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< Picture Books Library
Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner
Categories: Comfort Objects, Kindness, Sadness

Dogger

This is a charming story that addresses the loss of a special toy, and how a sibling's kindness saves the day. The book highlights the unique bond some children have with specific toys, and allows an adult reader to see the significance of such a toy through a child's eyes.
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Dogger

Author: Shirley Hughes
Illustrator: Shirley Hughes
Publisher: Red Fox

Dogger is a heartwarming story about a little boy losing his favourite cuddly toy. Dave loves Dogger so much, and no other toy comes close.

One day, distracted by ice cream, Dave misplaces Dogger, and the whole family search late into the night for him. Bella, Dave’s sister, offers him one of her toys to help him sleep, but it’s not the same as Dogger.

The next day, the school’s summer fair is on. The family attend, and Bella has a great day, winning things galore. This makes Dave even more upset – he’s miserable without Dogger – it’s so unfair!

Then, who should Dave see on the second-hand toy stall? There is Dogger, tucked at the back, being bought by a little girl. It may be too late to get him back…

Bella comes to the rescue, and persuades Dogger’s temporary owner to swap him for the enormous, new teddy bear she won earlier in the day. Bella’s kindness triumphs, and Dave is renuited with his favourite toy.

Shirley Hughes’ illustrations capture the essence of family life, and the pages of Dogger make no exception. With bold colours and intricate detail, each image brings the story of Dogger to life in a way that many readers will love. Dogger is a book for keeps! The text is lovingly written, and the illustrations complement the tale, resulting in a beautifully presented book with a happy ending, to boot.

This video link is provided to help an adult assess the book's suitability for a child's situation before purchasing it. It has been filmed by a third party and hosted on YouTube and is not made by Little Parachutes. More info

The messages we found in this book:

Acknowledgement:

It can be very distressing for a child to lose a cherished attachment/comfort object such as Dogger.

Guidance:

There is a subtle message that life must go on as usual whilst Dogger is missing, and by attending the fair, Dogger is found! Dave has to learn to cope without Dogger for a while, which he reluctantly manages to do.

Hope & Inspiration:

  • After Bella’s act of kindness in swapping her new teddy for old Dogger, Dave is happy again. Not only does he have his toy, but he also has the kindness of his sister to cherish.
  • This lovely story may inspire siblings and friends to think of each other when facing similar circumstances, and try to alleviate sadness by sharing and being kind, like Bella.
Worth noting:

Dogger is a story that was first published back in 1977, and the traditional family dymanics in the book might not appeal to those who are looking for something more diverse for their bedtime reading. Nevertheless, the messages of kindness, sharing and love the book promotes cannot be denied.

Review by: Rebecca Seymour

Categories: Comfort Objects, Kindness, Sadness
Tags: loss, sister, transition



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What is a Parachute Book?

A challenging experience can make a young child feel as if they are in emotional free fall. As a parent, you can’t stop them falling, but you can offer them a softer landing:
a Parachute Book.

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The information provided on the Little Parachutes website is not a substitute for professional care by a qualified practitioner, and is not intended to provide medical advice. If you are concerned about the health and wellbeing of yourself or children in your care, you should always consult an appropriate healthcare professional.