Last but by no means least… it’s The Hospital Dog by Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie (Macmillan Children’s Books). It’s a timely, lively and heart-warming story from Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie inspired by a hospital dog Julia met in real life. Learn more about Dot the dog, her owner Rose and all the patients they meet along the way in this thoroughly feel-good tail (sorry, we couldn’t resist).
What the Judges said: “I loved the characters in this story, which the text and pictures bring so brilliantly and vibrantly to life. Reading this elicits an emotional response, and at a time when hospitals and narratives about illness are at the forefront of many minds, I found this very comforting. I thought this book was a delight.” – Lorraine Kelly
About Julia Donaldson
Julia Donaldson is the author of some of the world's best-loved children's books, including the modern classics The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, which together have sold over 17 million copies worldwide, and the hugely successful What the Ladybird Heard adventures. Julia also writes fiction, including the Princess MirrorBelle books illustrated by Lydia Monks, as well as poems, plays and songs - and her brilliant live shows are always in demand. She was the UK Children’s Laureate 2011- 13, is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, and was recognised in the New Year Honours list 2019 with a CBE for her services to Literature. Julia and her husband Malcolm divide their time between West Sussex and Edinburgh.
Photo credit: Steve Ullathorne