Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy by Lynley Dodd

A reprint of the classic tale from New Zealand author, Lynley Dodd is a very welcome addition to any library. Republished in recognition of its fortieth year this edition will greet newcomers and old fans alike, replacing the old well used copies at home or in the library. Even those people who have not read the book will recall the lilting refrain heard walking down the street or passing a library or school.

Hairy Maclary goes for a walk into town, inviting all his doggy friends to join him. A procession of neighbourhood dogs follows: the horse sized dog next door, the lean and bony greyhound bitzer, the spotty Bottomley Potts, hairy Muffin Mcleay, and the low hung Schnitzel. Each dog walks along the street, some sniffing at things they pass, some scratching, some looking at each doorway. All seems quite normal for a small group of friendly dogs ambling into town. That is until they spy their mortal enemy, the streets’ biggest and most ferocious cat, Scarface Claw.

Without hesitation the bevy of confident dogs disappear in a tangle of tails and paws, rushing back to where they came from and Hairy Maclary falls into his bed covering himself with his blanket.

The looks on all their faces are priceless, contrasting with that of the bullying cat who knows exactly where he belongs. Told in wonderfully evocative verse form, children will love predicting the rhyming words, learn some of the verses with their favourite dog as its focus, ready to repeat it as it comes around, following the tale with the adult reader. Funny, laugh out loud rhymes will entreat the readers and listeners to this tale, readers will love reading it out loud and seeing the effect it has upon the audience, while young listeners will delight in its humour and cleverly observed animal behaviour.

A treat for all ages.

Themes: Dogs and cats, Walking, Verse, Read aloud, Humour.

Fran Knight