 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Harriet, You'll Drive Me Wild!
- By Mem Fox
- Genre: Family Life
Common Sense Media says
Simple story isn't quite right for target audience.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this simple story and soft illustrations may draw young children in, but the text won't hold them.
What's the story?
Harriet drives her mother crazy with her pesky antics in this funny book.
Is it any good?
One has to wonder who this book is intended for -- a toddler who gets into everything and is occasionally yelled at, or a toddler's mother who, at times, loses patience and yells? The book doesn't fit either group: The toddler won't understand the subtle concepts involving accidents, impatience, and losing one's temper, and a mother might feel guilty about being upset with her kids.
Although the text is appropriate for first-graders who read on their own, the subject matter is too babyish for them; kids like to read about kids their own age or 1 to 2 years older. On a positive note, both Harriet's and her mother's faces show a wide array of emotions in Marla Frazee's realistic illustrations. Anger, frustration, and final loss of control are wonderfully drawn on the bug-eyed mom, and it's obvious Harriet is truly sorry for her spills.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about emotions -- specifically, anger and control. Is it ever OK to yell? If so, in what situation(s)? Can you think of better ways to express anger or disapproval?
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Kid, 11 years old
December 21, 2011
AGE
SPAZZES.
I think mem fox rocks and this book is no exception, but I think it's...weird when the mom SPAZZES OUT.
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| Author: | Mem Fox |
| Illustrator: | Marla Frazee |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Family Life |
| Publisher: | Harcourt Brace |
| Publication date: | January 1, 2000 |
| Number of pages: | 30 |
| Paperback price: | $6.00 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 4 - 7 |
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