Digger digs down by Johanna Bell. Illus. by Huni Melissa Bolliger

This delightful story is one of few words but rich in engagement through how the words are used, and the vibrant imagery displayed. What would happen if you kept digging? Where would you end up? And that is exactly what Digger did.

Digger is a playful dog who loves to dig. As he digs, he goes down, down, down to places deep below the surface.  He passes by all sorts of things in his digging like skeletons, fossils and utensils, even an extremely precious rock. He eventually comes to a magical underwater world full of wondrous sea creatures. He hears his owner calling and retraces his steps back up to the surface. Only to begin digging again.

This is a story full of imagination with striking images, the vibrant colours layered and softly blurred but with so much depth to what is on the page. There is a strong and inquisitive need for the reader to look carefully to see what treasures Digger uncovers on his travels. The alliteration and rhyme are a joy to read with words moving and flowing as Digger digs. The clever use of positional language for the Early Years age group provides an ideal teaching moment for educators to use. Teacher's notes are available.

A wonderful book for those who love dogs and digging, and whose imagination takes them to places beyond their own backyard.

Kathryn Beilby