Hairy Maclary
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Hairy Maclary is a fictitious Skye Terrier, the anti-hero of many books written for children. The character was created by the New Zealand author Lynley Dodd. Hairy made his first appearance in 1983 with the publication of Hairy Maclary From Donaldson’s Dairy. Since then there have been a further eleven books detailing his exploits. His adventures are usually in the company of his other animal friends who include the dachshund Schnitzel von Krumm, and Scarface Claw the manic cat.
[edit] Plots
The plots of the Hairy Maclary books are generally simple, in keeping with the comprehension of the age group for which they are ranged. They generally involve Hairy and his friends in adventurous scenarios pitched against local cats, with an implication that the cats are more clever. Hairy's character could be said to equate to that of William Brown in the well known books by Richmal Crompton.
[edit] Educational value
While the books are lavishly illustrated by the author, there is also large-print text to encourage small children to wish to learn to read. In the "Caterwaul Caper" Hairy's arch enemy Scarface Claw becomes stuck in a tree, and the dreadful noise he makes alerts Hairy and his friends to his predicament:-
-
- "Wrowwww-w-w-w-w-w-
- said Scarface Claw
- The din was so awful
- that up hill and down
- you could hear the CACOPHONY
- all over the town"
The tales also have clearly marked morals, with the "baddie" getting his comeuppance at the end of the story. In this instance Scarface had been chasing birds. The books encourage a sense of right and wrong among their young readers.
