This month, New Zealand’s favourite canine book star - Hairy Maclary - turns 40!
He’s not letting his age slow him down though. He’s still “bossy and bouncy …frisky and hustly” and out adventuring with his cohort of doggy pals, as well as some feline friends and foes.
“Hairy” is the brainchild of New Zealand author and illustrator Dame Lynley Dodd. Her stories are known for their engaging themes and catchy rhyming rhythms, as well as their colourful, characterful and entertaining illustrations. Her books have sold millions of copies worldwide, and continue to be firm favourites with young readers.
Dodd graduated from the Elam School of Art in Auckland and initially worked as an Art teacher, before moving into freelance illustration and, subsequently, authorship. If you want to find out more about her life and work the very interesting biography by FInlay Macdonald is worth a read.
To celebrate Hairy’s birthday, the publisher has issued special anniversary editions of Hairy Maclary from Donalson’s Dairy, as well as a new compilation of the six most well-known stories - Hairy Maclary and Friends. There are also some lovely new Board Books to engage younger Hairy fans - Sit and Catflaps.
Penguin NZ also ran a look-alike competition to find doppelgangers for the whole gang - Bitzer Maloney, Bottomly Potts, Muffin Mclay, Hercules Morse, Schnitzel von Krumm, and of course, Hairy Maclary himself. The winners were chosen by Dame Lynley. Have a look, and see what you think of her winners.
If you’re looking for a great selection of Dame Lynley’s titles, come and check them out at the bookshop. Happy 40th Hairy Maclary!
