Harry and Horsie (by Katie Van Camp)

It’s time for sleep, but Harry and Horsie want to play with the Super Duper Bubble Blooper instead. They fill the bedroom with bubbles -- and the bubbles begin to pick up Harry’s toys and float them out over the city. Harry finds it all very funny until Horsie gets picked up. Harry jumps aboard his rocket and blasts into space, finding his toys enjoying their visit in space as he searches for his dear Horsie.

This charming story features Harry, a likeable, mischievous hero who is devoted to his favorite stuffed toy but imagines himself as an intrepid space adventurer. He delights in seeing his toys having their own adventures: He cheers his cars as they race on Saturn’s rings, and spots Kitty luxuriating in the Milky Way. These are delightful little touches, but the ‘60s-style pop art by Lincoln Agnew is what brings HARRY AND HORSIE to life. Working with bold colors in a stripped-down palette, he rockets readers around the galaxy with Harry. Agnew plays with perspective and some comic-style panels to propel the story along.
This is the first picture book for both Agnew and author Katie Van Camp. Grown-ups may appreciate the silhouetted cameo by David Letterman, whose son, Harry, inspired the story; Van Camp was Harry’s au pair for several years.

The ‘60s-style pop art is what brings this story to life. Working with bold colors in a stripped-down palette, Lincoln Agnew rockets readers around the galaxy with Harry. Agnew plays with perspective and some comic-style panels to propel the story along.

Author: Katie Van Camp
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Publication date: August 25, 2009
Number of pages: 32
Hardcover price: $16.99
Read Aloud: 3
Read Alone: 6