Harriet and Walt

Harriet

by Nancy Carlson

Poor Harriet must learn to come to terms with her bothersome pest of a baby brother, Walt

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1984

Reviews

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* · Rating 2 out of 5]

A cute little kids book, short and sweet. The word "Jerk" is used a few times and also two characters call each other dumb. The younger one, Walt, totally pulled a "Christmas Story" move with the pole and snow and tongue (sigh) It got the feel good vibe at the end, but the morality for kids is kind of ruined when the older sister turned the cards at the end and said it was okay, they got rid of the "dumb George" and finally had fun. Before George was calling Walt dumb and ruining his good time. Reverse bully-ism for feel good ending? Odd

[Rachel Rouleau · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't like how the little brother was referred to as a "dummy," "stupid," and "a jerk." Just not words I want to read in a picture book. There must be a gentler way to tell the story of learning to be nice to your annoying younger sib.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

So adorable and the message is so cute!

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn’t like this book.

[Kristen Rigau · Rating 2 out of 5]

The children's book, Harriet and Walt, written by Nancy Carlson was not one of my favorite books. It is about a young girl named Harriet and her younger brother Walt. It was a great snow day and Harriet decided she wanted to go outside and play. Before leaving the house her mother asked her to take Walt with her. Harriet did not like this idea at all and throughout the book it shows Harriet and Walt not getting along. Walt seems to be wrecking all of her fun but towards the end of the book Walt seems to be listening more to Harriet and she teaches him some things like building a snowman, and making a snow angel. The end of the book shows that they had a great time together and Walt was wiped out from all the activity.

This was not one of my favorite books because of the way it displayed that Harriet did not like playing with her little brother at all. She had an attitude towards her mother when asked to take Walt with her out to play and it used very harsh words that would otherwise be considered "bad words" to a younger child such as; "jerk, stupid, dumb." These words were used very frequently and seemed very abrupt and aggressive to be shown in a children's book,. Although I can see how this book was trying to display the idea that you really can get along with a younger sibling if you are patient and encouraging, but most of the book was spent with Harriet saying mean things to her little brother because he could not keep up with her.

One thing I did enjoy about this book was the illustrations. They are very unique and colorful while being very simple. The facial expressions were very clear on all of the characters faces. Harriet and Walt were two bears and the friend shown in the story was a bunny. This is a great implement of personification. Considering all children love animals and are very intruiged by them, making the characters into personified animals is a great way to draw a childs attention.

[Lana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Who approved this horrible children's book to be published?! The little brother is called dumb,stupid and jerk. What kind of language is that for a children's book? To make it worse Harriet doesn't even apologize to her little brother and calls her friend George names in the end.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have a hard time with picture books when I can't tell the difference between the different characters visually. Makes it confusing.

[Libby · Rating 1 out of 5]

there is name calling in this book. I do not want my kids to read a book out loud and then have to explain to them what a jerk is. not cool.