Harvey's Hideout

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.

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

This is a wonderful book! One of my childhood favorites that has been out of print for quite some time. I can't express my happiness that it will soon be back in print for a new generation to enjoy!
I love the sibling rivalry and disagreements between muskrats Harvey and his big sister Mildred and how in the end with a little discussion and understanding on each side they become "friends" of a kind. Classic!

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley for my unbiased opinion of the book. I first fell in love with Russell Hoban was Frances books. This one does not disappoint! The illustrations are timeless. Harvey and his sister have trouble compromising and getting along. When all their friends are gone over the summer, Harvey and sister pick on each other because they are lonely for their friends and do not want to admit that they need each other. In the end they learn to work together and compromise. I will be getting this book for my nephew.

When a brother and sister fight, can they overcome their differences?

Harvey Muskrat and his sister Mildred don’t always get along. In fact, Harvey thinks Mildred is a bossy loudmouth, and she thinks he’s selfish and inconsiderate.

Harvey’s Hideout is a cute story with full-color whimsical illustrations that children and adults can relate to. Harvey and Mildred go their separate ways with secret clubs and girls-only tea parties as only siblings at odds can. While their parents try to curb their name-calling to little effect, it’s an accidental discovery that reconnects the brother and sister.

The illustrations are simply precious and the story universal. This is a great read for the little ones and a sweet reminder for adults. Definitely provides opportunities for conversations with little ones. I have many fond memories of the Hobans’ books, and it’s great to see them accessible to a new generation.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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.

I came across Harvey's Hideout on NetGalley and the first thing I sadly had to notice was, my Digital Editions didn't display the pictures and I had text only to go with. (Which has nothing to do with the book, it's just a problem which I'm confronted with since the last DE update a while back and friends of mine struggle with the same issue.)
However, reading the story I completely fell in love with it and so did my son, when I shared the delightful tale with him.

I started to look for the book online. Did I miss out on anything, not being able to see the illustrations with my ARC?
Oh yes, I actually felt deep regret not being able to fully appreciate the lovely artwork and therefore bought a hardcover copy.
What can I say? Harvey's Hideout has since become a firm favourite which I love to share with my children and preschoolers time and again.

The story is about two muskrats, little Harvey and his sister Mildred, and the two argue and fight, as siblings often do.
First Mildred is invited to a party for big girls without little brothers and Harvey doesn't understand, why he can't go along. Angry he comes up with a secret club where big sisters aren't welcome as members.
But after a while, he starts to feel very lonely. Was it really such a good idea to exclude Mildred?
What about all the good times they shared?

As mentioned before, the illustrations are very delightful. Cute and with a tender old fashioned style, they look exactly like the fairytale classics I loved dearly as a child.

Harvey's Hideout is a cleverly and masterly crafted story about sharing and caring and rivalry between siblings, beautifully enhanced with the most stunning artwork.
The book is timeless and a real gem and a keeper.