Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy
By Lynley Dodd
The Story
A small shaggy dog sets off for a walk through town, picking up one furry friend after another, until the whole gang runs smack into Scarface Claw, the toughest cat around, and must race home.
Why It's Special
For the kid who wants to name every dog on the block, this one turns a walk to the shops into a growing parade of new friends.
- Big idea: There's safety and fun in numbers — until the scariest cat in town reminds everyone that courage has its limits.
- Vibes: bouncy, cumulative, a little cheeky
Perfect For Kids Who
- love rhyming and finishing the last word
- enjoy repeating and collecting a growing cast of characters
- like to name and describe different animals
- respond well to a predictable, building story structure
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story recall: Can you remember all the dogs who joined Hairy Maclary on his walk?
- Imagination: What do you think Scarface Claw looks like, just from his name?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Hairy Maclary and his friends felt when they saw Scarface Claw?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever been on a walk and met lots of new friends along the way?
- Language & wordplay: Which dog's name is your favorite to say out loud — Bottomley Potts or Schnitzel von Krumm?
