Photograph of Shirely Hughes, much-loved children's writer and illustrator. Image credit: Susan Debra Windmiller.
On reflection of Shirley Hughes' death at the start of 2022, Philip Pullman told The Guardian: “But the best tribute to her lifetime of production is the physical state of the books of hers on bedside tables, or crammed into bookshelves, or face-down on the floor under the bed: battered, bent, torn here and there, perhaps chewed a little, scribbled on – these books have been loved almost to destruction. She will last as long as there are children.”
In this blog, I aim to explore the many ways that Shirley Hughes can be remembered in the modern-day classroom. My biggest challenge was choosing which books to present to you… so I have settled for the following. I cannot do justice to referencing all of her books so will simply sample a small selection for you to enjoy. I have tried to pinpoint different ways to remember Shirley Hughes.
Remembering Shirley Hughes as an early teaching tool
The EEF recommends that high-quality books are at the heart of classrooms so that our earliest readers are inspired. In order to ensure a balance between developing a phonemic awareness and developing comprehension strategies, our youngest pupils need opportunities to fall head over heels in love with children’s literature.
‘Lucy and Tom From A to Z’ is the most delightful first story about letters and words. Shirley Hughes manages to balance teaching phonemes and words that begin with initial sounds alongside aspirational definitions and examples. This is definitely a staple for reading in any early-years unit or year 1 classroom. This will generate a love of collecting words that begin with specific letters and then expanding with opportunities to recount familiar experiences, for example ‘J is for jumping’ and Hughes continues with a vivid description of Tom and Lucy jumping in different ways!
‘All Around Me: A First Book of Childhood’ is exactly what it says on the tin! Shirley Hughes manages to capture a classic collection of first experiences in this stunning book. In her own note to readers, Shirley Hughes explains that this book is ‘all about real things that children may experience in their first years… a celebration of the wonder of childhood, told through the eyes of Katie and her little brother Olly.’ For those who have not curled up on the sofa to enjoy Shirley Hughes for some time, take this as a reminder that ALL readers will enjoy these first stories as much as the small readers they were intended for. Our youngest readers can enjoy ‘Opposites; Counting; Colours; Shapes & Sizes and Sounds’ through typical Hughes’ words and illustrations.
‘Round and Round the Garden: A First Book of Nursery Rhymes’ contains a collection of Playtime Rhymes; Animal Rhymes; Action Rhymes and Bedtime Rhymes. This beautifully illustrated anthology will be gratefully embraced by young readers at snack time; home time and bedtime! Shirley Hughes hoped that parents and educators would sing and play along to these rhymes. Her illustrations inspire young, vivid readers to have fun when reading and above all develop a lifelong skill of reading for pleasure!
Covers of Shirley Hughes' classics 'Lucy and Tom From A to Z’ (left) and ‘All Around Me: A First Book of Childhood’ (right).
Illustration of children bouncing around from ‘Round and Round the Garden- A First Book of Nursery Rhymes.’
Remembering Shirley Hughes for storytelling
Alfie and Annie-Rose became household names alongside many of Hughes’ loveable characters. Shirley Hughes managed to entertain and describe every-day life experiences through words and illustrations. As we take a moment to reflect on what made Shirley Hughes so unique, we cannot ignore how ‘real’ her families looked in her story books. Shirley recounted familiar experiences like birthday parties; buying new wellies; losing a teddy and going on holiday in the simplest manner. Young and old children love getting lost in her illustrations and storytelling- the perfect tool of seeing our own lives reflected in print.
Within a Shirley Hughes book such as ‘Dogger,’ the reader is taken on a magical tour of experiences. Her illustrations say so much more than her words which is why many young readers enjoy creating their own stories. Giving children opportunities to imagine scenarios within her illustrations is perhaps one of Hughes’ best achievements.
Drawing of Dave and his teddy Dogger from the beloved picture book 'Dogger.'
