Harriet, You'll Drive Me Wild!

by Mem Fox, Marla Frazee (Illustrator)

Harriet doesn't mean to be pesky. Sometimes she just is. And her mother doesn't mean to lose her temper. Sometimes she just does.
But Harriet and her mother know that even when they do things they wish they hadn't, they still love each other very much.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family, Fiction, Parenting, Realistic Fiction, Love

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Merrion Frances Fox is an Australian writer of children's books and an educationalist specialising in literacy. Fox has been semi-retired since 1996, but she still gives seminars and lives in Adelaide, South Australia.

Reviews

[Nicole Doerr · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Harriet You'll Drive Me Wild!" is a adorable book about a young girl name Harriet. This book is a contemporary realistic fiction aimed at preschool or school aged children. Throughout the book Harriet is being a handful for her mother. She breaks things and makes messes everywhere all day long.She is not doing thing intentionally but they are just happening. Her mother tried to remain calm and not yell. At the end of the book, her mother does yell at her. She quickly apologizes and says somethings things just happen. The illustrations of her causing trouble are beyond cute! The theme of this book is not one often explored. It could be used for a lesson on expression of feelings. Also it may open a discussion to why people get angry sometimes. Both student and teacher, or child and parent can learn from this book. I only rated it three stars though because I feel that children may not want to read it more than once. The lesson is good but the entertainment of the book, not so much.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I change Harriet's name to my daughter's name. It works better that way.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations of this book was very cute and I think the author had a good idea behind it. But I guess because I've never really believed in not disciplining your child when they do something wrong. Allow them to be a child but if they do something wrong tell them not just pat them on the head and say it's okay; until it builds up (like it did in this book) and you end up yelling at them. Then they don't understand why that was wrong but the other stuff wasn't.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book would've been more healthy for all involved if the mom set some boundaries, had the kiddo help her clean things up, or generally didn't try to bottle things up while also telling her child that she was driving her wild (without explaining why). As someone whose internalized response to stuff is "what is wrong with you?" it seems like unfortunately setting up this kiddo with a similar internal voice that is just as unhelpful for fixing or coping with mistakes/accidents. I did appreciate that they did some mending at the end when the mom finally lost her temper. It just felt like a bummer of a book because I've been there and it just seems like it implies the only solution is to bottle up feelings better which in my experience doesn't work and is super unhealthy. Communicating frustrations, boundaries, expectations, or other things with (even young!) kiddos early while they're still minor annoyances one can handle is so much healthier than waiting and ignoring feelings until your brain is pushed into an emotional state or survival state response. Oops why am I still typing.

[Kristen Dutkiewicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harriet doesn't really mean to drive her mother wild.... sometimes it just happens.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps some closer parental supervision might have prevented some of the messes described.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

rating: 3.5

I may not have access to the right age child for this book. When somewhere around 2 or 3 years old, I think the kids would have been enthralled with the pictures and the story, especially the 'naughty' things that Harriet does and the dynamics between the mother and child.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Children do not always purposely behave in a manner that drives adults crazy. Parents sometimes (ha!) lose their patience.

[Cruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author: Mem Fox
Illustrator: Marla Frazee
First published: 2000

"Her mother didn't like to yell, so instead she said,
'Harriet, my darling child. Harriet, you'll drive me wild.
Harriet, sweetheart, what are we to do?
Harriet Harris, I'm talking to you.'
'I'm sorry,' said Harriet, and she was."

A day in the life of a toddler, with a Real Mum. She gardens, works on her computer, addresses envelopes. And every time Harriet has an accident "just like that", Mum gets progressively more frustrated.

Illustrated with "Pencil and transparent drawing inks on Strathmore paper, hot press finish." the book has a classic children's book feel - realistic images with a gentle colour palette and identifiable locations. (More on Marla Frazee and her books on her website).

It's a nice, easy, colourful Real Life story with a good use of repetition and cumulative phrases. "Harriet..." always appeals to me, as a Mum, 'cause it's just so true! We've all had days like that - you know it was an accident, you know she's only little, but why does it Keep. On. Happening?!? (Like those days when you tell your three year old "oh, just grow up!" And wonder if those words really did just come put of your mouth...)

One of my favourites.

Age (taking into account comprehension, concentration, language):
Read aloud - 3+
Read yourself - 5+

(ISBN 9780733613128)

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harriet is really trying not to misbehave, and her mom is really trying not to get mad at her. But sometimes both things happen. It's touching to see how both of them are trying hard. Mom doesn't like to yell. Harriet says she is sorry, and she means it. The best part is that they both can be forgiving, with themselves and with the other, and then try again.
It's a strong point of this story that both, mom and Harriet, have to effort to control themselves, this way parents and kids can relate with the characters. The repetition of the phrase "just like that" helps to see how natural this situation is.

