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Winner of the Book Trust Lifetime Achievement Award 2015.
Shirley Hughes (1927 – 2022) was born and grew up in West Kirby, near Liverpool. She studied at Liverpool Art School and at the Ruskin School of Art in Oxford, before embarking on a career as a freelance illustrator. At first she worked as an interpretive illustrator, but she began to write and design her own picture books when her children were very young. Her first book, Lucy and Tom's Day, was published in 1960.
Shirley Hughes illustrated over two hundred children's books and is renowned as a champion of children's literature. She has been the recipient of the Other Award, the Kate Greenaway Medal and the prestigious Eleanor Farjeon Award. She was nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in2010, which rewards the best in contemporary children's and young adult literature from all over the world.
Click here to read more about the author.
And find an obituary to Shirley Hughes here.
This classic collection of beautifully illustrated nursery rhymes from Shirley's childhood, will inspire a new generation to discover their own favourite rhymes - and sing them wherever they go. Parents and children can enjoy these rhymes all through the day: from walking to the park on a cold and frosty morning with Here we go round the mulberry bush or going to bed with Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star . This collection is the perfect addition to any child's bookshelf.
A beautifully illustrated collection of first recipes and family stories by Kate-Greenaway winning author, Shirley Hughes. This classic collection of easy-to-follow recipes, inspired by everyday family adventures, is the perfect introduction to cookery for first readers. From making pancakes with Dad, baking apples after the Saturday shopping or even icing a birthday cake for Mum, this sumptuously illustrated recipe book gives a gentle insight into the joy of cooking together.
A seasonal sequel to the beloved Dogger | Forty-three years after the publication of Dogger, where we first met Dave and his very precious toy dog, 93-year-old Shirley Hughes has gifted a new generation of children an equally beautiful story, which I am quite sure that parents and teachers who grew up with Dogger will relish reading to their children. Dogger of course was a huge success and won not only the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal but was voted by the public in 2007, their favourite winner of the medal in 50 years of the annual award. In this sequel we see that the family has increased to include toddler Joe and Dave is a little older too and his taste in toys is changing, but Dogger is still taken to bed every night and is as important as ever. Big sister Bella still has her teddies as well, but tells Father Christmas in her letter that she did not want any more ‘because she had seven already’. I love all the little references back to the original story where, as I am sure you all remember, Bella heroically gave up a big new teddy that she had won, so that she could reclaim the lost Dogger for Dave. We suspect that people have been buying her teddies ever since to make up for it! It will probably come as no surprise that Dogger goes missing again and in such a way that will be instantly recognisable in every home and strike terror into every parent’s heart! Needless to say, it is Bella that saves the day again and all ends well. Even though we must assume the book is set in the 70’s, it has a timeless quality and it’s nice to see a Dad helping with the cooking, childcare and cleaning. Shirley’s beautifully naturalistic style captures every nuance of body language as the family makes their preparations for Christmas. A Christmas full of nostalgic detail, family traditions and kindnesses which remind us all of things that really matter. A wonderful Christmas classic in the making!
A beautifully illustrated introduction to childhood concepts by beloved Kate Greenaway medal-winning illustrator. In this classic collection by Kate Greenaway-winning author, Shirley Hughes, Katy and her little brother Olly are having a wonderful time learning about the world around them. From counting in the park with Grandpa, waiting to cross the road with Mum, or even the very noisy sound of Dad vacuuming, there are so many first things to discover on their childhood adventures.
A timeless story about friendship and understanding by the Kate Greenaway-winning author of Dogger. In this heartwarming Christmas story, by celebrated author Shirley Hughes, a young boy called Lewis Brown is looking out of a window and wishing that someone might notice him. Then he spots a single golden feather floating down from the heavens and discovers an angel on the roof. And so begins a great friendship, as the angel takes Lewis under his wing on an adventure that will change everything, and allow Lewis, his family and his friends, to start to see the world around them for the better.
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
In this stunning gift edition, Katy and her little brother Olly tell us about their day with Dad. From the fun of waking Dad up in the morning, having a day together at the seaside or even stories with Dad at bedtime, this joyous tale gives readers a snapshot into a child's day and celebrates the special bond between a father and child.
Ruby and Mum have lived through the terrifying London Blitz and are waiting for Dad to come home from the war. Ruby hardly recognizes the tall man who steps off the train, but when she falls in the ruins nearby, there's only one person who she wants to rescue her.
A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month October 2018 | | Award-winning illustrator Shirley Hughes is regarded as a national treasure for her touching and realistic picture books of contemporary pre-school life. This delightful anthology is full of Christmassy and wintery poems and stories all brought to life by her familiar illustrations of families enjoying seasonal delights. The perfect for book for the season.
