Dogger by Shirley Hughes
Illustrated by Shirley Hughes
32 Pages
Children’s Stories
Red Fox
Age range: 3 – 5 years
My son has a very beloved bunny. The most beloved of all of his toys and heaven forbid we lose it. We have on several occasions, although only because he has put it in a crazy place in the house, not out and about thankfully. But the days she has been missing have involved lots of tears, particularly at bedtime.
So I think it was very appropriate that he was given Dogger by Shirley Hughes as a gift. Dogger is a book about a boy who has a very beloved toy also – a dog, named Dogger. Dave (the little boy) goes on to loose his beloved teddy and this is the story of him trying to find it. It explains how Dave feels sad about losing his Dogger to Dave discovering Dogger on a stall at the school fair.
I think my favourite part of the book though has to be the relationship between Dave and his sister. No sibling relationship is perfect, as most of us know. But Dave’s sister does the most lovely thing in the book it totally makes the story. So this is a great book to help children not only understand about the loss of a beloved toy, but also the importance of kindness.
I read Shirley Hughes books when I was a girl, so I think of her stories as classics. This book was originally published in 1977, which is nearly 40 years ago now, but it’s still completely relevant. The book is filled with illustrations, Shirley Hughes was also an illustrator. I think perhaps these are the only parts of the books that maybe looks slightly dated. But I have such fond memories of her books and all of the illustrations are in this style that it really doesn’t matter to me, and I still think they look appealing to children.
Verdict:
A lovely book that I think will really resonate with children who have a special toy they can’t sleep without.
Rating: 4/5
Buy the book on Amazon.
I love Shirley Hughes books and we have quite a collection at home. I vividly remember reading Dogger when I was in primary school and crying!
We adore Shirley Hughes’ books. Alfie is a big hit here!
Oh this book sounds amazing! The thought of losing one of my girls’ toys that they sleep with just fills me with dread. They’re not allowed to leave the bedroom except for bringing them on holiday with us. Even then I feel like I should employ an armed guard.
Nat.x
I love Shirley Hughes books, she is an amazing author. We have a very precious bear, I dread the day we lose him x
This was one of our favourite books growing up – I’m glad it is still doing the rounds! #kltr
This was one of our favourite books growing up – I’m glad it is still doing the rounds! #kltr
This is a beautiful book and I loved your review. Kindness really is underrated and it is so important! #KLTR
I love dogger as a book and definitely one of my favourites for talking about kindness! Although for love of bunnies you need to look at Mog!
I remember loving this book as a child too! #KLTR xx
I loved this book when I was little and my son now really enjoys it as well. His favourite toy is also a very loved bunny that he just can’t do without! #KLTR
I loved these books growing up! And I love that they are great from generation to generation!
For our eldest daughter the only cuddly she’s been drawn to is her cat. I imagine she’d enjoy reading this when she’s older. #KLTR
Aww it’s such a wonderful book. It’s always extra special to share a book you loved in childhood with your child.
I’ve not read this book before but it’s something I think I’d like to have a look at. Sylvia may like it too as it’s about a dog (soft toy) Angela #KLTR
I love Dogger!! Can’t beat Shirley Hughes 🙂 #KLTR