We can learn some valuable lessons from this book. (Dogger - Shirley Hughes)

Member Name: Claribella

Product:	Dogger - Shirley Hughes
Date:	22/05/09 (28 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lessons learnt

Disadvantages: A bit long for some and pics might not be as engaging for some children

Ever since I met my husband he has rambled on about this book. I had heard of it but never actually read it myself so when I saw it amongst the books down our library I just had to bring it home for him and Noah of course. He nearly wet himself when Noah asked him to read it and I have since had the opportunity to become accustomed to this classic story.

This book was first written in 1977 by the famous Shirley Hughes. You know that a book is going to pretty good when 30 years down the line it is still being enjoyed by small children everywhere (and my hubby!).

The story tells of a young boy called Dave who absolutely loves his scruffy teddy, Dogger. One day while they are out, Dave loses Dogger and the whole family begin a search about the house to see if they can find him. Dave is very upset and sad without his favourite teddy but the following day he see's him on the table of a jumble sale but doesn't have enough money to buy him back again. He goes on a frantic search for his sister to see if she has money but by the time he gets back to the table, a young girl has brought Dogger. Will he ever get Dogger back?

This story is beautifully written and is a wonderful story for young children. I loved the fact that his sister really helps him out and does something so selfless in a bid to try and get Dogger back for him. It gives children an insight into putting others first which unfortunately doesn't happen a lot these days.

It is quite a long story with lots of words on each page so I would recommend it to an older child or one that is very good at sitting still. Noah is two but he absolutely adores books and will sit on my lap forever reading story after story. I think if you have a live wire then you may want to save this story until they are a little older.

The illustrations in this book are fantastic. They aren't your average 'big, bright and bold'. They are much more detailed and sketchy and it looks to me that they are painted in watercolours which gives a great effect to every image. I like the way that each page isn't plastered with image after image. Some pages have a fair bit of detail but others have a couple of smaller pictures on a white background.

I think this story teaches us a few valuable lessons:

1) The first and most important is kindness.

2) Don't trust a small child to look after anything because it will almost certainly get lost!

3) Don't let your child become so attached to just one toy. Try to encourage them to have a few favourites. I have many friends who have been in the same situation and they have looked more stressed than in any other point in their life!

Noah really enjoyed sitting through this story and was quite upset that Dave lost his poor Dogger. We have read it a few times now and he still picks it up although he would rather read a few of the other books that we picked up from the library this week. I think although the pictures are amazing and very well drawn out, Noah seems to prefer more vibrant drawings that are a bit more simple and easier to look at. Maybe when he gets a little older he might appreciate it as much as his daddy!

Over all I would definately recommend this book. It is a timeless classic that has proven the test of time and I'm sure it will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.

Summary: A lovely classic