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'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!
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.
One of our special picks for Mothering Sunday A beautiful gift edition of a classic family story by the Kate Greenaway-winning author, Shirley Hughes. Lovereading Comment to follow. Our special Mothering Sunday Picks Guess How Much I Love You Gift Set by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram Something for Mummy by Ted Dewan Mother's Day by Shirley Hughes With My Mummy by James Brown That's Not My Chick by Fiona Watt Superhero Mum by Timothy Knapman Me and My Grandma by Alison Ritchie
Shirley Hughes and Alfie are back with this beautiful festive story with Alfie and his family celebrating Christmas. From the opening of the advent calendar, writing Christmas cards, choosing a Christmas tree to all the joyful things they share on the big day itself (including the not so joyful search for last minute batteries). The book has a wonderfully gentle feel to it and explores the importance of family and tradition at this most exciting time of year. Shirley Hughes’ illustrations are instantly recognisable and filled with colour and light; they have a timeless feel and are a pleasure to look at throughout the small hardback book. As always she has a wonderful ability to capture just the right emotion and feeling within each and every illustration. An absolute delight, this will be a wonderful book to share with excited young ones in the run up to Christmas and is sure to become a favourite. ~ Shelley Fallows The Good Book Guide Review. A special Christmas story is perfect to share every year and Alfie’s Christmas sees Alfie and Annie Rose preparing from the big day, choosing secret presents and waking up too early. (Ages 2–5) ~ Fiona Lafferty
A real treat for fans of Shirley Hughes, and a lovely counting book. One is Katie, cheerily ‘all by myself’, two is Katie and Olly, her baby brother, three is company when Norah comes to play, and so on, each number explained through scenes and activities all little children will recognise. Shirley Hughes captures ordinary life with an unerring eye, the children in her books are particularly beautifully observed and there’s love and joy in every little gesture and facial expression. ~ Andrea Reece
Shirley Hughes works magic into simple scenes of everyday family life, and that is certainly the case here: episodes and objects that all little children will recognise are used to illustrate the letters of the alphabet. I particularly like ‘E is for everyone’, the illustration featuring bleary-eyed dad, still in bed, two little children bouncing on top of him, mum in the doorway with two cups of tea. There’s so much to look at and talk about in these warm, detailed pictures and this is ideal for sharing with pre-schoolers and the youngest readers. ~ Andrea Reece
A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month July 2017 | Four simple bedtime stories capture the precious yet everyday moments in pre-school and toddler’s lives. Under the heading Hiding, Chatting, Bouncing and Giving the four stories about Katie and her little brother Olly are perfect for bedtime sharing. As ever, Shirley Hughes captures the activities of the very young with warmth, humour and great understanding.
July 2017 Book of the Month Filled with humour and Shirley Hughes' deft touch, this is a book for young readers to tackle by themselves, as well as a delight to read aloud. It’s moving and inspirational on how to cope with a problem situation. Reissued as a special 40th anniversary hardback this is a classic for every bookshelf and it will strike a chord with adults and children everywhere.
Winner of the Greenaway of Greenaways in 2007 and Greenaway winner in 1977. Filled with humour and Shirley Hughes' deft touch, this is a book for young readers to tackle by themselves, as well as a delight to read aloud. It’s moving and inspirational on how to cope with a problem situation. A classic for every bookshelf and it will strike a chord with adults and children everywhere. (4-7)
This is a book about being friends, told in the inimitable combination of words and pictures that have made Shirley Hughes’s stories so important a part of childhood for so many. Alfie’s best friend is boisterous, rowdy Bernard. In the three separate stories in this book they have lots of fun together, the sort of ordinary, everyday fun that will be immediately recognisable to children, painting, visiting the library, riding scooters, making a secret society. The illustrations, filled with domestic details familiar to every mum and child, are as fresh as ever and capture the very essence of Alfie and Bernard’s personalities. Another classic book for sharing. ~ Andrea Reece
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.
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.
Alfie has won the race to be first home but - oh no! - he's slammed the front door and Mum and Annie Rose are on the other side. Will he be able to solve the problem all by himself? This board book edition a classic Alfie story is the perfect present for the little one in your life.
