Meet Our 2021 Shortlist: The Hospital Dog

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.

About Sara Ogilvie

Sara Ogilvie is an award-winning illustrator and printmaker who won the 2011 Booktrust Best New Illustrator Award. The first picture book that she illustrated, Dogs Don't Do Ballet, was also shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. In addition to working on her picture books, Sara lectures in Illustration and Graphic Design at Northumbria University and continues to create work that is exhibited worldwide. She is inspired by many things including second-hand bookshops, old wives tales and trying to spell sounds. Sara lives in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Julia Donaldson Q&A

What was your own favourite picture book as a child?

I loved a book called Pepito by Sheila Hawkins, about a little Spanish boy and his donkey.

What do you think the best thing about picture books is?

The sharing experience between the child listener and the adult reader.

What was your favourite thing about writing the book?

Going on a ward round with a real hospital dog called Nala and her owner.

What’s the best thing about this book?

The way the dog cheers everyone up - not just the children in hospital but the staff and the visitors

What was your inspiration for the story/character?

When I was visiting a children's hospital I saw a photo on the notice board of a "hospital dog" who visited the children and immediately felt that had the makings of a great story.

What are you working on next?

My next book is called The Woolly Bear Caterpillar and it's a kind of Cinderella story but based on real caterpillars and moths.

And finally, what do you think has been the best thing about reading with small children during the lockdown?

When children can't be out and about in the real world, it's great that through books they can still travel and have adventures in their imagination.