Dogger

by Shirley Hughes

When Dave loses his favourite toy, Dogger, he is desolate. But then Dogger turns up at the school summer fair, and everything seems all right - until someone else buys him before Dave can get the money!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Family, Friendship, Classics, Animals

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Shirley Hughes is the illustrator of more than two hundred children’s books and has won many prestigious awards, including the Kate Greenaway Medal twice. She is the author-illustrator of DON'T WANT TO GO! and OLLY AND ME 1 2 3. She died at her home in London on the 25th of February, 2022.

Reviews

[Karen·]

I had almost forgotten just how good this is. Shirley Hughes manages to tread that fine line between emotionally affecting and twee without ever falling into the cutesy pie.
The story of how Dave loses his beloved Dogger was always a favourite, especially with daughter number one, who had her own traumatic experience of losing Benny. For a whole winter, indeed. He turned up the next spring when we returned to the allotments, to find him carefully propped up on a hedgerow, looking out for his owner.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

What child could resist this lovely story about a little boy's favourite 'furry' that goes missing at the school fair and his kind big sister who gets it back for him? A classic book with a heart-warming story that never fails to win kids over & I Can Not Wait for the sequel Dogger's Christmas to come out in October 2020.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sad to hear the recent passing of Shirley Hughes, her picture books were some of my earliest bookish memories.
They were a staple for all infant school pupils.
With both wonderful tales and memorable illustrations, it's easy to see why they're beloved by so many young readers.

Hughes really conveyed how young children feel.
In this case Dave is devastated to have lost his favourite cuddle toy 'Dodger'.
Thankfully this heartwarming tale has a happy ending, the bond between a child and their favourite comfort toy should never be underestimated.

This title gave me such a warm feeling of nostalgia, whilst one of the children dressed up as a Dalek during the school fair exemplifies the quintessential British charm of Hughes timeless tale.

[Rhian Loxley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so many common threads with the lovely story Dogger... I too, like Dave had a cuddly toy that i could not be separated from when i was a child and i remember well one cold lonely night when i had to go to bed without my teddy.

Family is a constant throughout many of Shirley Hughes' stories, with brothers and sisters introduced and featured as main characters within the the story. In 'Dogger' i could relate both to Dave and his love for dogger and Bella being the kind older sister - I wasn't always kind, but i was an older sister.

The school community is also a central theme to the story with Dogger lost when they go to collect Bella from school and found at the school summer fete. The summer fete features many activities that were common place when i was at school but when i recently read this story to a small group of year 1 children I found myself having to explain many of the activities that are illustrated. The fashion is different as well and it makes a good starting point with younger children to get them to think about whether the story is set in the past or present.

During the search for Dogger the illustrations are smaller and laid out in a way that seems to emphasize the panic and eagerness to find poor old lost Dogger as mum tears the house apart looking for him. I love the illustration where Dad is out in the garden with a torch and Bella and mum stand by the door while dave looks forlornly out of his bedroom window.

In many of the illustrations there is loads going on and every time you read it you see more details. The layout of both illustrations and text makes the reading really interesting. When dogger is finally found on the toy stall and the little girl buys him for 5p the tension builds and you wonder what might happen but good old Bella saves the day trading her new, shiny blue bow, bear that she won in the raffle, for dogger.

What a lovely sister.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy Mangan in Bookworm: A Memoir of Childhood Reading says that now that she's a mom, she cries every time she reads this. I can see why. And the pictures are absolutely fantastic, so lively and expressive and lovely.

Found on openlibrary.org.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story about loss, gain, friendship and family love! Most assuredly worth reading with your child. The love a child can have for a favorite toy and what happens when it is gone. Be warned, your child may be a bit sad for awhile but be sure to finish to the end! Very much worth a family or bedtime read!

[Tweedledum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered Shirley Hughes through Dogger which was read many many times to my daughter. Then we discovered Alfie and Annie Rose... What a delight! My daughter refused to attempt to read anything unless there were coloured pictures on the page. Now, as a dyslexic adult she is able to explain how black print on white paper was almost impossible for her to decipher. Artist-writers like Shirley Hughes really helped motivate her to keep on trying.

