I Wonder If Herbie's Home Yet

by Tony DeLuna, Tony DeLuna

Smokey forgets a rather important detail as he mentally accuses his best friend, Herbie, of being a fink.

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction, Childrens

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1971

Reviews

[Cheryl]

Actually quite brilliant. All the feelings a young boy (8?) goes through when wondering why his friend would go off without him. Illustrations look like graphic novel/ sequential art, but are what the boy sees in his thoughts. The "meta" panel near the end is especially cute, especially given the age of the book. I like the matter-of-fact diversity of the city neighborhood... I don't know from nothing but something about it says 'Brooklyn' to me.

The only thing that might concern some is the solution. Turns out Smokey had a dentist appointment which he (accidentally on purpose?) forgot. He seems a bit young to be responsible for getting himself there on time, even given the era when city children were readily sent to pick up groceries....

[Emily]

Childhood favorite.

[David]

I adore this book. Someone called it "outdated." Sigh. I suppose Huck Finn is outdated too, as is Shakespeare, but come on. This is a classic. I get it, though. I'm a librarian, so I know that if the books look old or dated, kids don't want to read it, but some books you keep on your shelf to read to your grandkids, and for me, this is one. The story around the friendship is subtle, yes, but it's the kind of book you can read to a little child and know that they will get something more out of it as they grow. I'd love to see it in print again.

[Siskiyou-Suzy]

This is actually a really cute little book, more acceptable for maybe seven and up as it has some nuance to it -- it's all about friendship and giving somebody the benefit of the doubt. But since the relationships are more complex than three-year-olds can understand, I think it'd better suited for the older set. It's a fun book though with comic-like illustrations.

[Stephanie Hirsch]

This book was okay, my daughter seemed to enjoy it. Its all about friendship, but its outdated, and it can get a little confusing. Its set up similar to a comic strip on one side.