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Children's reading lists

9 must-read classic children’s books, as chosen by our readers

A selection of classic children's picture books on a bright yellow background

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The best classic children’s picture books

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Features

Remembering Shirley Hughes: children’s authors and illustrators choose their favourite illustrations

A classic seasonal sequel to the beloved Dogger

Dogger's Christmas

A seasonal sequel to one of our most beloved children's books, voted the public's favourite Kate Greenaway medal-winner

A seasonal sequel to one of our most beloved children's books, voted the public's favourite Kate Greenaway medal-winner. 
 
"There's always the promise of a happy ending with Shirley Hughes" Observer 
 
Over 40 years after Dogger was published, comes this magical follow-up: 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... 
 
Praise for Dogger: 
"This is Hughes' most heartwarming picture book . . . Hughes has a kindly, inexhaustible eye - she misses nothing" Observer

Shirley Hughes's classic Dogger is here touchingly revisited with all the warmth and charm of the original ... A nostalgic comfort blanket for us all

Hughes's storytelling and pictures are as captivatingly timeless as ever

There's always the promise of a happy ending with Shirley Hughes

Calm, classic and atmospheric, this new story about Dave and his beloved toy Dogger is perfect for sharing in the days leading up to Christmas

An enchanting tale, full of nostalgia and warmth, bringing a classic character to a new generation of readers

Shirley Hughes illustrated more than 200 children's books and is one of the best-loved writers for children, known for her beloved classics including the Alfie and Annie Rose stories, and Dogger. 
 
 
Shirley Hughes was born in West Kirby, near Liverpool, in 1927, and 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 started her career as a freelance illustrator in London, illustrating other writers' work, including Noel Streatfeild, Alison Uttley, Ian Seraillier and notably Dorothy Edwards's My Naughty Little Sister series. 
 
 
Shirley began to write and draw her own picture books when her children were young. Her first book - Lucy and Tom's Day - was published in 1960, and she followed it with, among others, Dogger, and the Alfie series. Her books include the wordless picture book Up and Up, collection of rhymes and poems Out and About, and for the very young The Nursery Collection. 
 
She wrote two novels for older children, Hero on a Bicycle, about a 13-year-old Italian boy during the occupation of Florence, and Whistling in the Dark, set during the Liverpool Blitz. Her memoir, A Life Drawing, was published in 2002. 
 
She also collaborated with her daughter, Clara Vulliamy, on the Dixie O'Day series; which saw Shirley with an illustrator for the first time with Shirley writing the text and Clara creating the illustrations. 
 
In 2020 she returned to her much-loved character, Dogger, with a new story Dogger's Christmas. 
 
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. She was Highly Commended for the Greenaway Medal for The Lion and the Unicorn in 1998. Shirley received an OBE in 1999 for services to Children's Literature, and a CBE in 2017. She was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and was the first recipient of BookTrust's Lifetime Achievement Award. 
 
Shirley died in London in 2022.

A seasonal sequel to one of our most beloved children's books, voted the public's favourite Kate Greenaway medal-winner. 
 
"There's always the promise of a happy ending with Shirley Hughes" Observer 
 
Over 40 years after Dogger was published, comes this magical follow-up: 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... 
 
Praise for Dogger: 
"This is Hughes' most heartwarming picture book . . . Hughes has a kindly, inexhaustible eye - she misses nothing" Observer

The Adventures of Dogger

A 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. 
 
 Dogger 
 
When 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...

A 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. 
 
 Dogger 
 
When 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...

The Lion And The Unicorn

This powerful story, from classic creator Shirley Hughes, is an uplifting tale of bravery and friendship. This special edition includes stories from real-life evacuees, uncovered from the Imperial War Museums.

This special edition includes stories from real-life evacuees, uncovered from the Imperial War Museums. 
 
When Lenny's father goes to fight in the Second World War, he gives his son a brass badge with two animals engraved on it: a lion for bravery and a unicorn for courage. 
 
Then, Lenny himself must go away, as he is evacuated from his home and family to escape the bombing. Staying in a strange new place, Lenny gathers all his lion bravery, all his unicorn courage, and discovers that magic can happen, even in the most desperate of times. 
 
Packed with incredible illustrations, this heart-warming story is accessible for readers of all ages. 
 