Standing in his pyjamas in the garden in the morning sunshine, Alfie is an unmistakeable little figure. Shirley Hughes has an extraordinary understanding of children, their world and what matters to them and captures it beautifully in the turn of a head or the position of hands or feet. In this new book Alfie is helping his dad with the gardening, planting seeds and waiting – impatiently – for his carrots to grow, though he’s not planning to eat them himself! Parents and children will recognise themselves in Shirley Hughes’s gorgeous, detailed illustrations, which have a unique timeless quality, and this is a book to treasure. ~ Andrea Reece
This lovely book brings together two stories featuring Alfie and his mum, and both describe a special experience they share. Alfie Upstream is the story of a hot summer’s day they spend walking through the country and paddling in a little pool, where something magical happens. In Alfie’s Big Adventure a trip to stay with Mum’s friend brings a scary but exhilarating encounter with a wild animal. The stories are exciting in their own right, and sure to become favourites, but all children will recognise that unique connection between Mum and Alfie that Shirley Hughes captures so well. Her portraits of Alfie and Mum holding hands are the simply best celebration of motherhood you’ll ever see. ~ Andrea Reece
Four classic stories perfect for sharing at bedtime, by Kate Greenaway winning author, Shirley Hughes.
This charming picture book is an enchanting evocation of life in London at the time of the coronation of George V, by the much-loved and award-winning illustrators for children, Shirley Hughes. Perfect to share with younger children but also a great picture book for more confident readers to bridge the gap between picture books and chapter books.
From the joys of the seaside to the miseries of the sickbed, this exuberant volume captures to perfection the world of childhood. It is a beautiful gift edition of the classic picture book, with a new introduction by Shirley Hughes.
This charming picture book is an enchanting evocation of life in London at the time of the coronation of George V, by the much-loved and award-winning illustrators for children, Shirley Hughes. Perfect to share with younger children but also a great picture book for more confident readers to bridge the gap between picture books and chapter books.
A Christmas wish on St Nicholas’s Day brings excitement to a family in the thirteen days of Christmas that follow soon after. When a father wishes for a husband for his daughter he little knows what an exciting reaction he will set in train. Annaple keeps house for her father and her brothers and sisters and she does it well – except that she can’t cook! Annaple has a suitor and dreams of romance so how can her siblings persuade her suitor Francis to propose and carry her off? Luckily, Christmas – or her father’s Christmas wish – seems to bring exactly what is wanted. On each of the twelve days of Christmas, starting with a partridge in a pear tree, Francis brings the appropriate gift. And what will happen on the thirteenth day? A beautiful story with a strong and convincing historical setting.
A welcome return for a collection of all kinds of stories which will make perfect bedtime reading. Originally published in the 1960s, the collection includes traditional favourites such as Thumbelina and The Ugly Duckling and modern classics such as Ted Hughes’s How the Polar Bear Became. In addition there are extracts from books that were popular at the time of its original publications such as Leila Berg’s Little Pete stories and Joyce Lankaster Brisley’s Milly-Molly-Mandy stories. Shirley Hughes original illustrations add to the period charm.
Dorothy Edwards’ stories about this mischievous yet loveable girl have delighted children for over 50 years. She scares kitties by trying to cut off their tails, bites Father Christmas’ hand and steals all the sweets in the house. The stories are cheeky, touching and funny and utterly timeless so that each new generation of children can enjoy just as much as they were enjoyed many years ago.This title and its sister titles have just been given a makeover with fabulous new covers – click here to see them all.
Shirley Hughes is one of the best-loved and most innovative creators of books for young children. She has written and illustrated over fifty books, which have sold more than eleven million copies. Her characters Alfie and Dogger are loved by children and parents all over the world. Bye Bye Birdie is Shirley Hughes' first graphic book for adults. A young man, in his best bow-tie and boater, meets a fashionably dressed - and rather bird-like - young lady. But when he takes her home she undergoes a transformation and our hero's dreams of connubial bliss suddenly turn into the stuff of nightmares. Totally wordless, Bye Bye Birdie showcases Shirley Hughes' brilliant drawing and her extraordinarily vivid imagination.
The natural forebears of Horrid Henry, the classic stories about My Naughty Little Sister have delighted children for fifty years. This handsome edition, nicely presented in a slip-case, bring together some of the favourites, including my own, My Naughty Little Sister at the Party at which she and Bad Harry team up and raid the table before the birthday tea and Going Fishing when, of course, My Naughty Little Sister gets completely soaked even though that’s exactly what she’s promised not to do…This large format edition is perfect for introducing a new generation to this wonderful character. The Lovereading comment: For fifty years, stories about the funny, loveable, mischievous little girl have enchanted children all over the world. The stories are cheeky, touching and funny and the illustrations by Shirley Hughes, pure magic. This special edition also includes an introduction chronicling the life of creator, Dorothy Edwards who is quite rightly considered to be one of the best children’s writers of the 20th Century.
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.
