Tributes pour in for children’s author Shirley Hughes who died at 94

Legendary children’s author and illustrator Shirley Hughes has died age 94. Her career spanned more than 70 years and she wrote some of the most famous children’s books read all over the world, including Dogger and her collection of Alfie books.

The news of her death was announced by her family on Twitter in a statement that reads: “It is with deepest sorrow that we announce that Shirley died peacefully in her sleep at home on Friday 25th February. Ed, Tom and Clara, Shirley’s children.”

Born in Liverpool, she moved to Notting Hill in the 1950s to pursue her career. She started out illustrating other authors’ books such as My Naughty Little Sister by Dorothy Edwards and Noel Streatfield’s, The Bell Family.

READ MORE:Jamal Edwards’ Loose Women star mum Brenda posts throwback photo to remember him

She is most known and revered for her work on Dogger. The children’s book is based around a young boy who loses his stuffed dog. It was widely published and available internationally which showed how highly rated it was. As well as being sought all over the world, it also won the Kate Greenaway Medal. The medal is awarded for an outstanding book in terms of illustration for children and young people.

Tributes have been pouring in on Twitter from people all around thanking Shirley for her contribution to their lives. Writer Seema Mcardle said: “As a child, I got so much pleasure from Shirley Hughes’ stories & wonderfully cosy illustrations. As a Primary teacher, I was able to share her books & see the joy on other children’s faces. I have no doubt that Shirley Hughes’ legacy will live on.”

Legendary children’s writer Malorie Blackman, the former Children’s Laureate wrote: “I’m so sorry to hear this. Shirley was a class act, always friendly, warm and welcoming. This was reflected in her stories and particularly in her illustrations. RIEP Shirley.”

Shirley Hughes illustrated more than 200 books as well as amassing millions of sales. She was awarded an OBE in 1999 for her services to children’s literature and in 2017 she was appointed a CBE in the 2017 New Year’s Honours list.

Do you remember Shirley’s books from growing up or reading them to your children? Let us know in the comments below.

Want more from MyLondon? Sign up to our daily newsletters for all the latest and greatest from across London here.