Harry and Horsie

Van Camp, Katie. 2009. HARRY AND HORSIE. Ill. by Lincoln Agnew. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 9780061755989 [Suggested Grade Levels PreK- 1]

REVIEW

Harry can’t sleep and neither can his favorite stuffed friend, Horsie. The moon is shining through his window and Harry wants to play with his new “Super Duper Bubble Blooper.” Soon there are bubbles everywhere and some envelope and carry off Harry’s toys. What is at first amusing turns into adventure, as a large bubble carries Horsie out the window and off to space. Now, with Bubble Shooter in hand, Harry is off to rescue Horsie!

Big bold comic book style graphics grace pages that look heavy and colored by age. Onomatopoeic words further this impression with exclamations of BLOOP! and ZOOM! Textured colors give the illustrations a retro 1950’s look. Harry has huge saucer shaped eyes and textured yellow hair, while well loved Horsie is loose limbed and patched. There is plenty of humor in the words and drawings as well. In one double paged spread, Harry is posed bravely, chest out, bubble shooter at the ready and standing next to him is his kitten, in the classic cat grooming pose.

CONNECTIONS

Blowing bubbles would be a fun introduction to HARRY AND HORSIE. Following the reading, experiment using different items as a “Super Duper Bubble Blooper.” Invite the kids to consider: Can you blow a bubble through a straw? How about a Froot Loop? Why? What do you need to make a bubble blowing tool?

RELATED BOOKS

Other books about imaginative trips to space:

Loomis, Christine. ASTRO BUNNIES. ISBN 9780399231759

Portis, Antoinette. NOT A BOX. ISBN 9780061123221

Yaccarino, Dan. ZOOM! ZOOM! ZOOM! I’M OFF TO THE MOON! ISBN 9780590956109

By Marianne Follis