Harry

Harry is no one new to many of us.  I've recently tracked a few of the Harry books down and it is important for you to know, that they are still good!  At age 3, Anderson likes some plot, but it still can't be too wordy or complicated so as to lose his attention.  They Harry books are just right.


Harry the Dirty Dog
by: Gene Zion
Pictures by: Margaret Bloy Graham
1956

The illustrations by Graham are entertaining even without the story.  I'm reminded of the Flintstones - it must have been a popular style of the time.  Anderson loves a story about mischief or being silly, and Harry is a master of both.  If you don't remember, Harry refuses a bath, and becomes so dirty that "he changed from a white dog with black spots to a black dog with white spots."  A jaunt through town gives a glimpse of life in the fifties: coal chutes and delivery trucks, pillbox hats, workers carrying metal lunch boxes - and it's liberally sprinkled with trucks, trains, construction workers, and of course, dirt, to keep a boy (or girl) interested.


No Roses for Harry!
by: Gene Zion
Pictures by: Margaret Bloy Graham
1958

The plot of No Roses for Harry! is as clever as or more so than any current picture books.  Harry's spunk is admirable and charming, as he continuously tries to 'lose' the sweater with roses on it that grandma gives him for Christmas.  The scene where his family is looking all over the house for it, when he knows very well that a bird picked a lose string from it and unraveled it, is still entertaining.  Again, the pictures tell the whole story, but the writing it still good.

I just read that Gene Zion and Margaret Bloy Graham were married while they collaborated on the Harry books and others, and later divorced.  Zion never published after that.

I have to also mention:

Harry by the Sea
by: Gene Zion
Pictures by: Margaret Bloy Graham
1965

I'm breaking the rules by mentioning this one, because Anderson doesn't like this book nearly as much as me.  But, I think it's hysterical.  Harry's family is at the beach, and there is no room for him under the umbrella, so he is forced into the hot sun.  He tries in vain to find a cool spot, including walking in the shadow of a fat lady, who of course is displeased at this.  Finally he thinks to take a swim, and comes out of the water covered in seaweed.  Everyone at the beach thinks he's a sea monster, and the pictures are a riot.  A must read, if only for your own entertainment amongst the other tedious stories your child undoubtedly makes you read over and over!

*You can still purchase/order newly printed books in the Harry series.