Slinky Malinki facts for kids
Slinky Malinki is a fictitious cat who features in the Hairy Maclary children's stories written by New Zealand author Lynley Dodd.
Slinky Malinki
Slinky Malinki first published in 1990, is one of a well-known series of books by New Zealand author Lynley Dodd.
The book is written for pre-school children, with rhythmic, rhyming text. It has become a best-selling bedtime storybook in New Zealand.
Malinki is based on Dodd's cat, Wooskit, who was with her for 13 years. The Guardian lists Malinki amongst the top ten cats in children's fiction. Original artwork of him has been part of a travelling exhibition over a number of years, and he is part of a sculpture of some of Dodd's characters at Tauranga.
Slinky Malinki Early Bird
Slinky Malinki Early Bird, first published in 2012, is written with rhythmic, rhyming text and is popular with pre-school age children. Slinky Malinki wakes the whole family early, and then goes back to sleep, leaving everyone awake and complaining. It has been described as "Slinky Malinki's best caper yet."
It was named a Storylines Notable Book in 2013.
Slinky Malinki Open The Door
First published in 1994, featuring Slinky Malinki, it has become a best-selling bedtime storybook in New Zealand. Slinky Malinki has a parrot friend called Stickybeak Syd, and together they open doors in their house and get into mischief.
It has been recommended to educators for the incorporation of instruments during story time.
After the 2000 US presidential election had been described as a 'schmozzle', Dodd's use of the word 'shemozzle' in this book was discussed in US media, with the following verse quoted:
What a SHEMOZZLE, the things they did, Slinky Malinki and Stickybeak Syd.
They stirred up some spoons and a bowl full of fruit,
In a sea of spaghetti and vegetable soup.
