Whether it’s finding a lost shoe or discovering who did a poo on the new gravel path, Nell’s ever-sniffing nose is always hard at work. So when the books at her owner Peter’s school have disappeared one morning, Detective Dog Nell is ready to sniff out the culprit!



There once was a dog with a keen sense of smell.
She was known far and wide as Detective Dog Nell.
“To look at, read aloud and listen to, this book is a delight.” The Sunday Times, Children’s Book of the Week
“A glorious collaboration by a master of the art and a rising star… Donaldson sets out the rhyming story with characteristic panache, perfectly complemented by Ogilvie’s bright and busy artwork.” The Guardian
![]() |
Julia says ... |
This was my first collaboration with Sara Ogilvie and I love all the witty additions she has brought to the story – like the penguins in the pizza shop.
You can see Sara and me drawing and story-telling in this broadcast.

The Detective Dog won the Books Are My Bag Children’s Award.