Dorothy Edwards and Shirley Hughes' classic Christmas story about one naughty but entertaining little sister, for the first time ever as a 32 page picture book. My naughty little sister always get excited about Christmas. She loves the trees and the lights but there's just one problem ... She doesn't like Father Christmas at all! So when Father Christmas visits the school to give all the boys and girls some presents, little sister is up to her old tricks being naughtier than ever! My Naughty Little Sister has charmed generations of adults and children alike thanks to Dorothy Edwards' playful stories and Shirley Hughes' beautiful illustrations. The enduring appeal of their relatable characters has resonated with families for years and years and this gorgeous new picture book edition will introduce the story to a whole new generation. Praise for My Naughty Little Sister: 'Edwards was one of the best children's writers of the 20th century and her collaboration with illustrator Shirley Hughes was pure magic: the stories are cheeky, touching and funny' - The Sunday Express 'Naughtiness is naughtiness, whatever the generation, these stories delight' - The Scotsman
An enchanting collection of stories about the most famous little sister in the world, with the beautiful and iconic illustrations by Shirley Hughes. My Naughty Little Sister is stubborn and greedy and full of mischief. She tries to cut off the cat's tail and eats all the trifle at Harry's party! How much bother can one little sister be? This treasure trove of sibling naughtiness contains all five books in the series: My Naughty Little Sister, More Naughty Little Sister Stories, My Naughty Little Sister and Bad Harry, When My Naughty Little Sister Was Good and My Naughty Little Sister's Friends. My Naughty Little Sister has charmed generations of adults and children alike thanks to Dorothy Edwards' playful stories and Shirley Hughes' beautiful illustrations. These best-selling books are perfect for little girls with siblings of their own. A great book for early readers aged 6 and up. Fans of Milly Molly Mandy and Mrs Pepperpot will love My Naughty Little Sister.
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.
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.
A classic picture book about family love, set in post-war London, from the much-loved and award-winning Shirley Hughes. Ruby and Mum have lived through the terrifying London Blitz and are waiting for Dad to come home from the war. Ruby hardly recognizes the tall man who steps off the train, but when she falls in the ruins nearby, there's only one person who she wants to rescue her.
An enchanting collection of stories about the most famous little sister in the world, with beautiful and iconic illustrations by Shirley Hughes. A treasure trove of sibling naughtiness, this children's book contains a selection of the best loved My Naughty Little Sister stories. This famous little sister is stubborn and greedy and full of mischief. She tries to cut off the cat's tail and eats all the trifle at Harry's party! How much bother can one little sister be? My Naughty Little Sister has charmed generations of adults and children alike thanks to Dorothy Edwards' playful stories and Shirley Hughes' beautiful illustrations. These best-selling books are perfect for little girls with siblings of their own. A great book for early readers aged 6 and up. Fans of Milly Molly Mandy and Mrs Pepperpot will love My Naughty Little Sister. Praise for My Naughty Little Sister: 'Edwards was one of the best children's writers of the 20th century and her collaboration with illustrator Shirley Hughes was pure magic: the stories are cheeky, touching and funny' - Sunday Express. 'Naughtiness is naughtiness, whatever the generation, and these stories are a delight' - The Scotsman Dorothy Edwards dreamt up My Naughty Little Sister whilst on a family holiday in 1950. Dorothy based the character on her younger sister, Phyllis, and went on to write five books about her naughty little sister with wide acclaim. Dorothy became a household name and her stories were read and loved across the globe.
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.
A beautiful first collection of poems by two-time Kate Greenaway Medal-winner Shirley Hughes. In this wonderful collection of poems, by best-loved and Kate Greenaway Medal-winner, Shirley Hughes, Katie and her little brother Olly go out and about, romping through the changing seasons. They take pleasure in the different elements and weather conditions - sunshine, wind, rain, mist and even snow. From the joys of the seaside to the miseries of the sickbed, this exuberant volume captures to perfection the world of childhood.
A delightful introduction to letters and first words from Shirley Hughes, one of the best-known and most-loved picture book creators.
My Naughty Little Sister and Bad Harry Together they are double trouble . . . my naughty little sister and Bad Harry make secret friends with a mouse and find a hiding place for their bread crusts!
