Friday, September 25, 2015

PPBF: Harriet, You'll Drive Me Wild!

Today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick

Harriet, You'l Drive Me Wild!, by Mem Fox and Marla Frazee
Harriet, You'll Drive Me Wild!
Written and by Mem Fox
Illustrated by Marla Frazee
Voyager Books, 2000
Ages 4-7


Themes:
Parenting, Mischief


Opening:
"Harriet Harris was a pesky child. She didn't mean to be. She just was."

Synopsis:
Harriet Harris is constantly in trouble for things that "just happen," like the jam that just happens to fall on her pants, the paint that just happens to drip on the floor, or the pillow that just happens to explode. Harriet's mom is patient. She quietly corrects her daughter until the antics push her past her motherly limits. What happens next is a source of learning for both mother and daughter.


What I Love:
Every mom knows the exasperation of a child whose curiosity and playfulness keep getting them into trouble. This book is for the harried mom who is running out of patience and the toddler who can't seem to understand why these things just happen: Engaging text by Mem Fox, who understands families like no one else. Beautifully illustrated by Marla Frazee with lots of detail and plenty of white space.

Bonus: 
1. Reading Rockets has interviewed author Mem Fox. Watch the video here.
2. The Children's Book Review has posted a lovely interview with illustrator Marla Frazee.
3. Find a teachers guide for the book at Teachers Pay Teachers.
4. Messy kids? Try this homemade, non-toxic paint for little ones from the BowerPower blog.

Have you reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!

Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for September 25, 2015 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.

14 comments:

  1. This is a Mem Fox book I haven't read and I love the theme!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She is an amazing author, isn't she? I finally bought a copy of The Magic Hat yesterday, too. It's been a good month.

      Delete
  2. I haven't read this Mem Fox book. It looks like something I'd like to review. Love that cover!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It does sound like you might find it useful. I hope you can find a copy. Thanks.

      Delete
  3. Yes! My kids--I didn't DO anything! This sounds fun and I always love Mem Fox and Marla Frazee--thanks for the links!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for reading. I will be adding some additional book suggestions later this week. I just ran out of time last week.

      Delete
  4. Same here - I know so much of both the author's and illustrator's work, but not this collaboration - thanks, Joanne!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad to have introduced you! Have you read her book about reading aloud? It's called Reading Magic, and I enjoyed it almost as much as her picture books.

      Delete
  5. Why, oh why haven't I seen this one? Gotta get it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha Ha. I feel that way so often. You know what they say, "Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy books, and that's almost the same thing."

      Delete
  6. This sounds like a great book. I have read other books by this author- but this one is new to me. Thanks for sharing!
    ~Jess

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow. It seems like this book is new to many of you. I'm glad to be of service.

      Delete
  7. I haven't read this book and it looks like such fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you like it as much as I did. It really resonated with me, and of course, it is illustrated by one of my favorite artists. Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete

Thank-you for taking time to share your thoughts!

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.