Harvey Hare, Postman Extraordinaire

by Bernadette Watts, Bernadette Watts (Illustrator)

Overview

To show their appreciation for the reliability and hard work of their postman Harvey Hare, the other animals plan to give him a perfect present.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781558586888
Publisher:	North-South Books, Inc.
Publication date:	03/28/1997
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.77(w) x 9.45(h) x 0.35(d)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

Bernadette Watts has loved to draw since her childhood in England. She created her first picture book under the influence of Beatrix Potter. Watts studied at the Maidstone Art School in Kent and is the illustrator of North South fairy tales The Snow Queen and The Ugly Duckling.

Editorial Reviews

As cozy as a cup of tea on a rainy day, this gentle tale of virtue rewarded is brightened by a whimsical woodland setting and colors that change with the seasons, from spring's light pastels to autumn's rich golds and russets. As an artist, Watts has a delicate touch. Her fineness of line and attention to detail, from the smallest insect to a blossom, lend a sweetness to the scenes, while soft shading adds a nubbly texture. The story-of a loyal post-rabbit who never lets the weather keep him from his appointed rounds-is equally winning. Whether bringing twigs to nest-building sparrows, spectacles to a near-sighted mole or nuts for a squirrel's winter larder, Harvey stays the course, and his faithfulness is repaid when his friends band together to make him the perfect gift-an umbrella to shelter him from the elements. This mail tale delivers. Ages 5-8. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

PreS-Gr 2A gentle story of friendship and hard work rewarded. Harvey Hare is truly dedicated. "No matter what the season, no matter what the weather, Harvey made sure the mail was delivered." Readers see him drooping in the heat at high noon on a summer day, soaked by autumn rains, and hopping through snowdrifts to make his deliveries. Finally, the animals decide to give him a present in thanks for his service. They agree upon an umbrella made of spring grass, leaves, twigs, and flowers to protect him from the elements year-round. The softly colored illustrations reflect the shades of the changing seasons and adeptly portray the animals' natural world. Children will find Harvey's ears particularly expressive, and will certainly agree that this hare is a postman extraordinaire. An appealing look at the value of doing one's work well.Maura Bresnahan, Topsfield Town Library, MA

School Library Journal