Shirley Hughes in general

My mother likes to tell a story about reading Puss In Boots to me as a child. In it, there’s a part that goes something along the lines of “and he had no mummy and no daddy to look after him”. It was probably on the 500th reading of the story that, legend has it, I turned to her and said in a wavering voice “And no Kim?” – I’d been ok with the tale until this point by assuming that, just like me, he’d have a kind, caring big sister to look after him, so having no parents didn't really matter all that much. When I found out this wasn’t the case, I was quite perturbed. I start off by mentioning this because I think ...  Read the complete review

I had been idly wondering what I ought to write about next, when I read the comment that there aren't enough people reviewing children's books on Dooyoo. Well, we's'll have to do something about that, we will, I thought to myself. And as luck would have it, I had a children's book in my bag, one of my very old favourites, Dogger by Shirley Hughes. Anyone who grew up in the UK in the 70's or 80's will remember Shirley Hughes, both as a writer and an illustrator. Her books evoke the small world of childhood - exploring, learning, and having fun - and her beautiful detailed illustrations are instantly recognisable. (Among the other books ...  Read the complete review

We first discovered Alfie at the library. I finally decided to buy some after my daughter kept asking to get it out, to the point where no one else was getting a look in! The Alfie books are written by Shirley Hughes (of Dogger fame) they are also beautifully illustrated by her. They saga the life of Alfie, a little boy of about three or four years old and his little sister Annie Rose. What makes the books so special is that they are about ordinary life - Alfie and Annie Rose don't do anything spectacular, just the kinda stuff little kids do everyday. I think this is the main appeal to little children, they love to see children doing the types of ...  Read the complete review

Shirley Hughes the author has a great ability in capturing life through the eyes of young children. This book takes you through little stories of Alfie and Annie Rose. Alfie in this book has just turned five and although it does not say how old his sister is I would probably put her at the age of eighteen months. *** Breakfast *** The story begins explaining how Alfie has helped Annie out of her cot and down the stairs. Alfie walking holding on to the banister and his sister sliding down the stairs backwards. Their dad is already having his breakfast and both children go to the table to join him. Alfie being more grown up now can have a china bowl ...  Read the complete review