“Out of the gate and off for a walk, went Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy…” If you and your little ones know that off by heart, then you are in good company. Our family loves the Hairy Maclary book series by Lynley Dodd. It’s filled with wonderfully rich vocabulary, (eg when was the last time you read “cacophony” in a book for under 5’s?).

 
However, what I really adore about the Hairy Maclary series is that the stories aren’t just filled with words that rhyme just for the sake of rhyming. It’s an authentic text. The characters are developed, there is a plot, there is a witty end and all wrapped up with a wonderful sense of  humour.

 

 
We were lucky enough to recently see Hairy Maclary and Friends, an interactive stage show adaptation of the books.

 
The venue, Sydney Opera House, was exciting enough. However, when the boys saw the characters brought to life on stage, (by actors in very clever costumes), they were speechless.

 
Once they got over their star-struck state, they participated in the singing and actions and before we knew it, we had to say goodbye to our favourite book characters.

 

 

Oh well, we can always meet them again in our books.

 N&M: 3 years, 7 months
E: 1 year, 6 months
K: 1 month

Lessons Learnt Journal


About the author

Pauline Pauline & Lessons Learnt Journal is all about life with kids. Pauline is an Aussie mum and teacher who shares her love for play, math games, writing and reading activities. She believes that #playmatters, values curiosity & wonder, wisdom, obedience and respect. She also needs naps. When not blogging, she may be found virtually hoarding on Pinterest, trying to decide which Instagram filter to apply, or compulsively refreshing her Facebook feed.