Shirley Hughes

  • 5 stars across 108 books
Shirley Hughes Biography
Shirley Hughes CBE is a highly-respected and popular British author and illustrator, having written over 70 books and illustrated over 200. She's best known for her Alfie and Dogger series of stories.

Shirley was born on 16th July 1927 in West Kirby, near Liverpool. She studied fashion and dress design at Liverpool Art School, before continuing her studies at the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art in Oxford. She then embarked on a career as a freelance illustrator in London, where she still lives today. 

Shirley began to write and draw her own picture books when her children were young. Her first book, Lucy and Tom’s Daywas published in 1960, and she continues to delight young readers with wordless picture books and strip cartoons among others. 

Shirley Hughes Facts
Shirley Hughes has won the Other Award, the Eleanor Farjeon Award, and the Kate Greenaway Medal for Illustration twice, for Dogger in 1977 and for Ella’s Big Chance in 2003. In 2007 Dogger was voted the public’s favourite Greenaway winner of all time. 

Shirley was awarded an OBE in 1999 for services to Children’s Literature and in 2017 became a CBE for services to literature.

Our favourite Shirley Hughes Book Characters
Alfie - from the Alfie series
Dixie and Percy - from the Dixie O'Day series
Dave - from the Dogger series
29th June 2017

Dogger: the much-loved children’s classic

When Dave loses his favourite toy, Dogger, he is very sad. But when Dogger turns up on a stall at the garden fete, every... MoreDogger: the much-loved children’s classic

(44 reviews) Review
2nd June 2016

Alfie Gets in First

Alfie has won the race to be first home but - oh no! - he's slammed the front door and Mum and Annie Rose are on the oth... MoreAlfie Gets in First

(13 reviews) Review
9th October 2014

Alfie's Christmas

Join Alfie and Annie Rose for Christmas! Alfie opens his advent calendar and makes cards and presents. He sings carols a... MoreAlfie's Christmas

(11 reviews) Review
7th May 2009

Alfie Gives a Hand

Alfie is delighted to be invited to Bernard's birthday party, although he feels a bit nervous about going on his own. Bu... MoreAlfie Gives a Hand

(11 reviews) Review
18th November 1993

Dogger

Winner of the 1977 Kate Greenaway Medal and the 1980 Dutch Silver Pencil Award, this is the story of Dave and his belove... MoreDogger

(9 reviews) Review
1st September 1997

Alfie's Feet

One of the picture books featuring Alfie, his baby sister Annie Rose, and their family, friends and neighbours. Alfie ge... MoreAlfie's Feet

(9 reviews) Review
24th September 2015

Lucy & Tom at Christmas

It's Christmas, and Lucy and Tom are getting ready! There are cards to make, a tree to decorate and presents to hide. An... MoreLucy & Tom at Christmas

(8 reviews) Review
2nd July 2009

An Evening At Alfie's

All is quiet at Alfie's house - Mum and Dad have gone out and Maureen's baby-sitting. Then . . . drip, drip, drip. It's ... MoreAn Evening At Alfie's

(8 reviews) Review
26th March 2015

Dixie O'Day: Up, Up and Away!

Dixie, Percy and their new friend, Ariel, are off on an adventure in the clouds. Making a speedy getaway from their ar... MoreDixie O'Day: Up, Up and Away!

(6 reviews) Review
1st September 2016

Alfie and His Very Best Friend

Alfie and Bernard are very best friends and together they have lots of adventures. Join them as they go to the library, ... MoreAlfie and His Very Best Friend

(6 reviews) Review
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Recent Reviews

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