My naughty little sister is always getting in trouble. This time she refuses to have her photo taken and shows off in front of Harry. Will she ever learn to be good? My Naughty Little Sister has charmed generations of adults and children alike thanks to Dorothy Edwards' playful stories and Shirley Hughes' beautiful illustrations. These best-selling books are perfect for little girls with siblings of their own. A great book for early readers aged 6 and up. Fans of Milly Molly Mandy and Mrs Pepperpot will love My Naughty Little Sister. Praise for My Naughty Little Sister: 'Edwards was one of the best children's writers of the 20th century and her collaboration with illustrator Shirley Hughes was pure magic: the stories are cheeky, touching and funny' - Sunday Express. 'Naughtiness is naughtiness, whatever the generation, and these stories are a delight' - The Scotsman Dorothy Edwards dreamt up My Naughty Little Sister whilst on a family holiday in 1950. Dorothy based the character on her younger sister, Phyllis, and went on to write five books about her naughty little sister with wide acclaim. Dorothy became a household name and her stories were read and loved across the globe. Have you collected all of the My Naughty Little Sister series? My Naughty Little Sister When My Naughty Little Sister Was Good My Naughty Little Sister and Bad Harry My Naughty Little Sister's Friends
Dorothy Edwards' classic story about one naughty but very entertaining little sister. Sometimes my naughty little sister can be good ... when she helps Grannie to make a Christmas Pudding and even teaches Bad Harry a lesson or two. Has my little sister given up her naughty ways? When My Naughty Little Sister Was Good has charmed generations of adults and children alike thanks to Dorothy Edwards' playful stories and Shirley Hughes' beautiful illustrations. The best-selling books in this series are perfect for little girls with siblings of their own. Praise for My Naughty Little Sister: 'Edwards was one of the best children's writers of the 20th century and her collaboration with illustrator Shirley Hughes was pure magic: the stories are cheeky, touching and funny' - Sunday Express. 'Naughtiness is naughtiness, whatever the generation, and these stories are a delight' - The Scotsman Dorothy Edwards dreamt up My Naughty Little Sister whilst on a family holiday in 1950. Dorothy based the character on her younger sister, Phyllis, and went on to write five books about her naughty little sister with wide acclaim. Dorothy became a household name and her stories were read and loved across the globe. Have you collected all of the My Naughty Little Sister series? My Naughty Little Sister My Naughty Little Sister and Bad Harry My Naughty Little Sister's Friends More My Naughty Little Sister Stories
My naughty little sister is always doing silly things. She's curious about what's in a chimney and sticks a feather duster up and then tries to hide all the soot! But when she has measles she's itchy and sad and grumpy and has to stay in bed and can't be naughty at all! How long before she's bad again? My Naughty Little Sister has charmed generations of adults and children alike thanks to Dorothy Edwards' playful stories and Shirley Hughes' beautiful illustrations. These best-selling books are perfect for little girls with siblings of their own. A great book for early readers aged 6 and up. Fans of Milly Molly Mandy and Mrs Pepperpot will love My Naughty Little Sister. Praise for My Naughty Little Sister: 'Edwards was one of the best children's writers of the 20th century and her collaboration with illustrator Shirley Hughes was pure magic: the stories are cheeky, touching and funny' - Sunday Express. 'Naughtiness is naughtiness, whatever the generation, and these stories are a delight' - The Scotsman Dorothy Edwards dreamt up My Naughty Little Sister whilst on a family holiday in 1950. Dorothy based the character on her younger sister, Phyllis, and went on to write five books about her naughty little sister with wide acclaim. Dorothy became a household name and her stories were read and loved across the globe. Have you collected all of the My Naughty Little Sister series? My Naughty Little Sister When My Naughty Little Sister Was Good My Naughty Little Sister and Bad Harry More Naughty Little Sister Stories
A charming and deliciously witty story about an unusual Christmas present and the part it plays in bringing a young couple together. Three children long for their older sister to marry her sweetheart but they know that he’ll only woo her if he brings her a very unusual present. What will he choose? The vividly drawn historical background to this story gives a lovely feel for Christmas’s past. A piece of passion from the editor who bought the book: The Thirteen Days of Christmas is a book that for me is as much a part of Christmas as plum pudding or Christmas carols. I read it for the first time when I was about nine years old, and I have read it at least once a year ever since. The sheer charm of the idea of telling the story behind the song The Twelve Days of Christmas makes you smile before you’ve even started reading – and then the gorgeous characterization, playful storytelling, and exquisite pictures ensure that you fall in love with the book hook, line, and sinker. To me, this is a book that everyone should read – and in fact it makes me feel a bit sad to think that some people don’t know it. Read it now and make it part of your Christmas too!
Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy - together they are the March sisters. Their father is away at war and times are difficult, but the bond between the sisters is strong. The family may not have much money, but that doesn't stop them from creating their own fun and forming a secret society. Through sisterly squabbles, happy times and sad, their four lives follow very different paths, and they discover that growing up is sometimes very hard to do.
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