Doodle and Dot: Squiggles on the Loose

By Author / Illustrator

Lily Murray, Bia Melo

Genre

Friendship

Age range(s)

Publisher

Oxford University Press

ISBN

9780192787729

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

03-07-2025

Synopsis

Doodle and Dot are best friends. They love to draw together and experiment with art. But their drawings have a frustrating habit of coming to life and causing mayhem.

Doodle and Dot don't always agree on everything, especially when it comes to playing with lines. Dot is a fan of nice, neat lines and Doodle much prefers silly squiggles. Doodle goes on a squiggle-drawing spree and not even Dot's straight-edged cage can contain them! How will they ever get the squiggles back under control?

Doodle and Dot: Squiggles on the Loose gently introduces line drawing styles to preschoolers. Written by Lily Murray, it is an action-packed tale about friendship, creativity, and teamwork, brought to life with glorious illustrations from Bia Melo.

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Reviews

Sue

Best friends Doodle and Dot both love drawing, but they don't always agree on things. Dot loves nice, neat lines whilst Doodle much prefers random squiggles - squiggles which get out of control! They must work together to contain them and restore order.

Squiggles on the Loose is a fun-filled, energetic story about friendship, imagination and creativity. Perfect for sharing with little children, the story is sure to inspire experimentation with different styles of line drawing. Plenty of creative ideas are offered for them to copy and imitate which will lead to further exploration of their own. Whether using paint, crayon, pencil or wax, the potential for experimental fun is endless - at school, in playgroups or at home!

Although Doodle and Dot disagree, they solve their problem by working together and Doodle is quick to apologise for having spoilt Dot's drawing, showing children the importance of admitting mistakes and valuing friendship. As their adventure continues, it is teamwork and imagination which lead to their success!

The illustrations are delightful and children might enjoy creating collaged characters of their own and create artistic adventures for them using lines and squiggles in different ways.

Picture book / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher