Hairy Maclary creator’s journey

TheLifeandArt of LynleyDodd ByFinlay Macdonald, Penguin RandomHouse, $45

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We've all read Out of the gate and off for awalk went Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy.

Hairy Maclary is a legend, especially in Tauranga where he began and where he and his furry friends are immortalised in lifesize bronze on the Strand. But so is his creator, and she created more than “just a children's book”. Finlay Macdonald's lovely book opens with Dodd'sown story of growing up in a very small place (Kaingaroa) in the forest. All her creations have theirown back stories, theirown personalities. Dodd's early life is explored lovingly, and her earlier and later books and her outstanding artistic talent are throughout the pages. Likemany parents I've takenmykids to meet Lynley Dodd so they get a feel for the real personwho created the legendary characters. This book will add to their collection of Hairy Maclary books.