No one can match Shirley Hughes in the simple mastery of both words and pictures - Times Educational Supplement

No one can match Shirley Hughes in the simple mastery of both words and pictures

This special edition includes stories from real-life evacuees, uncovered from the Imperial War Museums. 
 
When Lenny’s father goes to fight in the Second World War he gives his son a brass badge with two animals engraved on it: a lion for bravery and a unicorn for courage. 
 
Then, Lenny himself must go away, evacuated from his home and family to escape the bombing. Staying in a strange new place, Lenny gathers all his lion bravery, all his unicorn courage, and discovers that magic can happen, even in the most desperate of times.

Alfie on Holiday

A heartwarming summer seaside tale as Alfie navigates the treacherous waters of friendship

The 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

Alfie 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 Hughes

Alfie at Nursery School

Alfie is off to Nursery School; he has lots to discover and learn as he experiences new things in this new book from master storyteller, Shirley Hughes.

Alfie 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: 
Dogger 
Alfie's Feet 
Alfie Gives a Hand 
Alfie's Christmas

Shirley Hughes (Author, Illustrator) Shirley Hughes illustrated more than 200 children's books and is one of the best-loved writers for children, known for her beloved classics including the Alfie and Annie Rose stories, and Dogger. 
 
 
Shirley Hughes was born in West Kirby, near Liverpool, in 1927, and 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 started her career as a freelance illustrator in London, illustrating other writers' work, including Noel Streatfeild, Alison Uttley, Ian Seraillier and notably Dorothy Edwards's My Naughty Little Sister series. 
 
 
Shirley began to write and draw her own picture books when her children were young. Her first book - Lucy and Tom's Day - was published in 1960, and she followed it with, among others, Dogger, and the Alfie series. Her books include the wordless picture book Up and Up, collection of rhymes and poems Out and About, and for the very young The Nursery Collection. 
 
She wrote two novels for older children, Hero on a Bicycle, about a 13-year-old Italian boy during the occupation of Florence, and Whistling in the Dark, set during the Liverpool Blitz. Her memoir, A Life Drawing, was published in 2002. 
 
She also collaborated with her daughter, Clara Vulliamy, on the Dixie O'Day series; which saw Shirley with an illustrator for the first time with Shirley writing the text and Clara creating the illustrations. 
 
In 2020 she returned to her much-loved character, Dogger, with a new story Dogger's Christmas. 
 
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. She was Highly Commended for the Greenaway Medal for The Lion and the Unicorn in 1998. Shirley received an OBE in 1999 for services to Children's Literature, and a CBE in 2017. She was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and was the first recipient of BookTrust's Lifetime Achievement Award. 
 
Shirley died in London in 2022.

Alfie loves Nursery School – and so does Annie Rose! She can’t wait to go there 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 heartwarming book from Shirley Hughes, creator of Dogger.

Alfie and Dad

Celebrate dads everywhere with this wonderful collection of stories from the award-winning Shirley Hughes.

That rare jewel, a brilliant "Dad" book... fabulous stuff as ever from Shirley Hughes.

In the run-up to Shirley Hughes's 90th birthday, this volume assembles stories in which Alfie's father helps his son: by sharing weekend activities, checking under the bed for flying loobies, retrieving a toy from lost property, finding a wandering cat's real home. Hughes makes the domestic blissful.

Join Alfie and Dad as they spend time together in this wonderful collection of stories from the award-winning Shirley Hughes. 
 
Alfie's dad is always there for Alfie and Annie Rose. He's there to reassure Alfie during a restless night; he's there to find Alfie's favourite toy Flumbo when he gets left on the bus; and most of all he loves spending time with his children and they love spending time with him! 
 
Celebrating that special relationship between children and their dads.

Lucy & Tom: From A to Z

Learn about words and letters in a Lucy and Tom story which takes us from apples right through to the zoo...

Lucy and Tom know a lot of words: they have Books read to them at Bedtime. They know that D is for Dog, like the dogs that live on their street, F is for Friends, and P is for Park and for Playing. 
 
Join Lucy and Tom on a journey through their life, in this satisfying alphabet tale from master storyteller, Shirley Hughes.

Lucy & Tom: From One to Ten

A classic Lucy and Tom tale from Shirley Hughes, creator of Dogger and Alfie.

