Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy: questions to ask and activities to try
Hairy Maclary sets off for a walk, and a gang of dogs joins in, until Scarface Claw appears. Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy is a beloved rhyming classic.
What age is it for? Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy is best for ages 1–5. Good for: A rhyming walk with a gang of dogs.
Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy (Lynley Dodd)
- Age
- 1-5
- Best for
- A rhyming walk with a gang of dogs
Read the names with rhythm and let your child join in with the repeated lines. Guess who Scarface Claw is before he appears.
What it helps with
- Rhyme and repetition
- Joining in
- Counting characters
- Prediction
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Who did Hairy Maclary meet first?”
- “Which dog was covered in spots?”
- “How many dogs were there?”
- “Who was Scarface Claw?”
- “What did the dogs do?”
- “Which name is your favourite?”
5-minute activities to try together
Dog parade
Line up toy animals and give each a rhyming name.
Join the walk
Go on a walk and add one person or toy to your gang at each stop.
Free printables: Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
We're Going on a Picnic! (Pat Hutchins)
- Best for
- Spotting what the characters don't notice
- Age
- 2-5
Rosie's Walk (Pat Hutchins)
- Best for
- Position words, and spotting what the character can't see
- Age
- 2-5
Dear Zoo (Rod Campbell)
- Best for
- First words, animals and lifting the flaps
- Age
- 0-4
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.