[Judith Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story that must resonate with so many of us. When my son went on a school trip away as a small boy I made him a miniature version of his teddy to travel with so there’d be no risk of losing his much-loved companion.

Sad to hear today that Shirley Hughes has died at the age of 94, joining Judith Kerr in the company of those gone on, but glad that she passed away at home peacefully with family around her after a short illness. Her 200 books for children are her legacy, and will I’m certain continue to give joy and comfort to their readers.

[Bionic Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story, dated illustrations.

[Selina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dogger by Shirley Hughes is a timeless treasure that resonates with readers of all ages. This beautifully crafted story evokes a deep sense of nostalgia and emotional wisdom, making it just as impactful for adults as it is for children.

Plot Summary:
The narrative revolves around Dave, a young boy whose world revolves around his beloved stuffed brown dog, Dogger. When Dogger inadvertently gets lost after a school fair, Dave feels as though his heart has been shattered. After an intense and desperate search, he discovers Dogger at a toy stall — but his heart sinks further when he sees another child buy his cherished companion. Just when the situation seems hopeless, Dave's older sister, Bella, displays quiet heroism as she sacrifices her own hard-earned prize to reunite him with Dogger.

Why Adults Should Reread This Classic:
As I turned the pages of Dogger as an adult, I was struck by elements I had overlooked as a child, revealing layers of meaning that lingered with me long after I finished reading:

-The Weight of loss: Hughes masterfully addresses loss in a way that speaks to both children and adults. Dave’s feelings of grief over Dogger resonate with the poignant losses we experience throughout life. The author’s writing reflects on the feeling of sadness over losing something sentimental.

- Sibling Love in Action:The relationship between Dave and Bella encapsulates the essence of sibling bonds. Bella’s selfless act is not framed as a grand gesture; it’s a simple yet profound reminder of the way family members support one another. It highlights the unseen sacrifices made in love, which is an emotional truth that lingers into adulthood.

- Nostalgia for Simplicity: In a fast-paced, often chaotic world, the gentle flow of the story offers a comforting escape. The focus on kindness, patience, and the celebration of small joys serves as a gentle reminder of the value of simplicity that seems to slip away in modern life.

Hughes’ illustrations are a feast for the eyes, rich with detail and emotion. Each image captures the textures of childhood experiences — from the cozy sight of crumpled pajamas to the vibrant hustle and bustle of the fairgrounds. Her ability to convey the emotional weight of Dave's despair adds depth to the reading experience without ever diluting the narrative’s essence.

Final Thoughts:
Revisiting Dogger felt like a warm embrace, a love letter to the timelessness of childhood, the bonds of family, and the irreplaceable comfort of a cherished toy. It left me reflective, a testament to the power of storytelling. Whether you are revisiting your own childhood through its pages or introducing this gem to a new young reader, Dogger remains a beautifully poignant exploration of love, loss, and the gentle reminders that help us embrace the world around us.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has a 4 for nostalgic reasons. I had to include his in my reading log because it is one of my favourite childhood stories. I was reading it to my son and just had flashbacks of my childhood! Love this book.

[Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favourite children's books. It made me feel so warm and fuzzy after, I wish I had a sibling who would have done that for me!
Also, the stuffed dog reminded me of a plush I used to own, which added to the cuteness of this book <3

[forthefamilyssake Hailey White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet simple story that is revisited in our family over and over and over again. It’s exactly what I want to read to my children…..ordinary moments in life that teach us big lessons. Much to think about.

[itselv]

ما أظرفها من قصة!!😖الرسومات جميلة جدًا والفكرة ألطف ما يكون!

[Eleanor Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a loveable children's book! Perfect for a bedtime story with parents or in the classroom looking at decision making. The story line of conflict then resolution makes it so relevant for developing children to understand and learn from. With lovely illustrations and a story line that could almost happen to any child I would highly recommend all young children to read this picture book!