The illustrations are beautiful, and they really add details to the text of the story being told. That's something so important in a picture book, that always involves a reader and a pre reader who follows the story with the help of the images.
Frazer is a very talented illustrator. The illustration that accompanies the "There was a terrible silence" page is SO good! I shows this second of silence before the big explosion with such a vivid tension!

*This review is part of my project Characters with character

Check out more children's book reviews in my Reviews in Chalk Blog!

[(NS) - Heather Hayman · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this charming story by Mem Fox, Harriet is the kind of kid that most people see as a handful. In just one day, she knocks over her juice, paints on the carpet and falls off her chair at lunch with the entire tablecloth. Harriet doesn't mean to be such a nuisance, and her mother tries to be as patient as possible. Things start to change after more mishaps occur as blood pressure starts to rise and her Mother explodes. Overall, it is a recommended story involving accidents that led to successfully evoking emotions out of a parent. It is a nice read for all families who love each other and just make mistakes along the way.

[Sylvester (Taking a break in 2023) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5* art
5* story

Squirt asks for this one again and again. For some reason he is fascinated by the conflict between this mother and daughter (?!!!) When it comes to the part where the mother finally loses her temper and yells and yells and yells, he wants me to read it quietly, "Not too loud, Mommy." He could've written this book himself, he's been through it so many times. Including the part where Mommy has to apologize for yelling. What an awesome book! Kids need to understand these situations. And I am fully warned - Squirt will never have a feather pillow, I'll not tempt fate.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know, it kind of leaves me cold. Kid likes it, but I think it's a bit earnest or dull or something. Even the illustration style.

[Joyce Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mem Fox works long and hard to get just the right beginning of each picture book. And the premise of this book is one many young children can relate to. It comes through clearly with the first two sentences: "Harriet Harris was a pesky child. She didn't mean to be. She just was." The story unfolds with instance after instance of Harriet's "pesky" antics while Mom tries to handle everything "without yelling" until the story comes to a loving end. Charming illustrations bring additional story details and sweet humor.

[Anna Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harriet is a little girl and she doesn’t mean to cause problems, she just does on accident. Throughout this book we see Harriet spill and knock things over. After these troubles, he mom simply replies with a phrase including “Harriet, my darling child. Harriet, you’ll drive me wild.” To which Harriet always responds with “I’m sorry.” Until one day when Harriet’s mother begins to loose her temper and yell at Harriet after she explodes a pillow with feathers going everywhere. And while Harriet doesn’t mean to always cause problems, her mother explains to her that she didn’t mean to yell and it just happened. Through all of this we see that no matter what happens, Harriet and her mother love each other regardless.

This book could spark a great topic of conversation with young readers in how they express their emotions and why Harriet’s mom got so angry at Harriet when she hadn’t for similar behavior earlier in the book. This book would also be great for parents for them to see how it may affect their child if they express such strong emotion so suddenly. I do love the illustrations in this book, they are small yet very detailed, making me wish that they took up more of the page, nonetheless, they do a wonderful job of showing the emotions and actions of both Harriet and her mother.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I think most children want to be good and pleasant. And I think most mothers want to be patient and kind (I know I do). And yet sometimes we all make mistakes and need to ask for forgiveness. It's good when apologies come, when forgiveness if offered and when love grows again.

**Talking points - Do you have certain things that drive other people wild in negative ways? What are they? Do you want to change them? How can you change them? Do you sometimes lose your patience? What triggers you to lose your patience? Are there things you can do to help you not lose your self-control? What are they? Is it easy or hard for you to apologize? Why? What people in your life seem to have the most self-control? What people in your life seem to be the most kind and patient? What people in your life seem to be the best at realizing they are at fault and apologizing and making amends?

[Gabi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Throughout the day, little Harriet gets into a variety of things from knocking over her glass of juice to dripping paint on the carpet. However, her mother did not like to yell so she would repeatedly say calmly, "Harriet, my darling child. Harriet, you'll drive me wild." To which Harriet would sincerely reply, "I'm sorry." After Harriet ripped up a pillow instead of taking a nap, her mother lost her patience and began to yell but was immediately regretful. Although this is a children's picture book, I feel like it is more for parents than it is for young children. Children might find it funny that Harriet is causing a lot of trouble but they won't understand the mom's struggle to be patient and the faces of anger we see in the illustrations. It is really hard for me to tell if I like this book and I think it will be a hit or miss for parents based on whether or not they believe in consequences and punishment for their children.

[Jill Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harriet Harris was a pesky child. She didn't mean to be she just was.

