Horrible Harriet

Leigh Hobbs

Allen & Unwin

2001 $24.95

32p hc

ISBN: 1-86508-439-5

Horrible Harriet lived at school, she had a nest, high up in the roof. She's exactly that, horrible! Her teacher, Mr Boggle thought she was an excellent student ('Why can't there be more students like Helpful Harriet?' he always asked) but when his back was turned, Horrible Harriet was: MEAN, NASTY, CRUEL & WICKED!! All the other children hated her, let alone the other teachers. Harriet kept other teachers in the cellar and got them to do her homework. But when Athol Eggbert comes to school Harriet tries all her horrible tricks on him but nothing works! They become friends but when Athol has to leave, Harriet feels sad but, she has to return to her normal self, horrible!

This is a good book for 3 to 9 year olds. The pictures "match" the story and you need them to understand the story. Rating: 3 / 5

Lauren, aged 10, Canberra, ACT

Harriet is a nasty, young girl who plays tricks on everyone. Harriet lives in her school at the very top in a nest. She kidnaps her teachers and makes them slave over her and do her homework. One of Harriets teachers that she doesnt kidnap trusts her and believes everything she says, but when hes not looking she plays tricks on the other kids. When Athol Eggbert comes to school Harriet tries all her tricks on him but nothing works. She tries everything she can think of but she stops and finds out that hes a really good person and becomes friends. When its time for him to leave she gets very sad but she gets over it and goes back to her nasty, horrible self.

The writing is big and easier for younger people to read. I thought the pictures were well drawn and the illustrator did such a good job, the pictures told the story really well.

I think the book is for children under the age of 8 because its a picture book and it was really easy to read. The book was a bit funny and a bit silly but it would seem funnier to younger children.

Michael, aged 10, South Australia