CHILDHOOD MEMORIES: DOGS
On the subject that started Monday called; Plan & Develop Activities, Events and Programs we had to think back to when we were a child and what was the first book that we remember having and what were our experiences with books when we were younger. Calling on my mother I was given a one word answer, however later that night I remembered three other man’s best friend that I found adorable when I was younger – and still do when reminiscing. So here are the dogs that shaped my childhood.
Spot The Dog
Remember that yellow playful puppy? Who went on adventures and had friends that were a monkey, crocodile, hippo and many more. These 
lovable characters were created by Eric Hill, a recipient of the O.B.E. for contributions to children’s literature in 2008. Spot debuted in 1980 with the book; “Where’s Spot?”. The concept was inspired by watching his son react to an ad on the TV when a flap revealed a funny picture. Spot is intended to be any type of dog but from the way he is drawn it is speculated that he is a beagle puppy.
This lovable pup has been translated into 60+ languages.
Spot has also been made into an animation series called The Adventures of Spot. It is inportant to know that Eric Hill still oversee’s all the steps of production of any book, cd or TV programme.
Harry the Dirty Dog
This book about a dog that gets mistaken because he is dirty and isn’t reckoned by his family was also one of my must have’s as a child. He was 
the creation of Gene Zion.
Hairy Maclary
The hero black dog created by Lynley Dodd. Hairy made his first appearence in 1983 with the tale Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy – in which was somewhere were I always wanted to visit.
Hairy has the characteristics of a small terrier and having a silky called Digby I am 100% sure this to be true.
There were more dogs that featured in this book and the one I remember was Bitzen Marloney – all skinny and boney… my grandfather also trained greyhounds so of course I would love that type of dog.
These books were the first rhyming books that I en-counted.
WALLY DE-BACKER
I will preface this blog post with a conversation.
Me: I am trying to think of a catchy title for the blog post. A funny one….
Adam: Oh yeah…..
Me:…. Wally De-Backer?
Adam: (laughs) Hey, I am not that hairy!
Me: (laughs) Well….
So, this blog post is being called Wally De-Backer in order to a) make Adam not speak to me again or b) make him laugh….. I secretly hope b.
So who is this strange person on which I quote a convosation of before I introduce him? So sorry, Readers, I’d like you to meet Adam 
Wallace. A primary school teacher trained writer who has self-published 10 How To Draw Books, which are:
- A dog
- A cat
- A shark
- A bull
- A rabbit
- A horse
- A lion
- A dragon
- A gorilla
- A giraffe
Better Out Then In, 2007
This book is 6 gross, disgusting, terrible, awful yet hilarious stories that may or may not be based on real facts. This book is also on the Victorian Premier’s reading Challenge list. It is recomended for grades 5 and 6 – however I am 23 and love it.
The Share-A-Not, 2008
The benifits of sharing.
The Negates, 2009
A book all about being positive and looking on the bright-side of life.
Mac O’Beasty, 2010
About being healthy and eating right.
Now, in the next two weeks Wallace’s newest book will hit the shelves and I cannot wait, it is entitled The Incredible Journey of Pete McGee. A story about a boy who wants to become a knight, which is all well and good because this book is based in medievil times and not in 2011 apart from one thing – he has one arm.
released in July!
If you would like to MEET THE AUTHOR then he can be found quite frequently at the Book Market at Federation Square in the Atrium. Just look for this guy:
Adam's stall at the Book Market
Library Geek Girl 