Books by Shirley Hughes

Book SynopsisTake a trip back to Trotter Street in this classic, beautifully illustrated collection of four favourite stories for first readers.This heart-warming collection of four beautifully-illustrated stories follows the activities and experiences of children and their families living in a multicultural urban street. Written and illustrated by one of the world’s favourite picture book authors and touching on everyday themes in a child's world, these engaging tales are sure to become best-loved stories for first readers and their families alike.

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Book SynopsisA classic and beautifully illustrated collection of nursery rhymes, poems, stories, and learning by best-loved author–illustrator, Shirley Hughes.A trip to the park on a windy day, counting ducks in the pond or simply enjoying playing hide and seek at home, there is so much that Katie and her little brother, Olly get up to in their charming pre-school world. The Shirley Hughes Treasury delights in celebrating the everyday life of children in five sections for you and your little ones to dip in and out of and share at bedtime and any other time of the day. Featuring an array of classic stories, engaging poems and nursery rhymes as well as early learning, this essential collection celebrates the work of one our most revered authors to be treasured by a new generation of first readers and is the perfect gift.Trade ReviewThis book perfectly encompasses the warmth and wonder of childhood, through poems, nursery rhymes and stories that are classic and familiar. It is a superb introduction to various types of literature for young readers; every section is concise and digestible. With magic and fun in every line, each page is adorned with colourful illustrations by Hughes that excellently complement the text. This treasury is sure to be a firm favourite at bedtime or during quiet times of learning. -- Children's Books Ireland * Reading Matters Guide 2023 *This is a delightful collection of nursery rhymes, poems, short stories, longer stories and a learning section too. It is a wonderful book to travel with as there are so many elements to engage a young one all in one book. -- Mum reading to Theo, age 4 * Books Up North *Featured in the Books for Keeps Christmas gift guide * Books for Keeps *

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Book SynopsisA classic and beautifully illustrated story about friendship by best-loved authorillustrator, Shirley Hughes.Set in Italy in the 1920s, Enchantment in the Garden is the story of a lonely young girl called Valerie, who discovers a beautiful marble statue of a boy riding a dolphin. One magical day, the boy comes to life and the eternal friendship between Valerie and Cherubino, the son of a sea-god, begins. Originally published in 1996, this is a timeless tale of friendship set against a backdrop of summer sunsets, renaissance gardens and dramatic seascapes. It has a strong environmental message and a richness of quality that could only come from the hands of world class authorillustrator Shirley Hughes.

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Book SynopsisA charming board book about first letters and words for very young children from Shirley Hughes, one of the most-loved authorillustrators of children''s books.Learning about the alphabet is fun and easy with Katie and her baby brother, Olly. Join them as they explore their friendly and familiar world and all it contains in this charming first ABC book. Share and explore every wonderful experience in their simple yet enchanting world and help little readers learn lots of words, from A-Z!

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Book SynopsisIntroducing Dixie O'Day and also, of course, his friend Percy! This dashing duo are always getting into adventures - here they enter the All-Day Car Race little knowing what is ahead of them! 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?Trade ReviewThe first in a witty and beautifully designed series for emerging readers… Vulliamy’s crisp, lively images – black and white, with a single colour on every page, plus diagrams and comical details – deserve to be savoured -- Nicolette Jones * The Sunday Times *Toad of Toad Hall would enjoy this as bedtime reading… Vulliamy’s perky drawings are as accessible as a superior comic and guaranteed, alongside Hughes’s racey narrative, to get young readers behind the wheel * Observer *This collaboration is one that many a children’s literature enthusiast has been hoping for and awaiting with great trepidation for a long, long time. It does not disappoint, for Dixie O’Day in the Fast Lane is a gorgeous little book. Visually, the book is stunning. The design of the book is also immaculate and so attractive...This feast of beautifully nostalgic merriment will definitely be a winner with adults, but Dixie O’Day in the Fast Lane is first and foremost a cleverly written chapter book for newly independent readers...Dixie O’Day in the Fast Lane is a little book to truly treasure, which has all the ingredients to become a firm favourite with little readers. * Library Mice blog *This is perfect for new readers with fun and lively illustrations punctuating the story throughout * The Bookseller *Children of this age will chuckle at the first of a series by mother and daughter duo Shirley Hughes and Clara Vulliamy... it stars friends Dixie O'Day and his sidekick Percy. Daring Dixie loves custard creams, watching cookery programmes and driving his sports car to the seaside with Percy. The book also includes maps and a list of games to play on car journeys, just the ticket for the festive season. -- Emma Lee-Potter * Daily Express *

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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) *

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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

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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 *

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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

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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 *

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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.

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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.

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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

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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 *

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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...

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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 *

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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 *

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Book SynopsisCharlie gets into all sorts of sticky situations when his seaside summer holiday turns into a missing jewellery mystery - and detective Charlie finds himself in the middle of a muddle once again when a gang of bungling burglars threatens to spoil the Big Library Bonanza...

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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 *

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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 *

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