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  • Published: 2 October 2017
  • ISBN: 9780143770985
  • Imprint: Puffin MR
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $25.00

Scarface Claw, Hold Tight




Another rollicking picture book featuring the mighty Scarface Claw in the much-loved Hairy Maclary and Friends series.

It is a peaceful morning and Scarface Claw is happily snoozing in a spot in the sun, tail curled around and feet tucked in.

Suddenly,
there was a shudder and sway,
the whirr of an engine,
then off and away.

And then off goes the truck down the drive - with Scarface ON TOP! Clinging on to the roof of the truck, Scarface zips along streets with his owner, Tom, oblivious to his rooftop passenger and everyone trying to get his attention as he drives along ... who will come to poor Scarface Claw's rescue?

Inspired by true stories of cat owners driving off without realising their cats are on the roofs of their cars, Scarface Claw's latest adventure will have readers getting just as involved in the story as the bystanders trying to get Tom's attention!

NZ Listener 50 Best Books for Kids 2017

  • Published: 2 October 2017
  • ISBN: 9780143770985
  • Imprint: Puffin MR
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $25.00

About the author

Lynley Dodd

Lynley Dodd graduated from the Elam School of Art in Auckland with a diploma in Fine Arts, majoring in sculpture. She went on to teach art before taking a break to start a family. She began to work as a freelance illustrator and collaborated with author Eve Sutton on My Cat Likes To Hide in Boxes. There was no looking back as Lynley went on to write and illustrate her own books for children. Exuberant artwork and bouncy rhymes come together perfectly in books like Slinky Malinki and Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy. As well as being a visual delight, these are some of the most rewarding books for children and adults to read out loud. It comes as no surprise that, as a child, she adored Dr Seuss because of his 'crazy sounds and the fact that he took such liberties with the English language.' Other favourite authors included A A Milne and the fairy tales of The Grimm Brothers and Hans Christian Andersen. Today, Lynley is a big fan of Quentin Blake 'because of his humour and very clever art work.'

Also by Lynley Dodd

See all

Praise for Scarface Claw, Hold Tight

Arguably NZ’s most famous grumpy cat makes a rollicking return in Dodd’s much-loved Hairy Maclary series. It’s a peaceful morning and Scarface Claw is happily snoozing in the sun, tail curled around and feet tucked in. But his snooze is about to be interrupted. A picture book the young ones will adore.

Dionne Christian, Weekend Herald

Is there any more famous cat with young children than Scarface Claw? . . .This new adventure from Dame Lynley Dodd told in rhyme with all the action and wonderful illustrations of the others in this fabulous series for young children is set to introduce a new generation to a host of characters that have brought so much joy that they have their own sculpture in Tauranga in New Zealand . . . Every child needs to know Scarface Claw, Hairy Maclary and the rest of the gang – this new tale will be a great introduction and is icing on the cake of a brilliant series for existing fans.

The Bottom Shelf

Adults who’ve driven off with their wallet or coffee atop the car will recognise this scenario. But could they cope with moggy arch-villain Scarface Claw facing off through the windscreen? Vintage Dodd.

Ann Packer, NZ Listener

Awards & recognition

Storylines Notable Picture Book Award

Awarded  •  2018  •  A Storylines Notable Picture Book