Tauranga Art Gallery - Toi Tauranga

Celebrated children's writer brings her stories to the Gallery - 05 May 2010

Young fans of Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy, will be pleased to hear that the creator of the mischievous pup, Dame Lynley Dodd, will be visiting Tauranga Art Gallery at 1.30pm on Sunday 16 May to read some of her stories.

What many of Hairy Maclary’s fans may not realise is that he grew up right here in Tauranga, along with his friends Hercules Morse, Bottomley Potts, Schnitzel von Krumm, Bitzer Maloney, Muffin McLay and of course, Scarface Claw, the toughest Tom in town.

Since then, the troublesome gang have gone on to achieve worldwide acclaim with their antics that have endeared them to the hearts of thousands of readers.

“I'm a keen observer of animal foibles and antics,” says Lynley. “Most of my stories - especially the Hairy Maclary series - have had their beginnings in things seen and heard, all duly noted down in the ideas book for possible future use.”

Lynley Dodd is an internationally celebrated children’s writer and illustrator whose bouncy rhyme and lively illustrations make her stories much loved by readers of all ages. She began her career in children’s books in 1973 when she collaborated with Eve Sutton to illustrate My Cat Likes to Hide in Boxes. Lynley followed on with several of her own books, including The Nickle Nackle Tree and Titimus Trim. Then in 1983, she produced the first of the series of books on the infamous Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy, the furry black bundle who has since entertained countless children with his bustling and bumptious ways.

Lynley has received numerous awards for her work over the years, and in 2002, was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to children’s literature.

Lynley lives in Tauranga with her husband Tony, and continues to write and illustrate one picture book each year. The popularity of her books has led to a series of successful stage shows.

Bring the children along to hear Lynley read some of her stories, along with a cushion to sit on and a gold coin entry. Bookings are essential on 578 7933.