Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy
#1 of 5 in Hairy Maclary Series
on Goodreads (14,558)
What’s inside...
The story follows the adventures of a scruffy dog named Hairy Maclary as he sets off from Donaldson's Dairy for a walk, meeting his friends along the way. Each friend is a different breed of dog, and they join him on his walk until they encounter the toughest tomcat in town, Scarface Claw, which sends them all scurrying back home.
Character compass
Hairy Maclary
Hercules Morse
Bottomley Potts
Scarface Claw
Schnitzel Von Krumm
Muffin Mclay
Bitzer Maloney
Discussion points
What do you think Hairy Maclary and his friends were feeling during their adventure?
Why do you think all the dogs ran away from Scarface Claw?
If you were to meet Hairy Maclary, what would you like to do together?
How are the dogs different from each other and do you have a favorite?
What can we learn about friendship from Hairy Maclary and his pals?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use different voices for each of Hairy Maclary's friends to make the story more vivid and engaging.
Discuss the illustrations and ask your child to describe what they see, enhancing their observation skills.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book.
Connect the story to real life by talking about your pet's adventures or visiting a local park to imagine where Hairy Maclary and his friends might go.
Praise your child for their thoughts and remind them that there are no right or wrong answers in imaginative discussions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Hairy Maclary embarks on an adventure with his friends, showcasing the power of camaraderie and support.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value friendships and the importance of sticking together through various challenges.
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The story features diverse characters, each with unique traits, promoting acceptance and appreciation of differences.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace and celebrate diversity among peers in school or in the playground.
Example Lesson: Courage and Curiosity
Explanation: Hairy Maclary's adventurous spirit leads to explorations, displaying the virtues of bravery and inquisitiveness.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to explore new activities, ask questions, and be bold in their daily explorations.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The animals face and overcome obstacles together, teaching effective teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn to work collaboratively with others to solve problems, whether in academic tasks or social situations.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The story concludes with a humorous twist when the animals encounter a surprise, illustrating that actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think about the potential outcomes of their actions in real-life situations.