One morning, very early ... one little girl called Lucy fast asleep in bed, with one very special teddy tucked in beside her. Lucy's little brother Tom is the first to wake up, and tugs at her quilt. Now there are two children, wide awake and ready for the day! 
 
A story with numbers, as Lucy and Tom go through their day, exploring their world, counting, sharing and learning as they go.

Alfie and His Very Best Friend

Alfie and Bernard are very best friends - read all about their adventures in this new book by the award-winning Shirley Hughes.

Alfie and Bernard are very best friends and together they have lots of adventures. Join them as they go to the library, take part in scooter races and make a very special club with only two special members!A heart-warming tale of friendship by the award-winning Shirley Hughes, creator of Dogger.

Lucy and Tom at School

A reassuring tale about starting school by the award-winning Shirley Hughes.

Lucy 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.

Dixie O'Day on his Bike

A thrilling adventure from Dixie and Percy as they take to two wheels!

How 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

Alfie Outdoors

A brand new Alfie book celebrating the outside world from master storyteller Shirley Hughes

Alfie Outdoors is another classic and should be an immediate addition to every child's library

Wonderful - a brand new Alfie book! Alfie is such an engaging character and he has captivated millions of children - and their parents - since his first appearance. Alfie loves to be out in the garden and now his Dad suggests they grow vegetables - to Alfie's surprise, they don't come straight from packs in the supermarket! Digging turns out to be great fun, with some unexpected surprises, but plants are quite slow to grow... As ever, a quite charming story with the added benefit of showing children the excitement of growing vegetables - and a very special goat to eat the produce! Alfie's Year in the Garden is an enchanting two page spread which gives lots to discuss about the changing seasons and the fun of being outdoors

A really gorgeous celebration of what children love about the outside world: getting muddy, making dens, playing and growing.

Wonderfully well-written and filled with Shirley’s distinctive drawings, it’s another title to add to your expanding Alfie collection.

Alfie gets out and about in the garden with Dad, in this glorious book about growing, playing and sharing. 
 
Seeds are planted; the carrots are going to be a gift for a special friend of Alfie's. But there are suprises in store... 
 
Shirley Hughes is the creator of the bestselling, best-loved, Dogger.

Alfie and Mum

Celebrate mums everywhere with this collection of Alfie stories, perfect for mums and little ones to read together.

Meet 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.

Meet Alfie's mum. She has reddish brown curly hair which often gets untidy, but Alfie likes it like that. 
 
Alfie and Mum love to tell stories together, to explore and have adventures - over fields, across streams, and even into big dark houses! But Alfie isn't ever frightened when he's with Mum - she'll always be there to take care of him. 
 
Two previously published stories from Shirley Hughes, gathered together in one special celebration of Mums.

Dixie O'Day: Up, Up and Away!

A runaway hot air balloon, a parrot in search of a new home, and the dastardly Lou-Ella hot on their heels - Dixie and Percy are Up, Up and Away!

With 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.

Shirley Hughes (Author) Shirley Hughes illustrated more than 200 children's books and is one of the best-loved writers for children, known for her beloved classics including the Alfie and Annie Rose stories, and Dogger. 
 
 
Shirley Hughes was born in West Kirby, near Liverpool, in 1927, and 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 started her career as a freelance illustrator in London, illustrating other writers' work, including Noel Streatfeild, Alison Uttley, Ian Seraillier and notably Dorothy Edwards's My Naughty Little Sister series. 
 
 
Shirley began to write and draw her own picture books when her children were young. Her first book - Lucy and Tom's Day - was published in 1960, and she followed it with, among others, Dogger, and the Alfie series. Her books include the wordless picture book Up and Up, collection of rhymes and poems Out and About, and for the very young The Nursery Collection. 
 
She wrote two novels for older children, Hero on a Bicycle, about a 13-year-old Italian boy during the occupation of Florence, and Whistling in the Dark, set during the Liverpool Blitz. Her memoir, A Life Drawing, was published in 2002. 
 
She also collaborated with her daughter, Clara Vulliamy, on the Dixie O'Day series; which saw Shirley with an illustrator for the first time with Shirley writing the text and Clara creating the illustrations. 
 
In 2020 she returned to her much-loved character, Dogger, with a new story Dogger's Christmas. 
 
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. She was Highly Commended for the Greenaway Medal for The Lion and the Unicorn in 1998. Shirley received an OBE in 1999 for services to Children's Literature, and a CBE in 2017. She was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and was the first recipient of BookTrust's Lifetime Achievement Award. 
 
