Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Harvey's Hideout

Rate this book
Harvey thinks his big sister is mean and rotten; she thinks he is stupid and no-good. As a result, they both spend some lonely hours refusing to play with each other.

39 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1969

4 people are currently reading
352 people want to read

About the author

Lillian Hoban

169 books32 followers
The youngest of three children, Lillian Hoban was born in Philadelphia on May 18, 1925. She attended the Philadelphia Museum School of Art, studied dance for ten years (and danced with the Martha Graham dancers), taught Modern Dance and danced professionally in the 1950s.
She learned to draw still life and began to write her own stories only after having children (Phoebe, Brom, Esme and Julia), and based her tales on their experiences.

Lillian Hoban's I-Can- Read-Books about Arthur the Chimpanzee, and the Frances books (written by her former husband Russell Hoban) continue to be extremely popular among children as time goes by- the hallmark of classics.

from http://www.lillianhoban.com/Biography...

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
81 (43%)
4 stars
65 (34%)
3 stars
29 (15%)
2 stars
6 (3%)
1 star
7 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Diane.
1,133 reviews3,235 followers
March 10, 2022
"Harvey's Hideout" is in my precious collection of books I saved from childhood. I rediscovered it recently while doing some decluttering in the basement. I was looking through an overstuffed bookshelf, hoping to find a few items to donate, when I saw its faded cover. I had such a rush of happy memories of this book that I dropped what I was doing and started rereading it.

It's the story of a boy muskrat named Harvey, who often bickers with his big sister, Mildred. The two fight for most of the story, but by the end they have a better understanding and appreciation for each other, and even share a clubhouse together.

I suspect my mother gave me this book all those years ago because I was a big sister who often bickered with my younger brother — nice move, mom. Here I am, several decades later, still enjoying this book. And since my brother lives in a different state and I rarely get to see him, maybe it would have been nice to share a little clubhouse after all.
2,830 reviews31.9k followers
December 27, 2017
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.
Profile Image for PattyMacDotComma.
1,795 reviews1,075 followers
August 3, 2018
4★
‘It is my raft and nobody else’s. So, ha ha ha.’

‘That is just what I would expect from a selfish, inconsiderate, stupid, no-good little brother like you,’
said Mildred.

‘That is because you are a loudmouth, bossy, mean and rotten big sister,’ said Harvey as Mother came out on the back porch again.

‘You will both have to stop that right now,’ said Mother, ‘and your father is going to hear about it when he comes home.’


Sound familiar? Anyone who has grown up with siblings or an extended family will recognise the back-and-forth, thrust-and-parry of childhood bickering.

[Admittedly, some people never outgrow the need to score points against others, but I digress.]

Harvey Muskrat was noisily hammering away, building a raft, outside the house where sister Mildred is trying to write a poem in peace. Thus began the complaints.

As the story progresses, Mildred packs up a pretty dress and says she’s off to a party while Harvey collects a few things and says he’s off to a private clubhouse.

Of course, neither is meeting anyone. As it happens, they have each established a lonely little burrow next door to the other some way from home. Eventually, they make up, join forces, and make a little clubhouse for the two of them.

It’s a very simple story, not particularly innovative but oh, so beautifully illustrated in full colour by Lillian Hoban. Without her illustrations these stories would not appeal as much as they do.

This is a republication of the original 1969 story, and I don’t think it has lost anything over the nearly 50 years since it first came out. I am delighted to think that today’s children can learn to understand what cooperation is with the Hoban stories. [There are plenty of adults who could benefit from reading these, but, again, I digress.]

Thanks to NetGalley and Plough Publishing for the preview copy from which I’ve quoted and for reissuing it!
#HarveysHideout #NetGalley
Profile Image for Rod Brown.
7,516 reviews288 followers
December 25, 2023
A cute and humorous look at sibling rivalry and bickering. Harvey Muskrat and his older sister, Mildred, try to one-up each other with the exciting things they are doing this summer, like a party or secret club, to which the other isn't invited.