[Anna Garland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This enchanting tale follows the love affair between a boy, Dave, and his most treasured possession, his toy dog, Dogger.

The eldest out of three, Dave is always accompanied by his Dogger. His baby brother has his ‘hard toys for chewing on’, his sister Bella has her teddies, but Dave finds full satisfaction in his Dogger. They are inseparable.

It is therefore a cause for much dismay when after collecting his sister Bella from school, Dave realises that Dogger is no longer with him. In fact, he has no idea where he is! Despite Bella’s kindness in lending him a teddy, nothing can replace Dogger.

The next day is the school fair- a day packed with fun and games for children and parents alike, but Dave is not interested. He just wants his Dogger back. He searches high and low for him until he stumbles across the toy stall where there, to his shock and horror, peeking out from behind the knitted duck and doll, the familiar face of Dogger is staring back at him; with a 5p tag around his neck! Although everything looks hopeless at first, in the end the pair are happily reunited.

The combination of good character building, gripping storyline and colourful and extremely detailed illustrations, means that the reader cannot help but empathise with the protagonist, Dave, as the story unfolds.

Shirley Hughes manages to capture the simplicity and sincerity of a child’s love for his favourite toy through her narrative and illustrations; a love that many people can relate to. The conflict-resolution plot gives the perfect sense of catharsis for the child reader and turns this book into a must-read.

I would recommend this book to a post-beginner reader of around 6-7 years old due to the more advanced vocabulary and longer paragraphs.

[Jacinta Tarr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shirley Hughes is one of the best known and most popular creators of children's books of all time. She began to write and design her own picture books when her children were very young because she felt there was a gap in this form of literature. She is my favourite children's author, I read her books as a child, I have read them to my own children and I intend to read them to my own class. One of my favourites is the story of a soft brown toy called Dogger. Dogger belongs to a young boy called Dave who takes him everywhere with him. But one day Dogger gets lost and Dave is left really really upset and unable to sleep without him. The next day Dave and his family go to the school fair where Dave sees Dogger on sale for 5p, but he doesn't have enough money and is left heart broken when Dogger is bought by a little girl. His big sister comes to the rescue and swaps a giant teddy for her brothers Dogger, making Dave a very very happy little boy. A fantastic novel to share with children of all ages and a great discussion starter on the importance of kindness.
The Shirley Hughes collection is a must have for everyone!

[Georgina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book in the book corner in the year 2 class I am currently placed in. Instantly I was drawn to this book as it is one that I remember reading as a child. I read this book with a child this afternoon. I asked the child questions about the book and they were able to give the answers based on what they had heard.
This book I would use from year one up to year, adapting the range of questions that I would asked based on the year group. I found in this book that you could ask questions about feelings and get the children to empathise with the characters. As an extension exercise in literacy I would get the children to write an alternate ending to the story and give other suggestions as to what could have happened to 'dogger'.
This book would be good to use at circle time also to get the children to talk about things that mean a lot to them and they would be really upset if they lost, or when they have been in a similar situation in which they have helped somebody who was really upset. This will incorporate some SMSC into the discussion.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 4 year old who is a big fan of Hughes's Alfie books finally agreed to branch out and let me read this book aloud to her. Of course, she loved it, and I did too. I especially love that it promotes kindness among siblings, something my little readers need to be reminded of now and again.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully well written and well illustrated book, with a lovely message.

This story is about a young boy, his stuffed dog ‘Dogger’ and his family. One day after the young boys love for Dogger is in no doubt, Dogger goes missing! The whole family search high and low, but it is nowhere to be seen. The story has a good complication and climax then in the end, as you would hope from a book of this nature aimed at this age group, things all work out in the end. Every page you turn you get a warm glow from the well constructed tale and the beautiful illustrations. As an aspiring primary school teacher I am sure I will use this book many many times in the future. I will look out for other Shirley Hughes books.

