations... Hughes's wonderful London street scene is, for me, the perfect Christmas Day in a walnut shell. * The Times - Children's Books of the Year *With their gentle illustrations of family life Shirley Hughes' Alfie stories have been entertaining pre-school children for more than 30 years. In Alfie's Christmas the little boy is excitedly making decorations, writing cards and buying presents. An enchanting book that will get everyone in the Christmas spirit. * Daily Express *Alfie and Annie-Rose fans can catch a wonderful glimpse into their adventures in the run-up to Christmas. Shirley Hughes has captured excitement and expectation, as Alfie and his family prepare for the big day. Our Mumsnet December book of the month. * Mumsnet website *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisBirthday parties always make people happy and Alfie's neighbour, Mr MacNally, really does need cheering up because his beloved cat, Smoky, has died. Alfie thinks a party might just help, and there's an extra special surprise in store for Bob MacNally. . . . Join Alfie as he tries to keep a secret in this celebration of pets old and new.Trade ReviewShirley Hughes' warmth and ability to capture the emotions of the under-5s remain unrivalled * Financial Times *Text and artwork coalesce in a tender story * Parents Magazine *A directness and a simplicity which conjures an appealing little world that most young children are pleased to dip into . . . A firm favourite * West Sussex Gazette *Makes for excellent bedtime reading * Irish Examiner *

Read more less

Book SynopsisAlfie's painting 'Motorbike Man' has been entered in the children's painting competition at the Harvest Fair. His friends have done paintings too, but when the winners are announced, not everyone is happy with their prize...Join Alfie on an exciting day at the fair as he comes up with a brilliant solution!Trade ReviewInspiring, lovingly drawn * The Sunday Times *[Alfie] seems drawn from life, as ever * The Children's Bookseller *The story has comedy and pathos . . . The illustrations are enchanting - cosy, warm and also very familiar * The School Librarian *For many children this is a very familiar world * Carousel *For toddlers just begining to discover the fascination of everyday life, Shirley Hughes's classic Alfie series is a must * Irish Sunday Independent *

Read more less