Remembering Shirley Hughes as the transition from picture books to short chapter books
Young readers are ‘brought up’ on Shirley Hughes books – a part of their childhood experiences. Her short chapter books such as ‘It’s too frightening for me’ are the perfect transitional bridge from basic picture book to short chapter book. Children recognise the typical Hughes trademark illustrations from their past and look forward to reading more demanding and complex books. Once again Hughes manages to bring words to life across the pages; through loveable characters and many opportunities to read exciting dialogue.
Shirley and her daughter Clara teamed up and collaborated writing the ‘Dixie O’Day and Percy’ series of books. Shirley pens the words and we hear the familiar style of her writing whereas we observe a different style of illustrations from Shirley’s daughter Clara Vulliamy. This series of books will delight readers who are ready to progress from picture books and develop a wider range of language.
A spooky illustration from the short chapter book ‘It’s too frightening for me’ (left) and the cover of 'Dixie O’Day and Percy: In the Fast Lane’ (right).
Remembering Shirley Hughes as a stimulus for writing
‘Up and Up’ is one of Shirley’s wordless books where readers can bring the text to life by using their own words. This is one of the best tools to encourage reluctant writers to add print to the illustrations. Shirley’s illustrations equip all children with the skills to be able to generate something to write.
All of Shirley’s storybooks can be used to engage readers and inspire writers. Writers could respond in a number of purposes to write:
- Character descriptions
- Setting descriptions
- Sequel or prequel
- Diary entry for key characters
Illustration from ‘Up and Up’ by Shirley Hughes, a tale of a girl who's dream of flying comes true!
Remembering Shirley Hughes as a teaching tool for KS2 pupils
‘Ruby in the Ruins’ is one of Shirley’s picture books for KS2 pupils who have some understanding for World War II. The story tracks a character called Ruby and how she feels when her dad returns from war. As readers we feel Ruby’s feelings throughout and empathise with her as she fails to recognise the man who returns as her father.
‘Hero on a Bicycle’ and ‘Whistling in the Dark’ are two novels for UKS2 pupils. Shirley Hughes visited Florence when she was 19 and was inspired to write about Italy in the Second World War – this is where ‘Hero on a Bicycle’ was born. ‘Whistling in the Dark’ is set in Liverpool 1940-41- Shirley was 13 at the time so could imagine what life was like for the story.
Shirley Hughes' drawing of buildings destroyed by bombs in World War II from ‘Ruby in the Ruins.’
Covers of UKS2 novels 'Whistling in the Dark' and 'Hero on a Bicycle' by Shirley Hughes.
Remembering Shirley Hughes as a reading for pleasure bond between older pupils and our youngest readers
‘The Shirley Hughes Collection’ is made up of some of her finest work in one single volume. It is truly a celebration of an amazing lifetime’s achievements. Readers can revel and reminisce with ‘Stories and Rhymes from the Nursery Years’ followed by ‘Stories and Poems for Young Children’. We are then taken on another tour with Hughes through her ‘Stories and Poems for Older Children’ and finishing with a final section of 'Stories for all to enjoy'. This collection is the perfect family accompaniment- one for all ages to enjoy and relive some aspect of their literary past – whether it is reciting a rhyme ‘A Picture of Annie Rose,’ or reminding ourselves about ‘My Naughty Little Sister at the Party.’ Readers will also love to re-read more extended stories such as ‘The By-Gone Fox’ and ‘The Bird Child'.
If you are looking for a ‘blast from the past’ or a nostalgic moment, curl up and remind yourself why and how you fell in love with the words and illustrations from all that is… Shirley Hughes.
Shirley Hughes' books are available at the Book Centre for a special price, as well an author packs that allow your class or school to explore the depth of her incredible writing and illustrating. You can create collections to match your own favourites depending on your needs and budget. Alternatively, our expert team can copile a collection of titles based on your requirements for price and age range. Audio, visual, latest titles and teacher resources will be included where available.
If you would like any more information, please contact us on 0161 683 4400.
