Shirley Hughes

  • 5 stars across 48 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
5th August 2013

My Naughty Little Sister Collection

An enchanting collection of stories about the most famous little sister in the world, with the beautiful and iconic illu... MoreMy Naughty Little Sister Collection

(12 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
9th February 2017

My Naughty Little Sister

My naughty little sister is stubborn and greedy and full of mischief. She tries to cut off the cat’s tail and eats all t... MoreMy Naughty Little Sister

(6 reviews) Review
2nd October 2014

Out and About: A First Book of Poems

A beautiful first collection of poems by two-time Kate Greenaway Medal-winner Shirley Hughes. In this wonderful collect... MoreOut and About: A First Book of Poems

(5 reviews) Review
6th October 2016

Angel Mae and the Christmas Baby

A beautiful gift edition of a classic Christmas story by the Kate Greenaway-winning author, Shirley Hughes. In ... MoreAngel Mae and the Christmas Baby

(4 reviews) Review
4th May 2017

Alfie and Dad

Join Alfie and Dad as they spend time together in this wonderful collection of stories from the award-winning Shirle... MoreAlfie and Dad

(4 reviews) Review
26th March 1992

The Big Alfie Out of Doors Storybook

Four new stories and four shorter poems introduce Alfie to the magic of the countryside, the excitement of the seaside, ... MoreThe Big Alfie Out of Doors Storybook

(4 reviews) Review
12th May 2015

My First Ramadan

Look! There is the new moon in the sky. It's time for Ramadan to begin. Follow along with one young boy as he abserves ... MoreMy First Ramadan

(3 reviews) Review
5th April 2018

Ruby in the Ruins

A classic picture book about family love, set in post-war London, from the much-loved and award-winning Shirley Hughes.R... MoreRuby in the Ruins

(3 reviews) Review
5th November 2020

Time for Tea: A First Book of Cookery

A beautifully illustrated collection of first recipes and family stories by Kate-Greenaway winning author, Shirley Hughe... MoreTime for Tea: A First Book of Cookery

(3 reviews) Review
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Most Popular Book

Coming Soon

Peter Pan and Wendy Peter Pan and Wendy

Peter Pan and Wendy

Hardback
17th September 2026

Recent Reviews

  • My Naughty Little Sister

    My Naughty Little Sister

    by AnikaP

    This book is about the little sister who is very mischievous. She tries to cut off the cat's tail and on the other hand, she is trying to eat a birthd...

  • Time for Tea: A First Book of Cookery

    Time for Tea: A First Book of Cookery

    by Toppa

    Every book by Shirley Hughes is a treasure..... the best introduction to life in every one. This is a lovely combination of recipes and stories... a l...

  • Out And About Through The Year

    Out And About Through The Year

    by Jrh

    Out and About: Through the Year is a lovely book and a classic with familiar characters and illustrations of the authors. 

    This is a nice book that...