Milly May’s Puppy Day
Meet Milly May, an adorable Springer Spaniel puppy who loves running all day. She is a little loopy, and Sarah often says, “No, Milly,” during the day.
The author and illustrator Tina and Alan have based the story and illustrations on the real-life adventures of their two-year-old Springer Spaniel Millie. Alan created the original illustrations inspired by Millie’s puppy antics over a year of living with them.
Milly May’s Puppy Day is a delightful read-along story for toddlers and children aged 2-6 and dog-loving adults. It’s the perfect book for anyone looking for a fun and engaging tale about the joys of spending time with a playful puppy.
Perfect For
Bedtime reading
Ages 2–6
Early readers
Classroom story time
Junior & Senior Infants
Order online – Formats available – Paperback (POD) & Kindle eBook
What is POD (Print on Demand)?
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
Buy on Amazon.com
Free colouring sheets to go with the book – download
Reviews
Milly May’s Puppy Days
Who doesn’t love a puppy? They make a mess they root and they chew your best shoes and then they look at you with their big brown puppy doll eyes and you forgive them instantly. That is exactly what this book is about Milly May’s messy puppyhood and her adventures. It is also educational teaching the big and small people who adopt a puppy how to care for their messy adorable new family member. The book is beautifully illustrated by Alan Fitzpatrick who added colouring sheets at the back so you can colour Milly May and her owner, Sarah and maybe draw in more of her messes.
Join Milly May, the playful Springer Spaniel puppy, on a fun-filled day of adventures and friendship!
Classroom Activities for Milly May’s Puppy Day (Ages 4–6, Junior & Senior Infants)
1. Puppy Movement Game
- Time: 10–15 minutes
- Materials: None
- Activity: Children act out puppy movements from the story — walking, tiptoeing, jumping, or “wagging tails.” The facilitator reads short sections, and children respond with safe, playful actions.
- Age Range: 4–6 years
- Benefits: Physical activity, gross motor development, listening skills, engagement
- Safety: Clear floor space, supervised by teacher, no running on stairs
2. Draw Milly May’s Adventure
- Time: 15–20 minutes
- Materials: Paper, crayons, markers, or pencils
- Activity: Children draw Milly May on a new adventure. Encourage them to add friends, settings, or obstacles to spark storytelling and imagination.
- Age Range: 4–6 years
- Benefits: Encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and early literacy
- Safety: Simple materials; no cutting required
3. Story-Based Movement Game
- Time: 15 minutes
- Materials: None
- Activity: Children act out sections of the story — walking, jumping, or “wagging tails” like puppies — while following instructions from the facilitator.
- Age Range: 4–6 years
- Benefits: Physical activity, engagement, story comprehension, memory
- Safety: Clear floor space; supervised by teacher; avoid obstacles
4. Puppy Thought Bubble
- Time: 10–15 minutes
- Materials: Paper, crayons, or markers
- Activity: Children imagine what Milly May might be thinking during the story. They can draw “thought bubbles” with pictures, symbols, or simple words.
- Age Range: 4–6 years
- Benefits: Encourages empathy, literacy, and imaginative thinking
- Safety: Low risk; paper and crayons only
Quick Tips for Teachers
- Focus on movement activities to engage attention and energy.
- Include drawing and thought bubble activities to develop creativity and early literacy.
- Timing: 10–20 minutes per activity, suited to short attention spans.
- Supervision: Teacher or responsible adult must remain present at all times.