I like the minimal but amusing impact of the parents on a story that is truly about the kids working things out for themselves.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
13.2k reviews484 followers
June 24, 2017
Father says "It is true that Harvey is selfish and inconsiderate," and makes Mildred write "I will not call Harvey stupid and no-good" 500 times. And Harvey is disciplined in the exact same manner as his sister. Then they called each other the same old four word insults again, and went to their rooms, and "slammed their doors quietly."

I love how they're Muskrats. And the Beavers are too big to play with, and they're forbidden to play with the Weasels, and they swim, and have dens....

And the pictures are fun, and appropriate. And the ending is satisfying.

If you have children who bicker all the time, I suggest you try to find a copy of this.
Profile Image for Yesha- Books Teacup and Reviews.
913 reviews159 followers
January 13, 2018
*** Note: I received review copy of this book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I am glad I got a chance to read this book. ***

There is no love if siblings never fight, something is wrong there. But the most important thing is to appreciate the good in them and not to call mean spiteful things that they are not. This story says exactly the same. Story and message behind it was nice. The picture were like painting that looked cute and details in it were also fine.

Both brother and sister were like normal siblings who fight all the time and throw mean comments at each other, always trying to show one is better than the other until they were left alone. It was their stubbornness and ego that was not allowing them to play with each other and as a result, they were making up the stories.

“Mildred,” said Father Muskrat, “it is true that Harvey is selfish and inconsiderate, but he is not stupid and no-good. Mildred is loudmouthed and bossy,” Father said to Harvey, “but she is not mean and rotten.”

I laughed at their bickering when their father told to write them down 500 times that they won’t call each other those words (quoted above) and after they finished writing them they started saying the same.

I liked the end and how they discovered each other’s secret and foolishness and all those stubborn egoistic facade shattered at the end. They realized how badly they need each other and started being nice with the other. They learned their lesson at the end.

I liked how parent handled their fighting children in the book. I loved how Harvey decorated his den, he was pretty smart in the book, and the way reasons were given at the end for being alone and playing alone.

Overall, it was cute story with a message for siblings who fight all the time. Parent s would like to have this book for their children.
Profile Image for Carla.
7,766 reviews178 followers
January 10, 2018
I have two children who did not get along very well when they were younger. Just like Harvey and Mildred, they had their own friends and did not want the other hanging around. You can tell this is a reissue from an earlier published book (1980) based on the writing of lines as a punishment. I didn't like some of the mean things they said to one another, but at the end they realize that they have each other and need to make concessions for behaviours. I did really like the illustrations, they were bright watercolour type of drawing with a lot of detail. I am not sure if I would read this book to my grandchildren or not. I have mixed feelings about it. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
Profile Image for Kris (My Novelesque Life).
4,693 reviews211 followers
April 24, 2021
RATING: 4 STARS
2018; Plough Publishing House/Ingram Publisher Services

I have always loved books by Russell Hoban so was happy to see this one reissued (from 1969). This is a cute and traditional story about a brother and sister coming to appreciate one another. I am not sure if kids nowadays would like it as much as earlier generations.

***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
Profile Image for Erica.
1,477 reviews498 followers
December 12, 2018
This was, by far, the most relatable book I had in childhood. Siblings can be total assholes and while I would also want to fling dirt at Mildred, I couldn't help but wishing she'd be a little more tough and really go at Harvey whose hideout, let's face it, is boring.

It was the illustrations, though, that pulled me in year after year even when I was far beyond the age of looking at picture books. Even now, flipping through this one gives me comfort.

Fun fact: Harvey makes an appearance in the show, "Emmett Otter's Jugband Christmas," though he's a beaver and it's Charlie who is the muskrat.


2 reviews
February 20, 2009
This was my favorite book when I was little. I was so upset when I left it in my desk the last day of first grade and it was thrown away, but I never forgot it. It is the best book for a little girl or boy who has an annoying older sister.
Profile Image for Mir.
4,980 reviews5,332 followers
May 11, 2010
Harvey and his sister have no one to play with over summer vacation, but instead of playing together, they quarrel.
Profile Image for Luisa Knight.
3,233 reviews1,244 followers
April 23, 2022
Darling images of muskrats and their forest homes but… the brother and sister fight up until the last four pages. I wish the focus hadn’t lasted so incredibly long on the meanness and name calling.

