Just So Stories

Penguin Australia

• ISBN: 9781776957019
• Imprint: Picture Puffin
• RRP: $16,99

The real problem with these anniversary editions of our favourite books is that it always makes me feel incredibly old 😫 but, of course, at the same they always bring back so many happy memories of read-alouds for my own girls and grandies, as well as the many kiddos over a long teacher-librarian career.

While I may not have been to see the wonderful statue of the gang at Tauranga, New Zealand (yet), six years ago I did have the greatest pleasure and delight in meeting Dame Lynley Dodd right here in Redcliffe for both conversation and workshops. My close association with many children’s book creators has brought, and continues to bring, me much joy, but I think speaking and working with Lynley remains a ‘gold star’ moment.

Hairy Maclary & co are timeless tales that never fail to bring smiles and enthusiastic responses from an audience. The cadence of Lynley’s rhyming is so utterly perfect (nothing pains me more than what I call discordant doggerel verse in supposedly rhyming books- makes my ears hurt and sets my teeth on edge!), and anyone who has read these aloud to kiddos will know this by the very ‘bounce’ with which children demonstrate their engagement. The cumulative narrative thoroughly excites children, and they love to join in with gusto, every single time.

I don’t know about anyone else but we still spot doggos and say ‘Oh look Hercules Morse as big as a horse’ or ‘Look, there’s Schnitzel von Krumm!’,

This is a special ‘upsized’ hardback edition and look at that extraordinary price! To celebrate this wonderful anniversary of a much-loved character there is a whole range of gorgeous collectibles on offer from NZ Post (my visa card is twitching!) and no doubt there will be an abundance of Hairy Maclary birthday parties happening all over the world. I know I would be planning one if I still had a library!

What are you waiting for? Get your order in now – and fall in love with Hairy and his canine companions all over again. Highly recommended for every shelf in the land.

Out of the gate
and off for a walk
went Hairy Maclary
from Donaldson’s Dairy

Check out Penguin NZ Hairy Maclary lookalikes!!