Shirley died in London in 2022. Clara Vulliamy (Illustrator) Clara was born in Notting Hill, and studied at Chelsea School of Art, The Ruskin in Oxford, and The Royal Academy. She began her career by doing illustrations in newspapers and magazines, and started doing books for children when she had children of her own. Clara lives in Twickenham with her husband and two grown-up children.

Dixie, 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 TIMES

Lucy and Tom at Christmas

Lucy and Tom are celebrating 55 years in publication in 2015 with this gorgeous reissue of the classic Shirley Hughes Christmas book

It’s Christmas, and Lucy and Tom are getting ready! 
 
There are cards to make, a tree to decorate and presents to hide. 
And how can you get to sleep when Father Christmas may be coming? 
 
This classic picture book from the creator of Dogger is the perfect book for Christmas excitement.

Dixie O'Day and the Haunted House

From the creator of Dogger and Alfie, comes a spooky Dixie O'Day adventure under the stars!

A 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

Alfie Gets in First and Other Stories

Meet Alfie and Annie Rose, Mum and Dad, Chessie the cat, the MacNallys down the road, and many many more, in this wonderful collection of 10 best-loved Alfie stories by Shirley Hughes. Read by Roger Allam and Roy Mcmillan. 
Includes: Alfie Gets in First, Alfie’s Feet, An Evening at Alfie’s, Alfie Gives a Hand, Alfie and the Big Boys, Alfie Wins a Prize, All About Alfie, Alfie’s Christmas, Alfie Outdoors and Alfie and the Birthday Surprise.

Lucy and Tom at the Seaside

Lucy and Tom are celebrating 55 years in publication in 2015 with this gorgeous reissue of the classic Shirley Hughes holiday book

Lucy and Tom are off for a very special day out at the seaside! But what should they do first? 
 
Join Lucy and Tom as they discover the seaside. From paddling to picnics, to sandcastles and ice cream - they discover everything the seaside has to offer. 
 
With gentle illustrations and easy-to-read text, Lucy and Tom at the Seaside is perfect for summer celebrations. Delighting children for generations, discover this soothing bedtime story. 
 
Loved Lucy and Tom at the Seaside? Discover: 
Dogger 
Lucy and Tom at School 
Alfie Gives a Hand 
The Lion and the Unicorn

Meet Lucy and Tom, the creations of Shirley Hughes, illustrator extraordinaire, in her reissued story of everyday family life...wonderfully-observed illustrations remind us all of the fun.

From the creator of Dogger, Shirley Hughes, this timeless book of seaside fun has every element of a wonderful day at the seaside. 
 
From paddling to picnics, from sandcastles to beach games - this is the perfect book for summer celebrations.

Alfie and Grandma

Three Grandma stories in one book! Celebrating Alfie and Grandma's special relationship...

This book is a fabulous addition to and a must have to any child's book collection.

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.

Alfie 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.

Dixie O'Day and the Great Diamond Robbery

Shirley Hughes and her daughter, Clara Vulliamy, team up for a Dixie O'Day adventure full of mystery and excitement!

This is a beautifully written and illustrated book. Join in the friendship and fun with these delightful characters."

Dixie 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.

Shirley Hughes

Brimming 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.

Hughes' loving observation reflects our better selves.

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.

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.

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.

Beautiful and heartwarming, the perfect modern Christmas tale

Alfie’s delight in Christmas preparations will please Hughes fans, young and old.

Metro - top 20 children's books of the year

Beautifully illustrated, this new Alfie story is sure to become a counting-down-to-Christmas favourite.

Join 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!

Shirley Hughes

Praise for Alfie's Christmas

Brimming 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.

Hughes' loving observation reflects our better selves.

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 i ...

Brimming 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.

Hughes' loving observation reflects our better selves.

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 i ...

Brimming 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.

Hughes' loving observation reflects our better selves.

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 i ...

Books by Shirley Hughes

Series by Shirley Hughes

Alfie13 Books

Dixie O'Day4 Books

Lucy and Tom3 Books

Articles featuring Shirley Hughes

9 must-read classic children’s books, as chosen by our readers

The best classic children’s picture books

Remembering Shirley Hughes: children’s authors and illustrators choose their favourite illustrations

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