Rosie's Godfather, who has two daughters of his own, gave Rosie this book. It was his children's favorite story, and it quickly became Rosie's favorite too. The protagonist, Hairy Maclary, is a wonderfully scruffy, mischievous dog with a motley crew of colorful friends.
"Schnitzel von Krumm
with a very low tum,
Bitzer Maloney
all skinny and bony,
Muffin McClay
like a bundle of hay,
Bottomley Potts
covered in spots,
Hercules Morse
as big as a horse
… and Hairy Maclary
from Donaldson's Dairy"
Luckily for kids everywhere, there are 12 books in the 'Hairy Maclary and Friends' series! These kooky pooches go on all sorts of adventurous escapades and take you along for the ride. The books are fun to read from a parent’s perspective too because the author, Lynley Dodd, has such a wonderful way with words. Scattercat is another one of Rosie's favorites...
"Hairy Maclary felt bumptious and bustly, bossy and bouncy and frisky and hustly."
Dodd doesn’t shy away from sophisticated language, and uses cumulative rhyme, rhythm and humor to build the pace throughout the story, all the way to a crescendo at the end. If you’re looking for a new book for your child, or a gift for a kid aged 1-6, I’d highlight recommend Hairy Maclary and any of the other books in the series.
P.S. Kids and their world of color, and thoughts on raising Rosie.
[Images via hairymaclary.com.]