[Sophie Mc · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Dogger' by Shirley Hughes tells a lovely story of the importance of a little teddy. The story tells of little boy who misplaces his favourite teddy and finds himself completely lost without it. The story delves into the theme of 'belongings' and of the importance of having special objects to cherish. This story is a great read to share with those children of the EYFS/ early KS1, as it highlights the importance of respecting belongings and of respecting the belongings of others. This book is great to use to inspire circle time and provoke discussion around respect and sharing.

[Sue Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way Shirley Hughes portrays family life and captures the things that really matter; a much loved soft toy called Dogger who belonged to Dave. Dogger is lost, but due to the kindness of his sister Bella, he finds his way home again.

There's so much to see and talk about in Shirley Hughes' illustrations.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this book. There should be more stories that show so naturally, and so authentically, acts of love.

[Jessica Sampson · Rating 1 out of 5]

This should not be allowed in the children’s section anywhere. I am 18 years old and and this has affected me emotionally and mentally since I have read it, this is so sad that children should be warned away from it. This is worst than ANY 18+ rated film, don’t allow your children to get scarred . For the dog to be SOLD and the woman at the stall not listen to to the boy ???? Dogger belonged to HIM ! AS STATED ON THE VERY FIRST PAGE. I was balling and still am. Cried reading it, cried writing this, and will cry later as I am falling asleep . 1 star .

[Eleanor Battel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all time favourite reads. I read this throughout my childhood and remember it fondly.

Dogger is a very much loved soft toy who is mistakenly sold at the school fair. Luckily, siblings step up and get Dogger back to its rightful place.

[Isobelle Sevrance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it used to read it all the time when I was little still love it now 😍

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

• Learn about doing things to make others happy.
• Book is easy to read and understand by higher ability key stage 1 pupils.
• Can be explained to younger children
• Get in touch with feelings and expressing themselves, how would they feel if they lost their favourite toy?

[Jenna Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sweet.

[Orla Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book with a simple story that is still relevant over 30 years after it was first published. Dave loses his stuffed toy and is very sad. Mam and Dad turn the house upside down trying to find the toy but to no avail...until Dave spots Dogger on sale at the local fair. He searches for his parents so they can give him the 5p to buy back his toy but when he finally returns to the stall Dogger has been sold. In the meantime Dave’s big sister Bella is delighted with herself as she has just won a shiny new teddy bear with a shiny blue bow in the raffle. Dave and Bella look on as they see the little girl who bought Dave’s beloved Dogger - negotiations ensue and eventually Bella offers the little girl her big brand new bear in exchange for Dave’s Dogger.

I loved the description of Dave’s attachment to Dogger as I think this is something that every child can relate to and I myself laughed out loud when Dogger had to be washed and hung out to dry.

My favourite thing about this story is that it portrays the relationship between the siblings beautifully; I often find in children’s books that the relationship between siblings is portrayed as one of jealousy or rivalry. This, however is a lovely story of the selfless act of Dave’s big sister and the message is that it is sometimes important to put the happiness of others before ones self.

[Laura Cope · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Dave loses his favourite toy, a small, threadbare dog named Dogger, he is very, very upset. His parents search all over the house but can't find Dogger anywhere. Just when all hope is lost, Dave and his family go to the School Fayre, where Dave spots none other than Dogger at one of the stalls! Dogger is for sale for 5p, but Dave can only find 3p in his pocket, and is very upset when he sees a little girl walking around the Fayre with Dogger in her arms.

As with all of Shirley Hughes' books, the illustrations are intricate and beautiful with an authentic, homey feeling to them. They are accompanied by a lovely story which many children will be able to relate to, with a positive message of helping others.

This book is ideal to read to children from nursery age to Year 3/4 where the children will be able to relate to the attachment to toys that Dave has to Dogger. For younger children, a PSHE lesson/ circle time could stem from this story, with discussion about respecting other people's items and how they may feel if they lost something precious to them. For older children on the other hand, Dogger could be used as a stimulus for creative writing, where children could write about something being lost and found, incorporating thoughts and feelings, and for higher ability children, speech and expressive verbs.