This is a very sweet story about a hippo who has to learn the idea of personal space. The story is very well put together with interesting illustrations. If you are an educator or parent with a sweet child who needs a story to connect with about using and learning about personal space, I recommend this book!

Harrison the hippo loves his friends. He wants to be close to them, all the time. He talks close, he sits close and so on. His friends are not very happy with the way he invades their personal space. He doesn't understand what the problem is. With help from his dad and a few simple tips, Harrison learns to be a good friend without making others uncomfortable. A fun story to teach children about personal space. The illustrations are bright, colourful and have great expression. My granddaughter is a bit too young to understand the lesson, but she loved the images and laughed at Harrison. A great addition to a primary classroom or family library.

Harrison P. Spader, a loveable and avid lover of life, has one problem... he wants to share his love with everyone around him. He wants his whole world to experience that feeling of love and his exuberance up-close and personal.



"Harrison P. Spader sits a little too close.
Shakes hands a little too long.
High-fives a little too hard.
And hugs a little too much.
HARRISON P. SPADER IS A PERSONAL SPACE INVADER."


Unfortunately his friends don't share his enthusiasm. He makes them feel very uncomfortable when he invades their personal space and they want Harrison P. Spader to knock it off. After countless phone calls from teachers, coaches, and other parents his dad finally steps up to the plate to discuss the issue with his son.

His wise dad teaches him a life lesson that will totally change Harrison P. Spader's life for the better. Dad teaches his son the Space Saver technique.


"Arms out front
then out real wide.
Now place your arms
back at your sides."


Will this simple rhyme of self-awareness work for Harrison P. Spader and help him become a better friend and benefit him as he grows up and becomes a more responsible citizen?

The illustrations are delightful. Harrison P. Spader is an adorable main character and the illustrations add humour and emotions that will have kids giggling as they engage in the text. This entertaining picture book tackles the importance of personal space-a topic close to the heart of kids and grownups alike. I highly recommend this book.

A title that fills a need in a gently, amusing way.

Ahhhhh. Harrison the hippo loves his friends, but his friends don’t love when he invades their personal space. Harrison doesn’t realize that there is such a thing as “too close.” A few simple lessons from dad, and help from his friends, will help Harrison be a better friend and a better citizen.

This is such a cute book! I think that many children would benefit from hearing it and learning about personal space. The illustrations are fun and colorful. I can see this book being used in classrooms and library storytimes to help children understand the whole personal space concept. I like how Harrison took the concept too far and it had to be discussed again. This would lead to a good discussion with children after reading.