Cleanliness: the word stupid is used. There are multiple times the siblings call each other names. The children disobey their parents, calling each other names in whispers.
3,334 reviews37 followers
January 20, 2018
Another cute one by Hoban! I love the father's honest appraisal of his children, too funny! Kids will love this! Illustrations are wonderful!
I received a free advance Kindle copy from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
Profile Image for Kelly.
8,860 reviews18 followers
February 26, 2018
Nope. Siblings who are calling each other names and lying to each other. It may happen in real life, but I just don't like the tone of it in this book. And the dad, to a certain extent, condones it!
Profile Image for Dee/ bookworm.
1,400 reviews4 followers
January 2, 2018

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.
Profile Image for Max Nemtsov.
Author 188 books580 followers
February 26, 2019
Из прочитанных в этом натиске эта детская книжка - самая провальная, потому что совсем детская, нравоучительная и поэтому глуповатая. Картинки его бывшей жены, кстати, мне не нравятся совсем. Но я, с другой стороны, и не целевая аудитория.
Profile Image for Ash.
225 reviews18 followers
May 22, 2018
All questions answered by my 4 year old

Do you like this book?
Yeah! I want a sister!

What's your favorite part of the book?
I like when they were sticking their tongues out at each other. And then when he was hiding at his secret hideout!

What do you think of the cover?
He's so cute! What is he though?

Do you want me to read it again?
Sometime

Harvey's Hideout is a great book about siblings. Through out the book the brother and sister are very mean to each other, calling each other names and just all around being rude.

Well they each decide to do their own thing, and realize how lonely and boring it is. And so they decide that even though they are mean, it's better to be with your sibling than alone.

Harvey's Hideout also has some adorable illustrations that look like they were drawn with crayon. I think that's perfect for the book.

We received an ARC of this book to review, and that does not change my opinion on the book.
Profile Image for Cora.
487 reviews2 followers
February 16, 2018
I won a copy of this book from Plough Publishing House through a Goodreads giveaway. Upon receiving the book, I immediately recognized the artwork and writing style. In fact, I think I have a copy of Bedtime for Frances from when my kids were little.

My 6-year-old granddaughter and I snuggled down in her bean bag chair so that I could read Harvey's Hideout to her. She sat quietly through the whole book and said "thank you Mimi" when we were finished. So, this book will hold a young child's attention, and the illustrations are great. The content wasn't that great from an adult's perspective. The siblings in the book were down right hateful to each other. I fought pretty good with my brothers, and my own children had their fair share of bickering. But these little muskrats call each other horrible names. Ultimately, they only come together because all of their respective friends are away for the summer. No indication was given that they would remain amicable when other choices were available.

That was from an adult's perspective... But as far as a child's perspective, my granddaughter enjoyed it. The reading together provided good quality time and it was just long enough to hold her attention without losing it.
Profile Image for Harker.
503 reviews56 followers
January 5, 2018
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 received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Adele.
1,181 reviews30 followers
December 30, 2023
I adore this book. It is so very relatable. And funny. And as I mentioned in my review of Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas, I love that while being fully people who wear clothes and act all too human, the animals are still animals. I like that Harvey's sister can swim across a lake holding her dress in a bag in her teeth. I like that both of them have no trouble digging a comfortable den all by themselves in no time. It makes perfect sense to me that Harvey, a muskrat, wouldn't want to play with beavers who make fun of him because he can't cut down trees or opossums who laugh at him because he can't hang by his tail.

