Inspired by the author’s visit to a children’s hospital during which she saw first-hand the powerful positive impact visits from dogs can have on young patients, Julia Donaldson’s The Hospital Dog will put a wag in the tails of readers young and old, and ease pre-hospital anxiety. It’s a soul-warming hug of a book, with classic Donaldson rhymes, and Sara Ogilvie’s child-centred illustrations adding yet more characterful energy.
Owned by Rose, a lovely lady “with rings on her fingers and specs on her nose”, Dot the dalmatian is a very special canine, for she’s the hospital dog on Wallaby Ward. The story follows Dot around her daily round of the ward, during which she allays the fears of newly arrived Bea, entertains bored teenager Gus, “calms down a doctor, cheers up a mummy” and “lets little Tyler play Tickle Dot’s Tummy.”
Bouncing with Dot’s boundless love and energy, this brims with kindness and joy.
Written by the brilliant Julia Donaldson and stunningly illustrated by the award-winning Sara Ogilvie, The Hospital Dog is a big-hearted tale about a very special, very brave dog. This board book edition of the story is perfect for little ones. Here is a dog, a Dalmatian called Dot, Is she quite ordinary? NO, SHE’S NOT! After their breakfast and a swim in the sea, Dot and her owner Rose jump on the bus to the hospital. Dot loves visiting the children of Wallaby Ward and they’re always pleased to see her too; from a crying baby to a bored teenager – a pat, a stroke and a cuddle with Dot cheers everyone up. But the work of the hospital dog doesn’t stop there and when one of her patients is in trouble, it’s up to Dot to save the day! Winner of the Indie Book Awards 2021, this fantastic rhyming story comes from the bestselling partnership behind The Detective Dog.
