Smelly Peggy

by Helen Stephens

Interest age: 4 to 5

Published by Walker Books, 2024

  • Funny
  • Picture books

About this book

Pie invites readers to meet Peggy, her lovable, mischievous, and sometimes smelly rescue dog.

She reveals some of Peggy’s naughty antics, such as waking them up with a slobbery lick on the face, stealing their clothes, and knocking them over with giant sticks on walks. Most of all, Peggy loves to roll in super-smelly things, from stinky seaweed and old fish to any kind of poop she can find.  

Throughout the book, Pie poses questions, such as "Can you see her little curly tail?", "What do you think of her?" and, most importantly of all, "Do you think we love her?" which encourages children to engage with the story.

Despite the little dog’s unsavoury habits, Pie makes it very clear that Peggy is, and always will be, a treasured member of the family. 

Full of warmth and gentle humour, this absolutely delightful tale is sure to resonate with any reader who has a dog. The expressive watercolour illustrations are beautifully observed and perfectly capture the exasperation and joy of living with a beloved canine friend.  

About the author

Helen Stephens grew up in County Durham and currently lives in Darlington with her partner and little girl. She studied illustration at Glasgow School of Art and began working as a freelance illustrator in 1994. She worked as an editorial illustrator for a few years before writing her first book in 1998.

She has written and illustrated many popular books for children which have been published worldwide in a variety of languages. As well as writing her own stories she has also produced books in collaboration with other authors including Roger McGough, Simon Mason and Sophie Hannah. Helen is a lecturer on Cambridge School of Art's MA in Illustrating for Children.

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