Bread and Jam for Frances was one of my favorite books when I was a kid. The rhymes were simple, her individuality was awesome, and I liked that she ended up trying new things after wanting to stick with her usual snack for most of the book. I swear there was even a point in time when I got my grandmother or great-grandmother to make dishes based on it. All that is to say, when I saw that Harvey's Hideout was available on NetGalley, I requested it because of the nostalgia factor.

While I definitely saw elements that reminded me of why I liked a different book by this writing/illustrating duo, I didn't care for this book as much as the Frances ones. Harvey and his sister, Mildred, do not get along as per the typical sibling rivalry plot line. What I did like was Lillian's illustrations as they seemed to be consistent with what I remember from Frances. The animals were sweet looking, the environments nice and homey. The writing was steady enough with previous work and I don't fault that, rather I didn't like the events/relationship of Harvey's Hideout.

The book, in my mind, overestimated what siblings might do in the situation that Harvey and Mildred found themselves in. To child readers young enough not to think too deeply, the rhymes and all's-well-that-ends-well scenario might pass, but readers slightly above the age range intended for this book, as well as the adults reading it to them, may find some difficulty in believing the characters action.

Harvey doesn't retain the same kind of enjoy-ability or re-readability as previous work by the Hobans, but I think it's nice enough for a bedtime story or for siblings that might be having a rough go at things.

Unfortunately, I didn’t finish “Harvey’s Hideout.” The brother and sister were being so mean to each other, and the book was pretty long. And what parent makes kids write sentences? Usually they’re grounded. Overall, it just wasn’t for me, but I do think that it’s well done and other people might like it.

This is a beautifully illustrated story about how family fights, but family sticks together. Harvey and his sister fight and say mean things to each other, then eventually they are nicer and nicer to each other until they can put aside their differences and play together. A wonderful example for kids to try to deal with their anger and put aside and be nice again.


I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I  recieved a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
This is a cute story about sibling relationships. If you grew up with a sibling (or siblings) you can totally relate.
The illustrations are adorable and plenty!

Sibling relationships can be tough and cruel, learning to navigate their ups and downs is difficult. Harvey and his sister are going through a rough patch and treat each other with taunts and hurtful words. Luckily in the end they learn a lesson about empathy and sharing. While the lesson is important and kids will see themselves in the characters, I can’t imagine reading this book for more than the learning opportunity. It’s not a book I can imagine rereading often with my kids, but it would be great to facilitate a conversation in a classroom of preschoolers.

A perfectly delightful little book that I'm sure young readers who cling to for lessons and illustrations.

Harvey’s Hideout is a cute children’s book that focuses on sibling relationships. Harvey is an adorable muskrat, and the illustrations have an old-fashioned flair that I loved. Harvey and his big sister don’t want to play together, but they soon realize it’s better to play together than to play alone. Harvey’s Hideout has a great message about getting along with others, siblings especially.

Thank you to Russell Hoban, Plough Publishing, and Netgalley, for the opportunity to review an ARC. Harvey’s Hideout will be published on February 4, 2018.