Picture Book - Sophie

*Hairy Maclary and Zachary Quack*

The Hairy Maclary series by New Zealand author Lynley Dodd have been popular for many years. The first in the series Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy was published in 1983 and later turned into a children's television series. I remember the books and T.V series from when I was a child and am lucky enough to have this book at work to share with young children.

I think what makes these stories so enjoyable is that, similar to the Dr Seuss stories, Dodd creates a repetitive rhyme within the narrative. This allows children to engage with the text when they can predict what is going to happen and participate. Not only is the writing structure engaging, but the fact that the stories are about a mischievous dog make them easily relate-able for most children. Children love the illustrations also which are textured and unique. Hairy Maclary and Zachary Quack is about Hairy wanting to have a snooze in the shade, but he is disturbed by Zachary Quack. He tries to run away from Zachary and ends up stuck in the river. Once Zachary saves him, Hairy realises that instead of running away, they can be friends and snooze together. An example of the repetitive sequence fore mentioned is below;

Pittery pattery

skittery scattery

ZIP

round the corner came 

Zachary Quack 

Any of the Hairy Maclary titles would be great to use with primary school students when focusing on rhyme in an English and literacy lesson. They are lovely to read to young children and I have had children as young as 3 trying to read along.