When the juice was spilt at breakfast.

Her mother didn't like to yell so she calmly said, 'Harriet, my darling child.'
Harriet was sorry.

When the jam dribbled on her jeans.
When the paint was dripped on the floor.
When Harriet slid off the chair with the tablecloth.
She always said sorry, and she was.

When Harriet ripped a pillow and the feathers flew out, just like that.
Harriet's mother yelled and yelled.
Harriet cried, 'I'm sorry.'
Her mother said she was sorry too, she got angry, just like that.

Happily, they laughed at the mess and cleaned it up together.

Mem Fox is a superlative writer for young children. Every word counts. This is delightfully illustrated by Marla Frazee to compliment the story.

[Jennifer Strong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harriet is a "pesky" child and (accidentally) makes messes all day long. With each disaster her mother gets angrier and angrier. She doesn't like to yell, but when Harriet rips a pillow open and feathers go flying, mom loses it. They both calm down, hug, look around and realize how silly the massive feather mess is.
•
As a parent's I totally relate to this book. I try and try and try to be calm when he makes a mess or does something naughty. And sometimes I get to the point where I've had it! But just like this book shows, I still love him and no matter what he does that will not change. Our relationship is more important than a mess to clean up. This book does a good job of portraying reality and gently reminds kids that parents' love remains intact even if they lose their temper.

[Abby Gallier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember this book from when I was a kid, and would recommend it for ages 4-7. My mom would read it with plenty of emphasis to my sister and I. This book depicts a little girl who makes messes and gets into trouble, and her mother has an incredible amount of patience with her, but only to a certain point. This was my mom. She never raised her voice at us very often, but on the rare occasion that she did, we always knew we had gotten on her last nerve. It is a relatable story for children who just can't help but get into trouble, and may show them how hard it is for mom not to raise her voice at them.

[Tami Speakman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very sweet book, the children can see themselves in Harriet especially if they are curious toddlers. The book shows that parenting can be a struggle if you are trying your best not to raise your voice, but if you have a toddler sometimes that is uncontrollable. Some of the things Harriet does were more of an accident that maybe she doesn't understand is wrong, like the paint on the floor or spilling the drink but the mom needs to explain to her why she is upset. As a parent, we do have to raise our voice and discipline the children even though we hate to see that sad voice.

[Pearly Sprinkles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to have to have this book on a tape of Mem Fox stories read by the author herself. I can still hear her reading 'Harriet, You'll Drive Me Wild' in my head, listening from the perspective of a little girl who occasionally is lovingly scolded.

So I was delighted to find a copy at my local library to read to my daughter, who, currently being 3 1/2 years old, is always wanting to help but getting up to accidental mischief.

Now as a mother myself, I can relate to the mother of this book more than ever!

[Chiquita wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book about feelings (emotions). This is a book related to it. Parents or teachers will have a certain feeling for their children, they do not understand their behavior and how it affects other people in the surrounding environment. But with the help of the mother, her behavior will also affect her children. She simply apologized and comforted, and hoped that her children could complete their work.

[Adriana Palencia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't too fond of the book, but I really enjoyed the ending of this book. The mother understands Harriet is sorry for what she has done and forgives her. Harriet and her mom work together to clean up the mess. This book could be used as a social and emotional book. The class could have a discussion about what Harriet could have done throughout the book to make her mom feel better.

[Sara Cornell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really wonderful book written in poetry format with a sweet relationship between mother and daughter. I love that it explores children who misbehave yet don't mean to. This is a relatable story that is funny and heartfelt.

Six Traits: Sentence Fluency

Lexile: AD460L
Guided Reading: H

[Jordan Devine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute book. It was about a mother and daughter and the daughter was always making messes but the mom would never yell, she didn’t like to. Eventually the mom had to yell and she regretted it after. They both admitted that things just happen which was like the whole part of the book because Harriet would make messes

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow those conflicts between annoying Harriet and her increasingly furious mother are soooooooooo funny!

The writing, with typical Mem Fox finesse, does part of this neat trick.
The illustrations, by talented Marla Frazee, does the rest.

All of us readers win at this game. Mainly, I think this game is called "Getting along with other people, human people."

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this story of an accident-prone little girl and her frazzled mother to be so, so relatable and endearing. The detailed illustrations nicely add to the story and I especially like how Harriet's sidekick (a scruffy little dog) appears on every page.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice repetitive story. The kindergarteners were getting a little bored of the repetitive language, but that is what makes it interactive. Better for first semester kindergarten and younger, with good attention span.

[Mella · Rating 2 out of 5]

See this review. Not the best. Bit slow. Bit bland. There's no rhyming and the message doesn't really impact very strongly.