Parents' Guide to

Harry and Horsie

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 3+

Real hero of this sweet tale is the retro comic book art.

Book Katie Van Camp Adventure 2009
Harry and Horsie Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 3+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Gios Mommy
Gios Mommy Parent of 2-year-old
May 5, 2011
age 2+

Useful details

My son loves the illustrations. He sees how Harry holds Horsie in the end and falls asleep and he holds his lovie and squeezes his eye tight.

This title has:

Great messages
jjmccullough
jjmccullough Parent of baby, baby and 4-year-old
December 21, 2009
age 3+

Love the illustrations.

Love the illustrations.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

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.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what happens to Harry's toys when they float into space. What do they fly by?

  • What adventures do you think your toys would have?

Book Details

  • Author: Katie Van Camp
  • Genre: Adventure
  • Book type: Fiction
  • Publisher: Balzer + Bray
  • Publication date: August 25, 2009
  • Publisher's recommended age(s): 3 - 6
  • Number of pages: 32
  • Last updated: July 12, 2017

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