What a SHEMOZZLE, the things they did, Slinky Malinki and Stickybeak Syd. Īfter 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: It has been recommended to educators for the incorporation of instruments during story time. Slinky Malinki has a parrot friend called Stickybeak Syd, and together they open doors in their house and get into mischief. Slinky Malinki Open The Door, first published in 1993, has become a best-selling bedtime storybook in New Zealand. It is used in the teaching of language to children. It has also been reviewed by Magpies magazine. A translation into Russian was published in 2011. There's just nothing to it.' By contrast, a reviewer for Booklist compared Malinki to one of Eliot's cats, highlighted the verse and illustrations, and concluded that 'New readers will find the vocabulary varied and occasionally challenging but are sure to enjoy the fun.' Multiple editions have been published in the UK and US, as well as Australia and New Zealand, most recently in 2015.

School Library Journal found that 'While there's nothing wrong with this book, there's nothing to recommend it, either', and concluded 'It's hard to imagine many preschoolers who would sit through the whole book. The book received mixed reviews when first published. 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.

The Guardian lists Malinki amongst the top ten cats in children's fiction.

Malinki is based on Dodd's cat, Wooskit, who was with her for 13 years. It has become a best-selling bedtime storybook in New Zealand. The book is written for pre-school children, with rhythmic, rhyming text. Slinky Malinki, first published in 1990, is one of a well-known series of books by New Zealand author Lynley Dodd.

Slinky Malinki by Lynley Dodd