Review of Hairy Maclary and Friends: Ready To Play – Lynley Dodd

Hairy Maclary is always looking for mischief! Join the raggedy rascal and his gang as they gallop about, sniffing and snooping and bothering cats – until they meet their match.

Hairy Maclary and Friends by Lynley Dodd is one of the world’s best known and best loved brands for children, and this colouring book captures all the delightful humour of the stories, with illustrations of Hairy Maclary and his gang – Hercules Morse, Bottomley Potts, Muffin McLay, Bitzer Maloney, Schnitzel von Krumm as well as tough old Scarface Claw, sneaky Slinky Malinki and pittery pattery Zachary Quack.

Hairy Maclary and Friends: Ready To PlayLynley Dodd

Puffin MR

Supplied by Penguin Random House New Zealand

Reviewed by Jan Butterworth

Each double page has a statement of what Hairy Haclary and his friends like to do then suggests an activity that relates to it, such as colouring and applying stickers to a scene or untangling a mess of leads.  The activities are simple yet fun, and aimed at young children. The front and back pages have the activities, while the middle pages contain over 100 stickers of Hairy Maclary and the gang to apply to the pages.  The stickers are arranged in groups according to page numbers, so the child can either apply them to the relevant scenes or freestyle.

This sticker and activity book has some scenes to decorate, a couple of wordfinders, a jigsaw, and some puzzles.  There are not that many activities to do, with the book mainly consisting of stickers, but it does get little ones used to understanding and following written instructions.  They also use logic to solve puzzles and get to express creativity through colouring and sticker placement.

Thi0s book won’t keep a child occupied for hours and may require a helping hand from an adult but is a fun way to build skills needed for primary school. Recommended to keep ready for a rainy day before the stir crazy sets in.

Review of Wildlife of Aotearoa Colouring Book – Gavin Bishop

Encounter New Zealand’s incredible wildlife in 64 pages of spectacular colouring.

Journey through the ocean meeting the children of Tangaroa; through the sky, the zone of Tawhirimatea; and over land where birds, reptiles and insects roam in Tane’s forest.

This colouring book is suitable for children from 3-12 years and it’s the perfect companion to the bestselling Amazing Aotearoa Activity Book.

Wildlife of Aotearoa Colouring Book

Gavin Bishop

Penguin

Supplied by Penguin Random House New Zealand

Reviewed by Jan Butterworth

This awesome colouring book starts off with exploring Tangaroa’s World and the creatures found in the Shallows, the Deep Water, and the Kelp Forrest, before moving to inhabitants of the Rocky Shores, Tidal Flats, and the Estuary.  Introduced pests are grouped together, animals on the farm are shown, as are long-lost wildlife. 

It finishes with an awesome drawing of Kaitiakitanga – protecting our wildlife, air, land and sea – ready to be coloured.  Names of the wildlife featured are given so artists can lookup the wildlife to get correct markings and colours or they can freestyle and use their imagination.  A pink fur seal or purple and orange sheep would look fun!

This stunning book has 64 pages with beautifully detailed illustrations of the wildlife and scenes of Aotearoa to colour in and bring to life.  The illustrations have bold black lines and lots of places to colour.  The white background makes them stand out and will be easy to apply colour to.

This colouring book will educate as well as capture the imaginations and hold the attention of any child as they explore the nature around them.  It’s better suited to children in the 3—12 age range as the drawings are quite complex for the average toddler.  This is perfect for any nature lovers Christmas stocking.

Review of Hairy Maclary and Friends Off For a Walk – Lynley Dodd

Hairy Maclary is always looking for mischief! Join the raggedy rascal and his gang as they gallop about, sniffing and snooping and bothering cats – until they meet their match.

Hairy Maclary and Friends by Lynley Dodd is one of the world’s best known and best loved brands for children, and this colouring book captures all the delightful humour of the stories, with illustrations of Hairy Maclary and his gang – Hercules Morse, Bottomley Potts, Muffin McLay, Bitzer Maloney, Schnitzel von Krumm as well as tough old Scarface Claw, sneaky Slinky Malinki and pittery pattery Zachary Quack.

Hairy Maclary and Friends Off For a WalkLynley Dodd

Puffin MR

Supplied by Penguin Random House New Zealand

Reviewed by Jan Butterworth

Hairy Maclary and his gang are introduced and we follow them while they explore the world, causing mayhem where ever they go and chasing cats – until they meet their match!  The cats from the Hairy Maclary world are also depicted getting into trouble, along with cute little Zachary Quack.

This is a colouring book jam packed with bold, detailed scenes with familiar characters to colour in and bring to life.  The illustrations have bold black lines and lots of places to colour.  The white background makes them stand out and will be easy to apply colour to.

This colouring book will engage the imaginations and hold the attention of budding artists as they explore the world of Hairy Maclary and his friends.  With 64 pages of colouring fun, this will keep a little one occupied for hours (or 30 mins as in my friend’s twins case).