Shirley HughesDogger: the much-loved children’s classic

This is a heartwarming book about a boy who loses his favourite toy, and how his family come together to help him get it back again. Like all the Shirley Hughes books I've read so far, they are beautifully illustrated, with just the right amount of subtlety in their message.I loved this story myself as a child in the early 90s, and bought a copy for my daughter when she was 2. She has read it again and again on repeat and regularly asks for it, seeking it out if I've moved it out of circulation for a while. Lovely formall children to read but even more relevant to her now especially as she now has a clear favourite toy she carries everywhere, and she also has a younger sibling.I've appreciated this book even more since recently having my second daughter. There is a page where big sister Bella does something very kind, and my now 3 year old really hones in on this. It actually makes me cry a little bit sometimes when I think about how kind that is for a child to do. My daughter tries to copy "big sister Bella" in her pretend play, acting out the book and her kindness. She also loves taking 7 teddies to bed like Bella now, and putting her toy dog on a lead and walking it around like Dave does. She also always points out things with the little brother in the story (Joe) that are relevant to her real life with a new little sister (eg Connie likes hard toys like joe/she likes putting toys in her mouth as she's getting teeth/we have stacking cups like joe but not that pink one/Connie can't have ice-cream as she's a baby).Good story, good morals and beautifully bought alive with wondering illustrations. Good for teaching young children about various things (numbers (how many teddies Bella has, how dogger costs 5p but Dave only has 3 etc), what different races are (eggs me spoon, wheelbarrow etc) and so on. Also good present idea if you're looking to buy a book as it's beautiful, realistic, and relatable, but not as popular as some other books so less likely the parents already own it.

My favourite book growing up, bought for my nieces baby shower so for my great nephew once he's born.It's a beautifully illustrated and just a gorgeous story, even now it bring a tear to my eye

Bought for my three year old who is as obsessed with her teddies as the little boy in this book.It was my favourite book as a child and is one we go back to time and time again with my own children. Wish they did a board book version as the pages are a little delicate but is a great introductory story for toddlers who may just be moving on to longer plots.

lovely story. my son has a toy brown dog like Dogger so I bought this because it reminded me of him! i also remember this from when i was a child....llovely nostalgia for me and the children enjoyed it at bedtime. win win. Beautiful condition. lovely pictures and language. really pleased.

When I first viewed the message this morning (Monday) to tell me that this item (2 copies ordered) had been delivered on Sunday 6th December, I did not find it on my doorstep; therefore I reported it has not having been delivered. Later I found that my granddaughter had picked it up and put it on the dining room table. So I just want to apologise and to say that the package has arrived in good order.Anne Scottow

One of my favourite children’s stories. Shirley Hughes writes a relatable story for all children. A joy to read.

Will enjoy sharing this with my granddaughter as a much loved story with my own children.

Bought this for my 5 year old as he was reading it at school. I also remember it growing up. It’s a lovely book.