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
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.
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.
