Shirley Hughes dies at 94: The author’s most famous books

Beloved children’s author and illustrator Shirley Hughes has died aged 94.

She died “peacefully at home after a short illness on Friday February 25, 2022”, a statement to the PA news agency said.

Born in West Kirby, Merseyside, after attending art school, Hughes began her career as an illustrator for other children’s authors, before writing her own books, publishing over 50 titles and winning numerous awards along the way.

To celebrate Hughes’ incredible career, here are her most famous books as an illustrator and author.

Dogger, published in 1977, won the Kate Greenaway Medal, awarded for “an outstanding book in terms of illustration for children and young people”.

It tells the story of a boy named Dave, who loses his favorite cuddly toy.

Hughes illustrated this classic children’s book, the first in a series written by Dorothy Edwards.

The titular Naughty Little Sister is a mischievous three-year-old who tries to cut off the family cat’s tail and eats all the trifle at a birthday party, among other antics.

The first in Hughes’ incredibly popular Alfie series, Alfie Gets in First (1981) is the story of chaos that ensues when the title character accidentally locks his mother and little sister Annie Rose out of the house.

Annie Rose is my little sister

Celebrating the bond that siblings share, Annie Rose Is My Little Sister is told from the perspective of older brother Alfie, who loves to play with Annie Rose and always knows how to cheer her up, but is sometimes frustrated with her little sister. .

Illustrated by Hughes and written by Noel Streatfield, The Bell Family (1954) chronicles the ups and downs of life in St Marks Rectory with dad (a Reverend), mum, children Paul, Jane and Ginnnie, baby Angus and adorable doggie Esau.

Hughes’ first book of poems is intended as an introduction to poetry for children. The collection focuses on the four seasons seen through the eyes of a little girl and her little brother.