“Once there was a soft brown toy called Dogger.  One of his ears pointed upwards and the other flopped over.  His fur was worn in places because he was quite old.  he belonged to Dave.”

I’m fairly sure there aren’t many children of the eighties who haven’t heard the timeless and endearing story of ‘Dogger.’ With over 200,000 copies sold world-wide in its 40 years of existence, it seems only fitting that two gorgeous new editions are being released in the same year as Shirley Hughes’ 90th birthday.

The first, is a special paperback version with audio CD narrated by lifelong fan Olivia Colman, whilst the second is a re-jacketed hardback including an exclusive letter from Shirley Hughes herself.

‘Dogger’ is the classic story of a young boy who loses his treasured toy and bedtime companion at the school’s Summer Fair.

Dogger and Dave went everywhere together, for trolley rides, walks around the garden and snuggles in a blanket when it was cold. One day, Dave loses Dogger.  His family search the whole house high and low, but Dogger is nowhere to be found.  Inconsolable, Dave tries to go to sleep with one of his sister’s many teddies for company.  But it just isn’t the same.

The next day, at the Summer Fair, Dave spots Dogger but there are several obstacles to overcome before the two can be reunited again.

Gorgeous, heart-warming and one of my favourites, these beautiful new editions with Hughes’ carefully observed illustrations are sure to win over the hearts of a whole new generation of readers.

An absolute classic.

Library Girl.

*Many thanks to Penguin for sending me these copies to review*