Milly McCarthy and the Doggy Daycare Drama
Milly wants her own dog, and a dog-walking business grows into chaotic doggy daycare.
Milly McCarthy and the Doggy Daycare Drama is a comic children’s fiction title by Leona Forde. In the children’s bestseller list we checked on 7 November 2026, it was number 9. This guide explains what the book is about, who it suits, how to talk about it and what to read next.
What is Milly McCarthy and the Doggy Daycare Drama about?
Milly wants her own dog and sets out to prove she is responsible by starting a dog-walking business. The job grows into a doggy daycare when she ends up looking after a spotted Dalmatian, a clever poodle and a lost labradoodle.
It is part of the Milly McCarthy series, which also includes titles such as Milly McCarthy Is a Complete Catastrophe, Milly McCarthy and the Sports Day Shambles and Milly McCarthy and the Irish Dancing Disaster.
Milly McCarthy and the Doggy Daycare Drama: book details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | Leona Forde |
| Series | Milly McCarthy |
| Format | Paperback |
| Publisher | Gill Children’s |
| Length | 176 pages |
| Genre | Comic children’s fiction |
| Age guide | 7 to 10 (suggested) |
Ages marked as “suggested” are our own guidance, not the publisher’s. Editions and dates can differ between shops, so check the listing for the copy you want.
Why children enjoy Milly McCarthy and the Doggy Daycare Drama
- Dog lovers will be hooked by the animals alone.
- Milly’s well-meant schemes keep going wrong in ways children find funny.
- The Irish setting and humour feel familiar to readers here.
Reading and talking tips
Use these prompts to make reading time a conversation:
- Ask: “What would you need to look after a dog properly?”
- Talk about how Milly proves she is responsible.
- Draw a doggy daycare of your own with a rulebook.
An Irish connection
This title has an Irish link through its author, setting or subject, which makes it a good fit for our collection of Irish children’s authors and illustrators.
About Leona Forde
Leona Forde is a Cork-based author. Her Milly McCarthy series is published by Gill Children’s.
Read more on our Leona Forde author page.
If your child likes this, try…
- Disaster Dad: Animal Antics by Donncha O’Callaghan, number 5 in the list.
- Squad Girls by Evanne Ní Chuilinn, number 8 in the list.
- Detective Thingy Majiggy by Cecelia Ahern, number 18 in the list.
Browse the whole list in our Top 20 children’s books, or use our books by age guides to find your next read.
Frequently asked questions about Milly McCarthy and the Doggy Daycare Drama
What age is Milly McCarthy and the Doggy Daycare Drama for?
The publisher lists it as children’s fiction without a set age. We suggest around 7 to 10.
Do I need to read the other Milly McCarthy books first?
No. This is part of a series, but the story works on its own.
How long is the book?
The paperback is 176 pages, which makes it a manageable length for newer chapter-book readers.
Where to find it: your local library, an independent bookshop or an online retailer. Library membership is free in Ireland; see our guide to using your library.