Dannika Patterson Talks Hedgehog The Wonder Dog
Dannika Patterson believes quality books are critical to children; to fuel imaginative play, to encourage early literacy, to teach, to linger, to promote change and for the pure and simple love of reading and writing. Hedgehog The Wonder Dog is her 10th published picture book and she also has graphic novels and poetry to her name.
Andrew:
Hi Dannika, thanks for coming for an interview! It’s a pleasure to have you. Let’s start with one of my favourite questions to ask people. Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
Dannika:
I’ll give you 3!
- I was once part of a (very, very amateur) Spice Girl tribute group. I played Posh Spice.
- I briefly held a Guinness World Record for being part of the World’s Largest Ballet Class.
- I make a mean lasagna.
Andrew:
Wow! That’s so cool. I wasn’t expecting those answers!
Your new picture book Hedgehog the Wonder Dog launched on 1st February 2023. It looks beautiful! What can you tell us about Hedgehog the Wonder Dog?
Dannika:
Hedgehog the Wonder Dog is a story about the healing powers of wonder dogs (therapy dogs) and super brave kids.
The story is narrated by Sam, who is eagerly awaiting a visit from Hedgehog the Wonder Dog
from his hospital bed. There’s a dual narrative in this story, allowing the reader windows into both Sam’s life in hospital and Hedgehog’s antics with his handler, Jo. We follow both Sam and Hedgehog’s routines throughout the days of the week, as Sam counts down the sleeps until Hedgehog visits him in hospital, every Friday. No matter what kind of Friday Sam is having, Hedgehog always makes him smile. She seems to intuitively know just what kind of company he
needs from her on any given day.
This story is a light touch on what can be a heavy subject (childhood illness) that celebrates the
unique comfort to be found in man’s best furry, four-legged friend in general, and the wonders of
therapy dogs, specifically.
Andrew:
Who do you think Hedgehog the Wonder Dog will resonate with and what do you hope they come away with after enjoying story time with Hedgehog The Wonder Dog?
Dannika:
I hope that Hedgehog the Wonder Dog offers love, hope and reassurance to readers from age five & up. I hope it proves to be not only a story that children can enjoy as a picture book in itself, but also a valuable resource for educators, parents and medical staff, exemplifying the ‘extraordinary’ and ‘wonder-filled’ benefits of therapy dogs.
Andrew:
How has Ross Morgan enhanced the story through illustrations?
Dannika:
I am in awe and gratitude for all the rich ways that Ross Morgan has added layers of visual narrative into this story. His art is so evocative. From the way he has used light to show Hedgehog illuminated with a magical, rainbow glow, to the way he’s depicted the various backgrounds & hospital scenes, etched with soft pencil lines and shading, to keep the focus on the bond between Hedgehog and Sam.
I love that Ross has used layered traditional mediums mixed with digital art. And I adore the colourful, happy child-like pen drawings lining the walls, signifying Sam’s uplifting moments and featured on the end papers of the hardcover version of this book. Basically – I’m a HUGE Ross Morgan fan. HUGE.
Andrew:
I saw a video post you made about the upcoming launch of Hedgehog the Wonder Dog. In that video, you introduced to us your pet dog, George. Tell us about something funny or silly that your real-life wonder dog, George has done.
Dannika:
My dog George is a 3 year old mixed-breed gentle giant who doesn’t understand how light or shadows work. He’s constantly chasing flickering lights or being frightened by shadows. Have you ever seen a cat chase a laser light? Well, our dog George does that! He CANNOT figure out where a laser or torch light is coming from and will run around chasing a light to the point of exhaustion. He actually tries to pounce on in. Like a cat. It’s hilarious to watch. And also a great way to exercise him in our back yard if we haven’t had time to walk him during the day!
Andrew:
How can people follow you and your trail of books?
Dannika:
Answer: Folks can keep up with my books news, workshops and other events by following me on Instagram @dannikapatterson and/or on Facebook @dannikapattersonbooks
Thanks so much for the interview, Dannika! Best wishes as you see Hedgehog get out and share story time with kids everywhere!
Thanks for reading this interview with Dannika Patterson. You can grab Hedgehog The Wonder Dog from your favourite book shop or online stores or below.
