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Hairy MacLary from Donaldson's Dairy

By Lynley Dodd

Part of the Hairy Maclary series

Hairy Maclary’s cheerful walk turns perilous when the fiercest tomcat appears.

playful rhyming charming delightful

Pageticker community rating

Average score: 4.83

From 63 readers

What do our readers think of Hairy MacLary from Donaldson's Dairy? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)

Children enjoy the funny dog names, lively rhymes, repeated phrases and chances to join in, and many love the playful animals. Some children find the story quite simple or the fast, rhyming words a little tricky to say.

What does the Pageticker team say about Hairy MacLary from Donaldson's Dairy?

Llively cumulative rhyme, memorable dog names and expressive illustrations make this a rewarding story to read aloud and revisit. Hairy Maclary’s walk is full of playful energy and gentle suspense, although Scarface Claw’s sudden appearance may briefly unsettle very sensitive children. A strong choice for animal-loving pre-schoolers and young children who enjoy joining in with repeated words and phrases.

Genres

Animals Humour Friendship/Family

What is Hairy MacLary from Donaldson's Dairy about?

Join Hairy Maclary, the scruffy little dog from Donaldson's Dairy, as he sets off on a lively walk through town with his furry friends. Their adventure takes an unexpected turn when they encounter Scarface Claw, the fiercest tomcat around! With playful rhymes and delightful illustrations, this charming story is perfect for young readers who love animals and excitement.

About the author

Lynley Dodd is a much-loved author and illustrator from New Zealand, best known for her Hairy Maclary books. Her stories are full of fun rhymes and unforgettable animal characters. Children all over the world enjoy reading about Hairy Maclary’s adventures with his furry friends. Lynley Dodd’s books are perfect for sharing and reading aloud.

Discussion ideas around Hairy MacLary from Donaldson's Dairy

A Gang of Friends: What makes Hairy Maclary’s group fun to follow, and which dog would you most like to meet?

Names That Tell Us Things: What do the dogs’ names suggest about how they look or behave?

Bravery and Worry: How do the dogs’ feelings change during their walk, and what helps them decide what to do?

Cats and Dogs: Why might Scarface Claw seem frightening to the dogs, and can you think of a time when something looked scarier than it really was?

Reading Aloud: Which words or phrases are the most fun to say together, and how could you use your voice to show what is happening?

Pages

36 pages

Reading age

Picture Book (2-7)

This edition

2002

First published

1983

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