Part of: * When I was very young I believe my parents got a subscription to Parents Press Magazine books. They also got books from other sources. A key memory of childhood for me is the many children's picture books kept on the built-in shelves in our basement. Recently I put together a list of the ones I could find online and remember: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list.... My amazing husband found many of the physical books as a Christmas gift for me, so I am now seeing and re-reading the physical books for the first time in over twenty years. Be aware that most if not all of them will get an extra star from me for the incredible nostalgia.
Profile Image for C.E. Hart.
Author 8 books43 followers
December 8, 2018
Harvey’s Hideout tells the story of sibling muskrats, Harvey and Mildred. They bicker and argue and try their best to shut the other out of their daily lives.

After calling each other names and saying hurtful things, Harvey brags about going to a secret club where sisters aren’t allowed, and Mildred brags about a secret party she’s going to where brothers aren’t allowed.

Harvey didn’t really have a secret club. He created his very own hideout on the other side of the pond, but he wished Mildred’s party allowed little brothers. While enlarging his hideout, he came upon a big surprise!

Though the sibling rivalry seems a bit harsh, and the words they say to each other are hurtful, the resulting lessons learned help young readers to appreciate and value their siblings.

Author: Russell Hoban
Publisher: Plough Publishing House
Target age: 3-8 years
Pages: 42
Opening Line: It was a quiet summer afternoon, and Harvey Muskrat was building a raft in the backyard.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Plough. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Profile Image for Jason Stanley.
188 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2018
What the reader learns is that there is no clubhouse that Harvey goes to. It is a secret little place where he hangs out alone, reading comic books. And Mildred? There is no party, just her and her doll. They are both lonely.

Eventually, the siblings realize that they will have more fun if they play together.

Hoban’s story is a good reminder that sometimes siblings need a break from each other, and sometimes the best play date is with a sibling. It is important for parents and educators to remember that just as we need space to breathe, so do our children. But, as parents and educators, we can help them navigate the emotions associated with that urge to build a raft and float the river.

Parents and educators can also use this book to talk with children about getting along with their siblings. Before things get too out of hand, ala Cain and Abel, it is always good to talk with children about how to handle fights and disagreements with siblings.
Read more at http://jasoncstanley.com/book-review-...
Profile Image for Jeanne Grace.
350 reviews12 followers
January 15, 2018
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.
Profile Image for Angie.
1,246 reviews94 followers
January 17, 2018
This is a wonderful book! One of my childhood favorites that has been out of print for quite some time. In fact, to be able to read it to my own children I had to find and purchase and old used copy. 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. Also love the parents in here. Classic!
Profile Image for Paul Franco.
1,374 reviews12 followers
February 1, 2018
A little muskrat is making a racket while building a raft, and his sister tells him to stop it so she can write a poem. They really don’t like each other, even after Daddy’s punishment. It takes loneliness to get them to stop with the bickering.
Wow, that first page is really brightly painted! The author is very specific about the decorations of the secret den, and the illustrator made sure the visuals matched, which might be the most fun part.
So treat your siblings well. . .
3.5 pushed up to 4/5
9,299 reviews130 followers
December 27, 2017
Hmmm... I thought the sister in this was an absolute shit, but Harvey himself is not much better - I guess you have to have come to this book as a child to like the characters. The moral, that politeness is better than belligerence, is done simply and well, but that's all there is to the book, apart from some wonderful watercolour illustrations. What with the author's "Jim's Lion" being so wonderfully, superbly brilliant, I was expecting a lot more here.
2,115 reviews8 followers
October 14, 2019
Harvey builds a raft and fights with his older sister Mildred during the summer. Harvey digs a hideout where his secret club meets. Mildred digs one where she has parties next to his, which they find out by accident. Ends happily with the two playing together for the summer instead of being lonely while their friends are away.

Pictures and story really cute. Read to reading readiness class on 3.22.76 and went over really well.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
706 reviews
January 9, 2018
Just a quick read as I joined and perused Net Galley.

Thank you for the opportunity to refresh my memory with Russell and Lillian Hoban's favorite muskrat. Harvey and his sister, Mildred, say hateful things to one another. They go their separate ways for the afternoon and realize being alone is lonesome. Having your sibling around is much better. Tolerance, compassion and caring rule the day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.